Awful Beautiful Life

When God Shows Up in the Midst of Tragedy

By: Becky Powell, Katherine Reay

Narrated by: Becky Powell, Stephanie Willis

A gripping story of grace, faith, and triumph for a woman whose world shattered hours after her husband's suicide.

Becky Powell faced the unthinkable on May 16, 2013. Her husband, Mark, called and said, "I've done something terrible." Within hours, she learned that he had taken his own life and, over a period of several years, millions of dollars from friends and colleagues. Everything she believed to be true, the very fiber of her marriage, was called into question. Within a week, rather than planning carpool runs and volunteer fundraisers, she owed almost 100 creditors millions of dollars and had her own team of 10 lawyers. She was also the subject of open FBI, SEC, and DOJ investigations - and faced potential criminal charges. And, although she instantly denounced every cent of Mark's $15M in life insurance and promised to repay every penny taken, her lawyers knew that, in reality, she faced years of court battles and lawsuits, and possible jail time.

Yet from that first horrific moment, God was there. He showed up in his word, in Becky's friends, in her lawyers, and in the generosity of those around her. He worked miracles. CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and others covered the first moment, but what about the last? What about the story in which God gives your next breath because you can't find it on your own? What about the story of a mom and three kids trying to make sense of their pasts, present and future while living under a microscope?

Awful Beautiful Life is Becky's journey through the two years surrounding Mark's death and how she overcame. It came down to a loving God who surrounded her, a present and dedicated family, and friends who made her life, offered her sanctuary, and showed up for her and her kids in tangible ways. This is a story of remarkable grit, strength, and what the Body of Christ in action looks like.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Becky Powell, Katherine Reay (P)2019 Faith Words

Critic reviews

"Becky Powell is a strong lady who has integrity, honesty, and unequivocal faith. Becky is a dedicated mother who teaches her children these values. When Becky faced a dark chapter in her life, it took all of these qualities to see her through to the light at the end of the tunnel. We are all grateful to have Becky in our lives. She is a role model that we should all strive to become. Becky, well done our friend!" (Linda and Michael McCaul)

"The sad irony of the title of Becky Powell's book, Awful Beautiful Life, is not lost on those of us who know her and her children. Becky's bravery in the face of tragedy is an inspiration to us all." (Tim McClure, author of Don't Mess with Texas)

Inspiring

What a great book to read at the end of 2020, the year of Covid-19. It was just the dose of encouragement I needed. This will be my next pick for book club. A life well lived and a story well written!

life changing incredible read

so powerful on how strong Becky remained. an inspiration! recommend this book to all! enjoy

Wonderful true story

It was a remarkable story told of a woman’s perseverance through the toughest time in her life and how she overcame all challenges yet remained steadfast in her faith and an extraordinary example of how to face challenges without giving up for her children! God bless Becky Powell. Thank you for sharing this story!

Incredibly heart-warming, humbling and inspiring story

This is the most incredibly inspiring story I’ve ever heard. The book is raw, genuine, intense, comical and humbling all in one. It really makes you grateful for what you have and puts life in perspective. A beautiful reminder that faith, hope and love trump all. Love all the “F” words and the country music playlist! An incredible read and story! I hope everyone gets the chance to hear this. It’s a MUST-READ!

Great story!

So thankful to the author for sharing her God story! Very encouraging. Triumph following tragedy

Heartbreaking, but Uplifting

This story really touched my heart. The author’s courage and faith are almost unbelievable. I couldn’t help but empathize with the pain she and her family were going through, and I am in awe of the bravery and ethics she showed in this trial of her life. I found the story captivating to listen to, and the readers performance made me feel like I was listening to the author her self.

Can't stop listening!

From the first chapter, I felt like I was at lunch with a friend as she retells a terrible nightmare in her life. I couldn't stop listening, wanting to cheer her on to see goodness again and to hear how she navigated such troubled waters. Her faith and community rallied around her in a way that shows faithful friendship and love in such a beautiful way.

I can't help but end by praying for the Powell family and many of their close friends and family who experienced so much pain and will continue to in the unraveling of all these details. Thank you for sharing your story Becky, with such honesty and bravery.

The narrator's reading was exciting and passionate. Very easy to listen to!

Powerful story of overcoming great trials

I was moved by the story of Becky Powell and her unrelenting faith in the midst of awful tragedy and betrayal. Her courage and steel resolve to do what was right and honest is awe inspiring. The world would be a better place if more of us had the quality of character as Becky Powell.

Compelling story with difficult narration

The self-righteous, condescending tone of the narrator made this a difficult listen. I listened to the entire book because I did find the story compelling.

Thank you

Thank you so much for sharing your story. It reminds me of these verses.: Hebrews 6:18-19 (TPT) So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change! And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakeable hope! We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat which sits in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone in before us. He is now and forever our royal Priest like Melchizedek.” May God bless and keep you. Jakki Beukes
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