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 one hundred creditors millions of dollars and had her own team of ten 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.

Critic reviews

"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, Don?t Mess with Texas

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

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!

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!

Faith Building!

I love hearing testimonies of how God works in the lives of others! This is a beautiful story of how BIG and faithful God is!

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!