Today we’d like to introduce you to Becki Willis.
Becki, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
August 24, 2013, started out as a normal Saturday. Seriously. I slept in (oh, those were the days), spent time with my new dog, Buddy, watched some Gilmore Girls, went over to my parents’ house with Buddy, and came home to wait for Jake to get back from his guys’ trip with his friend. I decided to walk Buddy around the time Jake said he would be back so we could greet him. However, instead of getting to greet him, I received a heart-wrenching, gut-stabbing phone call from my dear friend.
“Have you heard about the guys?” I had not… “No… what’s up?” “Becki, there’s been an accident.” All my friends knew was that her husband was being transported to a hospital in Waco. She didn’t know anything about Jake. My heart sank to the very depths of a deep, dark hole. But, all I could tell her was, “It’s going to be okay.” As I furiously walked back to my apartment with Buddy in tow, I was sobbing uncontrollably. I’m talking ugly, crazy, sobbing.
Fast forward a bit in this story… I was on my way to the hospital in Waco with my parents, Jake’s parents, and my sister. My brother and his wife were not too far behind us. My mom kept reminding me to pray… but I couldn’t. Maybe because I was so panicked and out of my mind with worry about Jake… or maybe because I just knew. I knew the worst was about to happen.
We got to the hospital, and I immediately rushed into the ER up to the check-in station. I tell them who I am and asked to see my husband. There were frantic murmurs until one of the nurses said that she would take us to the family consultation room. Ugh. Once we all made it back to the room, the state trooper comes in to check my ID. Then came those life-altering words… “As you know, there’s been a tragic car accident, and Jacob did not make it.”
My world instantly collapsed… I felt like I was falling into an even deeper, darker chasm that seemed to have no end. I let out a yell/wail sound. Then, I just sat there numb to everything as the trooper proceeded to tell us how it happened.
Jake died that day and received his eternal reward in heaven… and I don’t grieve that. What I do grieve, though, is his physical presence… the way he could comfort me with just one look. The way everyone loved him because he took the time to know and understand you. His quiet yet powerful faith in God. The way he would lift my chin up when I was feeling down and say, “It’ll all be okay.” The days after his death were a blur… planning my husband’s funeral, picking out a casket, picking out a headstone for his grave… all of the things I didn’t expect to do so early in life and in our marriage.
But, here’s the beauty of this story… my story did not end there. I chose to allow God to shape me through this incredibly hard thing. I chose to allow God to use me for His glory. I chose to allow God to help me see that He is the true and ultimate Comforter and Counselor. And, thus, JARs of Hope Ministries was born. Since this tragic event in my life, I became a counselor who is passionate about helping others through their “storm,” I married an amazing man, and I became a mother to the most beautiful girl. My passion and purpose for JARs of Hope Ministries is to provide people with hope… hope of a better tomorrow, of a day they too can get through their storm.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wish I could say yes, but it has not been a smooth road. I struggled with loneliness – to the point of finding it in the wrong place… with a guy who didn’t really care about me the way I deserved. I struggled with depression and not wanting to get out of bed (and this was two years after losing my first husband). I struggled with doubting God’s plan for my life when it was going the way I wanted it to go or the way I thought it would go.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
JARs of Hope Ministries is more of my passion, my calling… to spread hope to others who are going through their personal storm. Right now, this passion comes out in my blogging and my public speaking. Currently, I am a licensed counselor-intern; but once I become fully licensed, it is my plan to add counseling services to JARs of Hope Ministries (in-person and video counseling) to further my reach to people who so desperately need that hope of a better tomorrow.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love the DFW area (especially North Tarrant County) because it has a lot to offer new business owners/entrepreneurs. I love the caring and supportive environment for entrepreneurs… I believe it’s the best environment to take a leap of faith and launch your passion… your business.
Pricing:
- Public Speaking – $200 per keynote or session
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jarsofhopeministries.com
- Email: becki@jarsofhopeministries.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jarsofhopeministries
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jarsofhopeministries
Image Credit:
First Image (headshot) – Lara Harper Photography
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