In 1993, my world shifted overnight. I lost my father unexpectedly to a heart attack—my dad, mentor, and the President of Bob Williams Automotive. He was a man of integrity, a faithful husband, and a respected leader. At 33, I was running our family dealership, Bob Williams Lincoln Mercury in Nashville, while my brothers Doug and Greg led Bob Williams Ford with my brother-in-law Randy Nash. My mother and sister, Debbie Nash, also played key roles in both stores.
When Fear Took Hold
Even though I was a dedicated Christian—serving as a deacon and Sunday school teacher—this was the first time fear truly took over. Around the same time, one of my brothers became seriously ill, forcing him to step away from work. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on me. Fear, or “False Evidence Appearing Real,” filled my mind with doubt: What if I couldn’t do this without Dad? What if I failed? My prayers became simple: “God, I need Your help.” Leading 165 employees and serving thousands of customers felt overwhelming.
Anxiety, Panic, and the Breaking Point
The fear grew into panic attacks, sleepless nights, and crippling anxiety that eventually landed me in the ER. I felt powerless and without peace—completely consumed by worry.
A Miraculous Encounter With God
But in 1996, everything changed. One night in my prayer closet, as I cried out to God, the Holy Spirit filled me with overwhelming peace and strength. The fear disappeared instantly. With renewed faith, and tremendous support from my brother-in-law Minister Mike Escue and our dedicated team, God blessed our dealerships with seven years of remarkable success. We stayed profitable, earned national awards, and experienced growth only God could provide. This transformation ignited a calling in me to encourage others in their faith and help lead people to Jesus Christ.
A New Calling & A New Season
After 25 years in the family business, we sold the dealerships in 2000. I founded A3 Marketing and dedicated it to the Lord. What started as a dream has grown into one of Nashville’s top advertising firms, strengthening the brands of leading companies. Through A3 Marketing and our nonprofit, Spirit of a Champion Inc., God continued to open doors.
Birth of Encouraging Moments
A few years later, we launched the “Encouraging Moment with Bobby Williams” TV program—designed to bring daily Christian inspiration. With the faithful support of Jeff Hockman, Pastor Steve Galiher, Mike Green, and my wife Donna, the show expanded to the TCT Network and NRBTV, now reaching over 100 million homes across America. Our mission is simple: to share hope, faith, and the abundant life Jesus offers in John 10:10 (NKJV): “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
My Prayer for You
I pray this message encourages your heart today and reminds you that God can turn fear into faith, anxiety into peace, and uncertainty into purpose.
I love you in the Lord!
— Bobby Williams