Janet Perez Eckles
Bilingual Spanish
Christian Speaker and Author
About Janet Perez Eckles
Janet’s Mission Statement
Janet lives each day guided by her mission: To use her own trials and adversity in life to inspire, encourage and ignite in others the passion to seek victory in Christ.
“Life is not about what you cannot do because of circumstances out of your control. Success comes when you recognize what you can do with what God has given you.”
--Janet Perez Eckles
I’d like to share with you the most frequently asked questions folks ask me about my life: Did you lose your sight completely? Do you put on your own make-up, fix your hair and pick out your own clothes? Do you travel by yourself? Did your marriage heal? Do you still work full-time? The answer to all is a resounding, “yes.”
More of My Story:
Okay, friend, take a deep breath, get comfortable and let’s talk about this life that sometimes stirs tornadoes of pain when we least expect them.
As you now may know, I faced some myself. When Retinitis Pigmentosa robbed my sight at thirty-two years of age, winds of anguish thrust me into emotional darkness. I was tempted to sink into self-pity and stay there. But then adversity intensified with marital infidelity and financial hardship. Years after I thought I’d experienced enough gloom, another event brought even greater heartache and sorrow. My son, Joe was tragically killed in a senseless altercation. Hoping for justice, I endured the trial to process the man responsible. But to our astonishment, he was acquitted of all charges.
“How unfair,” I screamed inside. Resentment, anger and sorrow threatened to consume me. Lost in my heartache, I groped in desperation. Everyone tried to help, but no one could. Finally, I turned to God, and He offered me the white cane of His promises. That’s when I picked up the key shown in Matthew 6:33 that unlocked a new world for me. I clung to that reassurance and, one step at a time, gained strength, received comfort and rekindled the drive to keep going.
At times, the journey was bumpy and shaky. That’s when I had to cling to God even tighter to steady my steps. Eventually, the road became smoother, life looked brighter, rich with hope and yes, my world shone more colorful. Crazy, I know, but God never said what we experience through Him would make sense to us. He just said that with Him, all is possible. (Matthew 19:26)
Maybe you’re not physically blind, but perhaps other setbacks and burdens have blinded you from seeing your path to triumph and victory. That’s what I offer you—a real-life illustration of what God can do for you when crisis invades, disappointment aches, and hope vanishes.
You’re probably wondering, being blind, how can I be writing this. God took care of that too. He ignited in me passion for life when He showed me His provision to meet all my needs. He opened the door for me to write when He gave me a screen reader, which I’m using now to write the words you're reading. He ushered me to a job as an over-the-phone Spanish interpreter. He led me to teach ladies’ Sunday school. He even gave me enough courage to travel across the country and abroad to impart inspirational messages. He poured in me zeal to weave together His truth and my experiences to showcase His power in action.
As a Speaker:
As a bilingual Spanish speaker, Janet's inspirational messages carry vibrant examples to stir the heart into action and to move the soul to believe. In doing so, her audiences often cry and laugh - a necessary blend for inspiration to trickle in
Whether the audience is an intimate group of women, large congregations, business conferences or youth groups, Janet's message of inspiration leaves them renewed and prepared to face challenges with practical tools, encouragement and applicable insights.
As an Author:
Janet wove candid details of her life combined with a bit of humor in her inspirational book, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. She draws her readers to know the secrets to triumph over crisis, to provide a path for success, a guide to overcome daily struggles, and to offer a resource for Bible studies. Each illustration and insight highlights the transition from the stress we face to the success we desire.
Writing credentials:
Janet’s stories have been published in more than twelve books, including four Chicken Soup for the Soul books, God Allows U-Turns, and Guidepost. Her column, Janet’s Corner, is printed in a monthly local newspaper and a regional magazine.
Her articles appear in publications including Today's Christian, Light and Life, SEEK!, LifeGlow, and numerous others in print and online magazines.
In the Media:
Radio and international television programs, magazines and newspapers, such as the Orlando Sentinel and St. Louis Post-Dispatch, have featured Janet’s story.
Education & Awards:
Janet earned her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University.
She is the recipient of the Professional Excellence Award by the world's largest over-the-phone interpreting company, where she serves as a Spanish interpreter and trainer.
Accomplishments:
- CLASS graduate (Christian Leaders, Authors, Speakers Services)
- “She Speaks” graduate -- Proverbs 31 Ministries
- Toastmasters CC
- Certified trainer with “The Significant Woman,”©
- Member: Word Weavers of Orlando, American Christian Fiction Writers, and The Writer's View.
- Board member: Disability Media, Inc.
Home and Family
The warm tropical breezes in Janet's Florida home are a contrast to the cold winds from the Andes Mountains in her homeland of La Paz, Bolivia, which she left when she was 12 years old.
Her adult sons, her grandchild, and Gene, her husband of 33 years, add to the joy in her life. When she’s not traveling, dining out with friends, crafting her inspirational blogs or attending couple’s bible studies, she’s composing articles for her columns and working on her next nonfiction book.
Janet's Parents
Folks have asked about my parents. In the May issue of my newsletter, I relate how they came to live with us when our sons were ten-, twelve- and fourteen years old.
When our sons were small, they couldn’t pronounce ‘Abuelito’, which in Spanish means ‘dear Grandpa’. So we all call my Dad ‘”Ito’, and my Mom, we call ‘Ita’ for ‘Abuelita’. They both add richness to our family.
Do you have questions for Janet?
She’d love to hear from you: Jeckles@cfl.rr.com