This acknowledgment page exists because of my friend Corey Williams. Corey, I don’t know if you knew what you were getting into when you said you’d help me with this book! Neither did your wife, Kylie. You have both sacrificed so much. Thank you. Corey, you poured your heart and soul into this project, giving untold hours to helping me write and edit this manuscript on a tight timeline. I’m surprised that you still won’t drink coffee.
To my husband, Jeremy: Thank you for being present, encouraging me when I’ve been down, and letting me cry on your shoulder. Writing this book has been an emotion-filled experience. You’ve been a gentle guide through times of confusion. Your often-daily reminders of God’s love and care for me reflect your own. Knowing that I have your support means the world. I love you forever.
My precious daughters, Felicity Nicole and Evangeline Jo, I want you to know that everything I do, I do thinking of you. I love you and so does Jesus.
Oh, and special thanks to CoComelon—you really came in clutch.
Micah, you (with a bit of help from Stephen) fought off an overzealous security guard to capture the cover photo we needed. Well done.
So, a short story: Several days before the photo shoot for the book cover, I realized I didn’t have anything to wear. Of course, I panicked. But then I found Ainyne Aiken! Ainyne, thank you for not only being available last-minute but for being a ridiculously talented stylist. You made me feel confident and comfortable.
Carolina, your hair-and-makeup skills are not the only assets you brought to the photo shoot. Your spunk and humor kept me laughing, even when I should’ve been focusing, but you made up for it with your helpful posing tips. You’re the best.
To Stephanie Newton, who believed that my story needed to be told, thank you for giving me the platform to speak it. Your passion for the Lord is inspiring, and your patience with me is humbling. Thanks for all the deadline extensions! Also, many thanks to the amazing team at W Publishing Group: Lauren Bridges, Ashley Reed, Allison Carter, and Caren Wolfe.
My agent, Bryan Norman, who has a seemingly supernatural ability to never get stressed out, made this process as smooth as it could possibly be. Thanks, Bryan.
I’d like to mention and thank my pastors, John MacArthur and Austin T. Duncan, as well. Every week you faithfully show me Jesus Christ in all of His glory.
And it is to Jesus Christ, my kind and gracious Lord and Savior, that I owe my greatest gratitude and worship. “From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).