It is an insurmountable task to cover the list of all those who have shaped us along the journey. The writing of each book is certainly a journey for me. I’m forever indebted to so many who have lifted me with encouragement, guided me with wisdom, covered me with prayer, and changed me with love.
To Leah—my high school sweetheart, my best friend and one true love. You make me a better human. When this book releases we will have celebrated twenty-one years of marriage. I can’t wait to see where life takes us in the next twenty-one!
To the most amazing kids a guy could dream of being a dad to:
To Micah—my firstborn son. You are a leader and a rock. I’m so proud of you. You have such character and you use your strength for good.
To Maisie—my beautiful princess. You are so kind and patient. Your poise and great sense of humor are such gifts!
To Wyatt—you light up the room everywhere you go! Keep singing, dancing, and kickboxing!
I Love you guys beyond words!
To my sister Joy, brother-in-law Mike, Moriah, Mikaela, and Brooke—I love you all. Your perseverance is inspiring. Joy, I’m so proud of you.
To my brother-in-law Lt. Colonel Scott Harris, Leighann, Jessica, Scott, and Justin—we love that you are so close now. Let’s get some tacos! Scott, we are all deeply grateful for your service to our country.
To my cousin Dan Lamb—I treasure your friendship, man. You are one of the most talented dudes I know. Thank you for all the rides to the airport and for being such a champion.
To my cousin Steve Lamb—you are an inspiration to us all. As I type this you are still recovering from that car accident, but I know when the book releases, you’ll be going full steam again. Your strength and perseverance is building courage in all of us.
To Aunt Barbara, Aunt Kathy, Aunt Suzi, Aunt Carol and family—thank you for all your encouraging words and support.
To Aunt Becki—we love you and are thankful for you. Thanks for always cheering us on.
To the best in-laws, Janis and Mike Evans—we are so grateful for your love and the way you love your grandchildren. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.
To my friend and agent, Kurt “Swami” Beasley. I’m so thankful for your counsel and friendship. The talks on the porch have brought comfort and clarity on the journey. Lady Beasley, thank you for your generous hospitality and, of course, the smoothies.
To Whitney Smith—your assistance in the office has been invaluable. Thank you for everything you have done to take care of the unseen details.
To Jody Guthrie, Director of The River Education Initiative—You are so inspiring! You are a brilliant light as you give selflessly to all the beautiful kids you teach. Thank you for seeing what could be and for working so tirelessly to build this dream. You are a living example of “The River Life.”
To my pastors and mentors, Todd Mullins, Tom Mullins, and John Maxwell—what a gift to call you friends and mentors. I’m forever indebted to you for your investment in my life. What a gift to be able to flourish in the overflow of your faithfulness and ministry.
To my CF brothers, James Duvall, Adam Baldwin, Jay Boykin, Brian Taylor, Steven Robertson, Brad Parsley, Shaun Blakeney, Tim Moore, Matt Pilot, and the entire team—it is an honor to serve with you guys, and an even greater privilege to call you friends.
To Daisy Hutton and the Thomas Nelson/Harper-Collins team—thank you for believing in my stories and helping me take them far wider than I ever could. I count it a great privilege to work alongside the best!
To my fantastic editors, Ami McConnell and Nicci Jordan Hubert—you ladies are rock stars. I can’t thank you enough for your patience with this sophomore author. Thank you for making me a better writer and for helping this story to be as compelling as possible. I am in your debt.
To all the friends near and far who champion my work—I am humbled and grateful.