Nelson Searcy: My ongoing journey toward the new you, toward a comprehensive healthy lifestyle has been a rocky one. It all started in 1989, as a freshman in college, when I become a follower of Jesus. That decision kicked off an ongoing journey toward spiritual health. As life unfolded, the continual challenges of marriage, parenting, leading growing organizations and my own personal struggles pushed me to seek solutions for my mental and emotional health. I was a little late to the game—I finally started to get serious about my physical health in my mid-thirties, but better late than never. So I have been on the new you journey for quite a while and am healthier for it. My hope is that the thoughts and principles contained in this book will help you as much as they have helped me along the way.
It is not an overstatement to say that this book would not have happened without the obsessive commitment of Jennifer Dykes Henson. Jennifer and I have worked together on over a dozen books, but this one has been exceptionally dependent on her passion and dedication. It’s an honor for me to be her coauthor on this book. Jennifer, her husband Brian, and their family all model the new you lifestyle. Jennifer, thank you!
I would also like to thank Steve Reynolds, who is referenced several times in these pages, for his impact on my thinking about health, especially mental and physical health. Steve is the pastor of Capital Baptist Church in Annandale, Virginia (Metro DC), and the author of several books. Search him online and pick up everything he has written. You won’t be sorry.
There are so many others who provide support to my writing. The list of shout-outs includes, but is not limited to, Kerrick Thomas and Jason Hatley from The Journey Church; Sandra Oliveri, Seth Stone, and Raelyn Garriga from Church Leader Insights; and my most trusted advisors and friends, Jimmy Britt and Michael Jordan. There are so many others I could name, so please forgive me for providing only the short list.
Of course, it is my family that stands above all. During the year this book will be released, my wife and I will celebrate our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. This milestone is known as the silver anniversary—though my wife deserves more than a silver medal for her commitment to me. Pray I find just the right gift! Likewise, my son, Alexander, will become a teenager this year. That may be the bigger prayer request! Kidding aside, I offer my deepest and ever-growing love to Kelley, and my ongoing love and appreciation to Alexander and the Christian young man he is becoming.
It has been a pleasure to work with the fine folks at Baker Books once again. This project was birthed in the vibrant mind of Chad Allen and then carried forward by Brian Vos, Colette Kischner, Robin Turici, Abby Van Wormer, and Brianne Dekker. I know there are many others at Baker Books whose names I don’t know, who work hard behind the scenes as well—so thanks to everyone in acquisitions, editorial, publishing, and especially the frontline sales team. You all have my deepest appreciation!
Jennifer Dykes Henson: When I was just out of college, newly married, and working for Dr. Charles Stanley, I had the opportunity to sit in on some training sessions with Jordan Rubin, author of The Maker’s Diet and founder of Garden of Life. The biblical truths I learned about health and wellness in those sessions set me on a path that changed the course of my own overall health, and ignited a passion that is culminating in the pages of this book. So first and foremost, I have to thank Jordan Rubin for his work, and for his willingness to pour the lessons of his own journey into others. I should also thank Dr. Stanley and the team at In Touch Ministries for opening the door to that connection.
My partnership with Nelson Searcy over the last thirteen years has been nothing short of incredible. I am continually humbled and excited to be involved in the magnificent work God is doing through him. The New You has been a true labor of love—one we are both passionate about and excited to bring to the world. I am honored to coauthor this book with someone so keyed into helping people everywhere achieve their full potential for God’s glory. Nelson, thank you for inviting me into The Journey–Manhattan offices for that first meeting so many years ago and for all the ways you’ve encouraged our partnership to grow and evolve since. Each year—and each book—is more fun than the last!
Thanks to my husband, Brian, for being a constant well of love and encouragement and for continually challenging me to live a life worthy of the work I’ve been called to. And to my two young daughters, Isabelle and Ivey-Grace, my life’s goal is to engage in the world in a way that will make you proud and that will model for you the fullness of life that Jesus offers us all. You are my inspiration for every word, for every breath.
Finally, thanks to God for once again giving me the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that will, hopefully and prayerfully, influence the lives of those who find it in their hands for the better.