H
ere is what I think happened. Long ago God decided that Lucado needed all the help heaven could muster. He knew that I would get off track, procrastinate, come down with the grumps, and waddle in the dumps and that I would require a top-notch, A1 support team that the angels themselves would envy. How else does any one person end up surrounded by such amazing folks? I don’t deserve them. But I certainly love them.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to (drumroll please) the best support team any author has ever had.
Liz Heaney and Karen Hill—No better editors exist. For the millionth time thank you.
Carol Bartley—You are to copyediting what Julia Child was to the kitchen: the greatest.
Steve and Cheryl Green—Heaven loaned you to earth, and we ain’t giving you back.
The HCCP team of superheroes—Mark Schoenwald, Don Jacobson, Tim Paulson, Mark Glesne, Erica Smith, Janene MacIvor, and Laura Minchew.
Brian Hampton—a special tribute to this precious man who passed from this life to the next as this book was being completed.
David Moberg—a part of Christian publishing since 1975 and an essential part of my world since 1989. Thank you for, well, for being David Moberg.
Jana Muntsinger and Pamela McClure—Though your title is publicist,
friend
is the better word. Thank you.
Greg and Susan Ligon—You calm; you clarify; you create. Is there anything you can’t do? Many thanks for keeping this train on track.
Dave Treat—Once again you lifted up this project in prayer. May your highest prayers be answered.
Janie Padilla and Margaret Mechinus—Thanks to you, calls get made, e-mails get answered, books get shelved, and chaos becomes calm.
Brett, Jenna, Rosie, Max, Andrea, Jeff, and Sara. This family tree is ever greener, vibrant, and increasingly nutty. I love each one of you.
And Denalyn, my bride. When God made you, he used the stuff of violins and fine wine. You, like them, grow sweeter with time. I love you.