Читать книгу Manhood is a Mindset - J. Colin Trisler - Страница 7

Clear and meaningful thanks are in order:

To God. I know from personal experience that you are a hands-on Father because only a loving and active God could have blessed me with the family that I have. My wife and children are shining examples of your direct involvement in my life. They testify to the depths of your love and forgiveness. I do not deserve my family, yet you have seen fit to smile on me with this most perfect earthly gift—and for that I am forever grateful. This book is my effort to make the most of the blessing you’ve given me.

To Cody Libolt. I have two versions of this book: a pre-Cody version and a post-Cody version. The post-Cody version is the one you’re holding right now. Your editorial comments ranged from insightful to vicious—but they were always valuable. This book wouldn’t be what it is without you. Thanks for believing in this project. You are a good man and a good friend.

To my son, Brooks, and my daughters, Alexis, Scarlett, and Juliette. Each of you, in your own way, has taught me so much about life and how to live it. You’ve helped me understand what it means to be a man. And you’ve shown me what true love looks like in real life. You are living, breathing proof not just of God’s existence, but of his goodness and his grace. Thanks so much for all your prayers and your encouragement (and a special thanks to you, Lex, for donating your proofreading skills for free). Even if no one else reads this book I know you all will. And based on that fact alone, I consider this work a job well done.

To my wife, Amanda. If I were to thank you for all that you do, I would end up writing a whole other series of letters. So for the sake of space, I’ll keep my words concise yet sincere. Thank you for your constant support. Writing this book is one of the hardest jobs God has ever given me to do. Oftentimes, it felt more like a boxing match than a creative process. I went many painful rounds with discouragement. But no matter how many times frustration knocked me to my knees, you were always in my corner, pounding the mat, encouraging me to get up and keep moving forward. Your words of wisdom gave me the motivation I needed to stand up like a man and keep on punching. I went the distance with this book because of you. I love you so much. You are the wife of my youth. My Adrian Balboa. My Abigail Adams. My Lady Wisdom. And I will hold tight to you for as long as God sees fit to keep us together. Oh, and by the way—thanks for encouraging our children, particularly our son, to read Daddy’s book.