If you don’t know, my first book debuted last week. Because it was my first time I didn’t do everything right, like turning in my acknowledgments to my publisher with the final draft. I have many people to thank. I am who I am because of the people around me. They make me better and they’ve made this book possible.

First, to Kate my wife, partner, and best friend, thank you for always supporting my unconventional work and vocational life. Whether it’s showing houses until 8pm, flying off to Jackson for a 4 days, or driving to another city to record a podcast, you’ve let me pursue my interests and passion projects, and spend our money that might not get repaid in any earthly way. We are good together.

Margot & Amos… I can’t believe I get to be your dad! You are the best and every day is a new adventure with you. I get sad that you’re not your younger selves anymore and excited about who you’ll become as you get older all at the same time.

To my parents… One of the surprises of adulthood was finding that I never stopped wanting my parents to be proud of me. I don’t know how people who don’t have the full support and love of their parents make it in the world. If I’m anything good, it’s because of you.

My church Austin Mustard Seed, we’re imperfect, we’re messy and real. Thank you for being people for whom I can work out my theology in front of, thanks for letting me cry in front of you and thanks for letting me be myself. April, thanks for being a pastor to me and always having a lot of grace for my scattered brain and busy schedule. Erin, thanks for loving our kids. Josh and Tim, thanks for holding my confessions, and hearing me with nothing but compassionate curiosity.

Chris, thanks for being my friend, and for always being my advocate. Laura and Micah, thanks for being our people.

Kerri, what did we do before we had each other to recognize our mutual comedic genius?! Thank you for reading a million different versions and drafts of this book, and all the priceless feedback. I really don’t think I could have done this without your guidance.

Drew Hart, Tara Beth Leach, Michelle Reyes, and AJ Swoboda I can’t believe we’re friends. BTW I tell people we’re friends… is that ok?! Your endorsements floored me. “Those must be words about someone else and their work”, my brain told me. Thank you for all you’ve taught me through your books, sermons, and conversations.

Lastly, thank you John Perkins. I have been in awe of you since I first read Let Justice Roll Down. Eight years ago I sent an email to The Spencer Perkins Center hoping to get an interview with you. I thought it was a long shot, but you said yes. These last several years getting to know you have be life giving. In addition to our hours of conversations, I’ll always remember being at your house, picking okra, watching TV, making pancakes, and sitting at your kitchen table late at night talking. I’ll also never forget when you came to my house, and seeing you talk and laugh with my kids. Thanks for giving of yourself. I want to be more like you.

The book, Go and Do: Nine Axioms on Peacemaking and Transformation From the Life of John Perkins, is out now wherever books are sold. Go here to get 40% off.