I am indebted to many friends and colleagues for making this book possible. First, I want to thank Ana De Agostini. While we were serving on the BYU Women’s Conference Committee, she encouraged me to write a book—the starting point of this journey for me. I appreciate her belief that I could tackle such a task.

I’m grateful to Denys Snyder for her writing expertise. Her helpful writing suggestions early in this process were a tremendous help in finding my own voice. I’m indebted to Stephanie Sorensen for poring over early drafts with me to sift through what was worth saying. And thanks to Kim Sandoval from the BYU Faculty Publishing Service for making this a better book.

My heartfelt appreciation goes to Maylarie Ostler, my twin sister, for her encouraging and candid suggestions that made this book more real and relatable for all; Caroline Kreutzkamp for her unfailing friendship and support in this project; Sarah Bodine and Lynne Thorley for their suggestions and continued support in my writing and speaking assignments; Peggy Worthen for listening and for offering words of encouragement these past few years; and Fiona Givens for believing in me and my work—her gracious words answered prayers.

In addition, I gratefully acknowledge many friends and family members that have read drafts, offered suggestions, listened to excerpts, shared stories, and given me encouragement. They have all inspired me with stories and examples of how Christ’s goodness and grace saves us from doubt and despair. I’m a better person because of their light and love.

I express my deep appreciation to those at the Religious Studies Center at Brigham Young University. Thank you to Scott C. Esplin, who encouraged me to submit my manuscript to the RSC; Julie Newman for her editing expertise and her careful and thoughtful suggestions; Emily V. Rogers for her work on the cover and text design; R. Devan Jensen for his valuable suggestions and encouragement; and Brock Dowdle for help in sharing my message. Additionally, I am sincerely grateful to publications director Jared W. Ludlow, publications coordinator Joany O. Pinegar, production supervisor Brent R. Nordgren, and student editing interns Myla Parke, Mikaela Wilkins, and Abby Knudsen.

Last, I thank my family for their unwavering support: Karen Marie for spending hours lying on the floor in the study, listening to the latest draft of a chapter and giving wonderful suggestions; Eliza for her continued encouragement and enthusiasm; and most importantly, my husband, John, for walking this writing journey with me and encouraging me through every step. His unfailing support kept me going. So many of the ideas and concepts presented are ideas I have learned from him and with him. I can’t count how many times he has read through each chapter and given me valuable editing and content suggestions. When I had self-doubt about my ability to complete this project, he would say, “Why don’t you read your own book!” The great irony in writing this book has been to battle my own doubt that I could do it. I’m profoundly grateful to my Savior for joining me on this adventure. He helped me to focus on what I could do—with Him. Because of Him, I was able to dig deep into spiritual reservoirs that helped me transfer what was in my heart to words on a page