The Lights of Tenth Street (74 page)

My sincere gratitude also goes to the many other friends who provided plot ideas or read the book for editing and feedback, including Calvin Edwards, Dave Gilmore, Nancy French, Jane Joiner, Jennifer Wheeler, Deb Goldstone, and Jenny Shea. Special thanks to Joe Proctor, the uncle of my helpful friends David and
Margaret Treadwell, for his primer on satellites, his insight into covert operations, and his devious plot ideas. Thanks also to Roy Leffew and Blaine Anaya for their insight and help on technical questions, and to Susan Rodenberg and Vernadette Broyles for help on battered women’s issues.

P
RAYER

The words I put on paper would be empty without the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Every moment that I am writing, I am so aware of my need of inspiration, guidance, and wisdom from the Lord. Perhaps the most important people to acknowledge with my deepest gratitude, other than my immediate family, are those dedicated individuals who have spent more than a year receiving emailed prayer requests and interceding for the book. I cannot express how much I have relied on your prayers and encouragement. My heartfelt thanks to: Elisha Barnett, Scott and Tammy Beck, Elizabeth Beinhocker, Steve Blum, Barb Bowlby, Vernadette Broyles, Kathia Campos, Martha Carter, Liliana Colgate, Christa Crawford, Gerry Crete, Alison Darrell, Mike Deagle, Betty Dunkum, Nancy French, Natt Gantt, Bob Gay, Deb and Michael Goldstone, Judy Hitson, Anne Hotchkiss, Jane Joiner, Kristen Lambert, Kathryn Lindstrom, Terri McCracken, Ruth Okediji, Sarah Parker, Linda Preston, Lisa and Eric Rice, Susan Rodenberg, Roger Scarlett, D.J. Snell, Andy Stross, Margaret Treadwell, Katherine Waitman, and Kyleen Wissell. Special thanks to Deb, Katherine, Liliana, and Lisa for their Wednesday morning prayers.

A
ND
F
INALLY
 …

Thanks to the team at We Care America, especially Dave Donaldson and Mike Owen, for modeling unconditional love to those in need, and for supporting my book-writing schedule. Much love and special thanks also go to my agent Calvin Edwards, and to the amazing team at Multnomah, especially Don Jacobson and Rod Morris. Your friendship means so much to me and Jeff.

To Jeff’s parents, Bill and Roberta Feldhahn, how can I thank you enough for your constant willingness to drop everything and drive twelve hours from Michigan to Atlanta, just to help out so I can meet one deadline or another. You are so special to me.

To my parents, Dick and Judy Reidinger, and my brother Rick and his family—thanks for your constant love, advice, and encouragement even from the other side of the globe. A special hug to my mom, who is a terrific editor and always tries to help my words convey the love of Christ.

To Morgen and baby Luke, thank you for teaching me how to love more than I ever thought possible, and for loving your mommy even when she was distracted
and in front of the computer for too long. I love you, precious little ones.

To my dear heart, my best friend, Jeff. Thank you for your honesty, your compassion, your constant help with everything from plot to edits, your prayers and your strength. Thank you for looking out for me better than I could look out for myself, for challenging me in the many times I needed it, and for your undying love. I could not have imagined how stalwart and rich your love would be, passing all my expectations or understanding.

Finally, my love and gratitude to our Heavenly Father, who relentlessly pursues all of us with an undying love. If you, the reader, do not yet know Him, I urge you to set aside some time and come to Him with all your questions, all your cares, all your skepticism, with an open heart. He is waiting for you with outstretched arms.

For thirty years, Randy Alcorn has been encouraging people—young and old—to pursue the rewards of sexual purity. Too often we settle for a compromised Christianity that’s just a baptized version of the world’s sad existence, rather than the abundant life God calls us to. This book deals with

Biblical, practical, and concise,
The Purity Principle
is a one-stop handbook for individuals, families, and churches.

ISBN 1-59052-195-1

I wrote this book for both men and women. Why? Because lust isn’t a male problem. It’s a human problem. Lust ruins our relationships, robs us of spiritual passion, and leaves us feeling hollow …

But the truth is that you and I don’t have to stay on that treadmill of guilt and shame. God calls us to a high standard—not even a hint of sexual impurity. And He gives us everything we need to make it a reality.

If you’re ready for a practical, grace-centered plan for defeating lust and celebrating purity, I hope you’ll join me on a most promising journey.

—Joshua Harris

ISBN 1-59052-147-1