Michelle Singletary - The 21-Day Financial Fast

I cant begin this book without first giving thanks to God. I know now that even during the times I was down and feeling alone, He was right there carrying me. It was God who allowed me to be placed in the care of my grandmother, Big Mama. And it was my grandmother who taught me to think about money in a way that would someday be a blessing to members of my family, my church, my community, and millions of newspaper readers, radio listeners, and television viewers across the country.

I also thank God for leading me to First Baptist Church of Glenarden. Under the leadership of Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr. and his wife, First Lady Trina Jenkins, I have grown tremendously in my faith. It was at First Baptist, and with the encouragement of my pastor and his wife, that I began conducting the 21-day financial fast.

I will forever be grateful and thankful for the members of Prosperity Partners Ministry and for its incredible leadership team. It has been a privilege to serve with the following individuals: Adrienne Alexander, Olivia Baker, Alton Croslin, Deenice Galloway, Min. Angelia Rowe Garner, Trinita McCall, Tonya Muse, Yolanda Oliver, Michael Rhim, Kiesha SameeUd-Deen, the late Juanita Ann Waller, and Bethany Williams. This dedicated group work hard and diligently to support a ministry that has helped so many to get their financial lives in order. I also want to thank the staff at First Baptist Church of Glenarden (especially the audio visual team) and the many members of my church who together continue to show me unwavering support. In particular, Im grateful for Barbara and Malcolm Streeter, two friends who always have my back.

This book would not have been possible without my wonderful and hardworking agent, Richard Abate. The staff at Zondervan, including Bob Hudson, Karen Campbell, Courtney Lasater, Becky Philpott, and Marcy Schorsch, has been fantastic. I couldnt have had a better and more thoughtful editor than Sandy Vander Zicht. The entire Zondervan team who worked on this book has just been wonderful. This has truly been a team effort.

I am very blessed to work at the Washington Post and with an incredible group of people who have been tremendously supportive of my book endeavors. Im especially appreciative of my former research assistant, Charity Brown, my current assistant, Tia Lewis, and my past and present editors, Steve Levingston, Gregory Schneider, Kelly Johnson, and James Hill, and Alan Shearer of the Washington Post Writers Group.

Writing a book often comes with much sacrifice. The friends and family of the author are the ones who make the process easier. So it is with much love that I thank my friends and family, especially Terri and Larry Ames, Debbie and Pat Berry, Alexa Steele, Sade Dennis, and Wiley Hall. I couldnt have made it through the long nights and lack of sleep without your encouragement. You made me laugh sometimes when all I wanted to do was cry. Thanks to Robin Tarver and Nicole Rochester for letting me vent. One of my biggest fans is my brother, Michael Singletary. I am so blessed to have a brother who is so incredibly enthusiastic about my work. Just as supportive is my extended family, including my mother, sister-in-law, Kim, in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Also I wouldnt have had the time to work on the book without the help of my dear sister, Monique Reynolds, and my loving godmother, Lois Thompson, and godsister, Courtney Bethea, who all helped with my children.

I owe so much to my children, Olivia, Kevin, and Jillian, who checked on me and gave me many hugs to encourage me during this project. They even sacrificed several family movie nights so I could work on the book.