Acknowledgements

I would like to first thank God; he has given me amazing grace. The opportunities he has given me goes way beyond what I deserve. There is not a thing that I have accomplished that I can truly say was because of my merit but by his amazing grace. I could never truly repay and thank him adequately for the many blessings he has given. Lord, I also want to thank you for my wife Vania, and my sons Edanne and David. Secondly, I would like to thank my wife Vania Doriscar. Through all the ups and downs, through a bachelor’s degree, an MBA, several other intermittent graduate certificates, and finally through my doctorate in leadership and management, you have been a consistent support system. I love you. As of the writing of this book the Lord has given us over fifteen years of a blessed marriage, for which I am grateful. In regards to my parents, my late father is no longer with us for me to witness his hearing of my words of gratitude to all that he has done for our family. Dad, Woolly Doriscar, you have given me an example to work toward. You were a very intelligent man of faith, who was benevolent and giving not only to your family but also the community at large. This example has forever changed my life. Your military-like focus to a purpose-driven life has forever seared in my conscience a desire to live on purpose. I thank you for this in addition to all the sacrifices you have given to your family. To my mother Esther Doriscar, I am thankful that as I write this book you are still with us. I thank you as well not only for the countless times I have been able to count on you for spiritual and natural support, but for what I also learned through your example. You and dad’s financial support allowed me to take chances, and know that if you had anything you would help me if I fall. That alone was indispensable to any success I have gained because it allowed me to take chances that would pay off. I also want to thank you for your example because what I didn’t get from Dad, I got from you. Dad was always focused on work, but didn’t adequately take time to smell the roses and be a great steward of his health. While I learn so much from dad’s studious study of both biblical and philosophical subjects, it was your worship that has also been invaluable to who I am today. Watching how you manage how you eat, how you have a regular exercise schedule even in retirement, and the balance by which you carry your life is something that is a goal of mine for my later years. You have given me a desire to grow old that didn’t exist prior to me witnessing how well you did it. To my in-laws, I have been spoiled and will forever rank you as the standard by which in-laws should carry themselves. My wife and I would not have made it this far without both of you. To my siblings, I have been truly blessed to have you all. I first thank you for my wonderful niece and nephews. Beginning with my brother Pastor Jude Doriscar. God chose you to be my brother; I really do not know how I can do any of the things I have done without you. We have been such a great team, regardless of the roles in which we are in life. You did such a great job introducing me to many of the things that I am into today. Due to the fact that Dad traveled a lot, my love for music, jazz, and ministry has been something that you introduced me to. Introducing that intellectual curiosity at such a young age is something that I will forever be grateful for. It is truly a pleasure to partner with you in ministry. To my sister Dr. Ruth Cook, thank you for your great example in parenting. You truly have a gift of reaching young people. I still use with my son Edanne the books you use with your daughter. To my oldest sister Dr. Katsia Cadeau, I thank God for you. It is truly a pleasure to partner with you in everything. I still thank God for giving Dad you. When Dad passed away, you took the mantel of ensuring Dad’s work continued with me and Pastor Jude. It is such a privilege to have someone like you as a sister. I like to thank my church family Lively Stone Church of Miami and Port Charlotte. God knows that we are truly a family, and all that I accomplish is a big part of your accomplishment. My wife and my church family has been the most consistent in asking me when will I begin to write books. I also like to thank my extended church family in the Body of Christ. Last but not least, I would also like to thank Eric McConell; you have been an awesome support for me throughout the ups and downs in this endeavor.