10 Years Later
Why Loving Your Neighbor Matters Now More Than Ever
Can you believe it has been a decade?
Ten years ago, when I first released How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird, the biggest hurdle we faced was social awkwardness. We were worried about being the “weird” neighbor who baked cookies that nobody asked for or had the door slammed in our face. We just wanted to break the ice without freezing up.
But as I sit here today launching the 10th Anniversary Edition, the world feels different. The “weirdness” of neighboring has shifted. We aren’t just dealing with awkward silences anymore; we are navigating a culture dissolving into hostility and a crisis of isolation.
Just when we think we might need a break from loving our neighbor, we realize this is exactly when we are needed most.
Reflecting on a Decade of Open Doors
Revisiting this book has been a deeply meaningful journey for me—not just because of the words on the pages, but because of the stories you have lived out.
Over the last ten years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting many of your homes and churches. I think of women like Sharon and Beth, who welcomed me in to the Neighborhood Cafe Bible studies in their homes. I saw firsthand how God moved first in their hearts, and then on their streets. I’ve heard stories of fences coming down (literally and figuratively), of lonely neighbors finding family next door, and of simple cups of coffee turning into divine appointments.
You have proven that this isn’t just a book; it’s a movement of ordinary obedience.
What’s New in the 10th Anniversary Edition?
While the Great Commandment hasn’t changed, our neighborhoods have. I’ve updated the book to meet the moment we are living in right now.
- The “Walk It Out” Challenge: Good intentions don’t always lead to actual connection (or maybe that’s just me). That’s why the new edition features a practical Challenge at the end of each chapter. These are simple, actionable steps—like Pray, Map, Call, and Eat—designed to help you move from “I should do that” to “I did that!”
- The Reality of Loneliness: I’ve included updated statistics, and spoiler alert: we are lonelier than ever. One in three homes on your street is now likely occupied by someone living alone (it used to be one in four). Loneliness is still a quiet pandemic on every block, and you are still the cure God has placed right next door.
Read for Free on Kindle Unlimited!
This is something you’ve been requesting for a long time! I am thrilled to announce that the 10th Anniversary Edition is available now in both paperback and ebook. And for my digital readers—it is currently available on Kindle Unlimited for FREE!
There has never been a better time to dive in (or re-dive in) and equip yourself to be a light in your community.
(Need a bunch? Bulk orders are available, too, perfect for small groups or Bible studies with savings up to 40%!)
Let’s go love our neighbors!
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