#10: Write

Walk It Out Challenge

Challenge #10: Write a Note

Welcome back, Neighbor! If you are joining me from Chapter 10 of How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird, you have made it to the finish line of our challenge series! You’ve prayed, walked, greeted, and hosted.

Now, we are leaving a lasting impression.

New here? You have stumbled onto Challenge #10 of my neighborhood outreach challenge. We are reclaiming our streets, one prayer (and one note) at a time. You can get the full 10-challenge framework in my new book, How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird, but today, let’s get writing.

The Challenge: Write a Personal Note

From the Book:

Today’s challenge is to write a personal note to a neighbor. All you need is a piece of paper, a pen, and a few minutes to send a message that lasts. You can write a simple thank-you note for something they’ve done, a card of encouragement if you know they’ve been going through a hard time, or just a friendly “thinking of you” message. A handwritten note is a rare and precious gift in our digital age, showing that you took the time to slow down and focus on them specifically.

Go Deeper: Tools & Ideas

The book says “grab a pen,” but if you’re feeling stuck or want to get creative, there are plenty of ways to make this special:

Online Designs

Not confident in your handwriting? Use these tools to create something beautiful:

Canva: Customize countless greeting card layouts.
American Greetings & Hallmark: Print cards right from your computer or customize them to be mailed.

Get Crafty

Pinterest: Search for “handmade greeting cards” to find cute ideas using supplies you likely already have.
Kids’ Art: Bonus points if your kids help! A drawing from a child is often more treasured than a store-bought card.

eCards

JibJab & Blue Mountain: If you have their email, an animated card can be a fun surprise. Tip: Send a quick text or personal message to let them know it’s coming so it doesn’t get lost in spam!

The Rules: No Weirdness!

From the Book:

Writing a note is one of the least “weird” ways to reach out because it doesn’t require an immediate face-to-face response. It respects their boundaries while still opening a door. You don’t need to write a long essay or use flowery language; just be sincere. If you’re worried about what to say, focus on one specific thing you appreciate about them or their home. You can drop it in their mailbox or tuck it into their door—simple, thoughtful, and completely natural.

God’s Way

From the Book:

Words have the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21), and a well-timed note can be a healing balm. Writing to your neighbor is a way of “speaking the truth in love” and extending the same grace God has written onto our hearts. Just as the apostles wrote letters to encourage and strengthen the early church, your letter can serve as a small “epistle” of kindness, reminding your neighbor that they are noticed and cared for by both you and their Heavenly Father.

The Words: What to Say

Staring at a blank page? Use this script from the book to get started:

“Dear [Name],

I was just thinking of you today and wanted to send a quick note to say how much I appreciate having you as a neighbor! I hope you’re having a wonderful week.

Best, [Your Name]”

You Did It… Almost!

You have completed the 10 core steps of the Walk It Out Challenge!

By praying, greeting, giving, hosting, and writing, you have woven threads of connection that turn a neighborhood into a community. Whether you did one challenge or all ten, you have stepped out in faith to love your neighbor.

But don’t put your walking shoes away just yet.

I have one final, special Bonus Challenge waiting for you. It is the step that turns your personal experience into collective encouragement and multiplies the joy you’ve just found.

Ready for the grand finale?

Go to the Bonus Challenge