#005 – Have you ever had the experience of feeling strong emotion because of the prospect of change? Perhaps deep down you love the way things are (see no need for change); you might have a strong attachment to a person, place, or thing, and scared about the possibility of losing it. In neighbourhood terms this is sometimes called NIMBYism (an acronym for Not In My Back Yard). Similarly, as followers of Jesus we can be resistant to intentionally engaging with our neighbours because we fear that what we love, and are attached to, might be displaced. But listen in as our guest Amy Lively shares how to say ‘no’ to spiritual nimbyism, and what it has meant to work it out in practise. Her story and journey of faith are both beautiful and real.
Amy Lively is a writer, speaker, and Bible teacher whose passion is teaching God’s word as a “How To” manual for loving God and loving others.
Topics discussed in this episode:
Discussed in this podcast is how Amy opened both her heart and house to God and her neighbours, and tackled head on the obstacles that kept her from living out Kingdom values; how it has meant dying to self, but resulted in bearing lots of great fruit. She explains the importance of loving your neighbour, and how proximity, hospitality are love are connected.
During the podcast Amy explains:
- What is ‘proximity’ and its implications for loving your neighbour
- How to be intentional about engaging neighbours
- The importance of engagement: from an intimate level with God, though to seeing people engaged and not simply onlookers
- What makes for a stronger community in terms of resilience
- Tips and strategies for welcoming people into your home
- The spiritual battle and opposition that can come with loving your neighbour
[*Please see audio player for chapter markers and time stamps*]
Links mentioned in this podcast:
- Amy Lively’s website – https://amylively.com
- How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird, by Amy Lively
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On the next Lean-in Podcast, I’ll be joined by Jay Van Groningen, where together we’ll explore how we can see God at work in our neighbourhoods through an Christ-centered Asset Based Community Development lens.