Engaging your neighbour: proximity, hospitality, and love, with author/speaker Amy Lively

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#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:
In this podcast Amy shares her story of opening both her heart and house to God and her neighbours, and how she 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*]

For full show notes and/or If you'd like to learn more about bridging the gap between church and community, head to:

http://www.in2neighbourhoods.com/proximity

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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.