Here Goes Nothing: An Introvert’s Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor

Broekhuis spent three years as a missionary in Guatemala with her husband, and the move back into life in the U.S. was harder than she expected. She recalls that her biggest criticism was of American churches. Given the level of poverty and want she witnessed living in Central America, the U.S.’s gross wealth and unenthusiastic spiritual community made her uncomfortable. It seemed paradoxical that Guatemala could sustain such a vibrant religious community with so little material support, where back home there were so many resources but little true connection. To remedy this internal tension, Broekhuis began a 30-day challenge to love her immediate neighbors in practical, everyday ways. Broekhuis, an introvert, first tentatively dipped her toe into the waters of serving her apartment neighbors by leaving quarters by the laundry machine, making cupcakes, and praying for a man whose car wouldn’t start. Over time, God started nudging her to connect in more personal ways and, as she obeyed, Broekhuis found herself changing from the inside out. Her essays are perceptive and clever as she ponders her motivations for not getting involved in her neighbors’ lives. As Broekhuis outwardly writes about the experience of engaging with her neighbors, she creates a finely reasoned account of why having a spiritual community is so important. (Feb.)