Flipping the Script
At StoneBridge, we have lovingly been encouraged to serve our immediate neighbors in creative ways. The stories of newly forged friendships and growing connections have abounded in our congregation. God is powerfully working through our people to share our faith and love with surrounding neighbors. The acts of service offered, sometimes simply showing interest in someone’s grandchildren, are making an impact throughout our communities.
We naturally think of making a connection through an offer of help, and often this action is the bridge to a new relationship. What if the script was flipped, and we asked for help instead? In a split second decision, God led Kathy to engage her neighbor in this manner, displaying his wisdom and guidance that would trump our logical thinking.
Kathy is already heavily involved in StoneBridge and across Charlotte in many capacities, including Life on Life Discipleship, Healing Journey, and being a Bible Study Fellowship leader. Her plate is full and she has struggled with how to make time to get to know her neighbors. She has prayed for any opportunity in the limited time she is home. She particularly wanted to build a bridge with her next door neighbors, a young couple with kids. They had spoken a few times in the front yard and over the back fence. Their lower back yards abutted and were prone to overgrowth and the need for serious pruning. She saw the mom in the back yard and waved hello, taking in the opportunity to chat.
The day was warm and sunny, and as Kathy commented on this to the neighbor she continued, “I noticed your husband was trimming the lower yard and had an extra long extension cord. I wondered if at some point I could borrow it for my hedge trimmer to take care of mine”. Kathy had not planned on asking for anything, but she was moved to say these words, not knowing how the neighbor would respond. This young mom gushed, “Oh absolutely, but better yet, let my husband come over and he will take care of it all for you!” A bridge to more conversation was formed, leading Kathy one step further to knowing this family better.
Kathy jokes that the husband has not come over yet and may not, but the interaction was worth the risk. One layer at a time, however slow it may be, this is how we neighbor. Kathy’s story is a beautiful picture of God’s design for us to be in fellowship with others, and a picture of his faithfulness to give us the words to say at just the right time. Sometimes receiving help is actually giving of ourselves in God’s economy. Say a prayer before a neighboring opportunity and simply trust God with the rest!
~ Kelly Dockery
