McKinney's Book Gets it Right: We Are Placed for a Purpose

Chris and Elizabeth's McKinney's new book, "Placed for a Purpose," challenges us to create margin in our lives so we can interact with our neighbors, just like Jesus did.

I've met and visited with Chris several times and he has practical examples that this couple has put into practice and that they write about in their book.

For them it started with the realization that the address of the residence might not be an accident. If they were to use their home as a place of engagement instead of a place of refuge, what would that look like for them and their children?

For the McKinney's it began with a fish fry. But soon it became an Easter egg hunt with her immediate neighbors, and Halloween activities in their neighborhood, and other creative ways to build relationship with those that live around them.

Their book contains some great and insightful ideas. I especially like the fact that they say neighboring is like a lot crockpot, low and slow, not a microwave. It takes time to develop relationships with your neighbors. The key to a relationship-building is hospitality.

McKinney's also note that we need to remove the word "just" from our neighboring language. It is not just a hello it is a hello.

It is not just a front yard gathering, it is an opportunity to connect with people.

It is not just a plate of cookies or a cup of sugar to a neighbors, is an opportunity to share what we have.

It is not just a ping pong game with me in the garage, it is an opportunity check together and to get acquainted.

Neighboring is not one size fits all. It varies from area to area and among people because our likes and dislikes are different and change. But doing an event or an activity can be a great excuse to meet neighbors.

In recent decades, the idea of being a neighbor in America has shifted to be behavior-based on etiquette. Basically, a good neighbor is quiet and leaves me alone.

We need to change that definition, change the narrative. We must change what it means to be a good neighbor. It means to love your neighbor and that begins by learning their name and building a relationship with them.


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Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.


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