Kendra Broekhuis - Here Goes Nothing: An Introverts Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor

Kendra writes from the heart about her hilarious attempts to reach out to her neighbors. If youre an introvert like me, youll appreciate the cringe factor, but also the longing for a world where we are more deeply connected to one another. Truly subversive.

Craig Greenfield

Founder of Alongsiders International and author of Subversive Jesus

Richly combining Scripture and sarcasm, Kendra Broekhuiss adventures in neighboring could be read for pure entertainment valueyou will be delighted with her witty perspectives on parenting, walking with God, and relationships with Other People. But I must warn you that you cant read Here Goes Nothing without being poked and prodded and deeply convicted of your calling to love your neighbor, even if youre 80 percent more comfortable sustaining eye contact while wearing sunglasses. Introverts like Kendra and even extroverts like me will turn each page with a new appreciation for Gods design of our unique personality for His glory, in our homes with the neighbors who surround us.

Amy Lively

Author of How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird

Kendra puts legs on the gospel and gets us out into our neighborhoods. She doesnt just tell us to be good neighbors; she shows us how, modeling a kind of loving that turns cupcakes into conversations. She also made me gut-laugh multiple times, which earns her some crazy respect. After reading this, I want to bust into her introverted world and make her be my friend. She sees spiritual nuggets in everything from apple crisp to maxi pads, and I love her for it.

Melanie Dale

Author of Its Not Fair: Learning to Love the Life You Didnt Choose and Women Are Scary: The Totally Awkward Adventure of Finding Mom Friends

Ordinary obedience to Jesus isnt glamorous, and it isnt a formula, which is why I so appreciate Kendra Broekhuiss message in Here Goes Nothing. Too often, we want something to show for our effortsa shiny takeaway, or a tidy triumphwhich can leave us feeling defeated and alone. Addressing this disconnect, Kendra depicts a more honest picture of faith. Detailing her shortcomings and the lessons born out of them, she invites us into her thirty-day journey of intentional discipleship. Her daily meditations are full of meat but easy to digest, leading readers deeper without weighing them down. This book is not a success story, but it is an encouragement and a helpful guide.

Sharon Hodde Miller

Author and blogger

If you are an introvertno, waitif you are a person who wants to love your neighbor because Jesus commanded you to but gets overwhelmed at the idea, please read this book. Kendra Broekhuis has given us a gift in Here Goes Nothing: An Introverts Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor. It is relatable, hilarious, honest, and inspiring all at once. I feel both understood as an introvert who treasures people but doesnt always want to be with them and challenged to push through my own awkward to actively love anyway. In a world where we are increasingly disconnected, this book pushes us toward our neighbor in beautiful ways.

Alexandra Kuykendall

Author of Loving My Actual Life and cohostess of The Open Door Sisterhood Podcast

Wise and funny, Kendra takes you along for the ride on her adventure to love her neighbors. Full of encouragement and practical information, Here Goes Nothing is a perfect guide for introverts and extroverts alike.

Kristin Schell

Author of The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard

Kendra Broekhuiss Here Goes Nothing: An Introverts Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor is one of those rare reads that has you nodding your head and smiling throughout. From her description of the Baby Buffer to her #SarcasmFont, I recognized my mom-self on page after page. Kendra is that friendly mom who leaves you feeling happier than when she found you, while she quietly displays Christs love to all she meets. She left me asking myself, How can I be the light of Christ in my everyday?

Kim de Blecourt

Author of Until We All Come Home: A Harrowing Journey, a Mothers Courage, a Race to Freedom; international speaker and president of NourishedHearts.org

Here Goes Nothing equips introverts like me to love the world that God loves. Thats a big win, right? It also gives extroverts a rare glimpse into our curious inner workings. With humor, insight, and courage, Kendra Broekhuis helps us all be the people we were created to be.

Margot Starbuck

Author of Small Things With Great Love

I love the way Kendra Broekhuis creatively intertwines motherhood with mission! Through her honest and delightful way of looking at life, she offers us a positive way to live every day. Here Goes Nothing is filled with inspirational stories and personal reminders of how we can open our eyes to the ordinary and see God working in the midst of our daily circumstances.

Karol Ladd

Author of The Power of a Positive Mom

I love this book and its authentic approach. Kendra Broekhuis takes us inside the mind of the introverted Christ follower as she learns to engage the people who live right outside her front door. Her self-deprecating humor makes Here Goes Nothing easy and fun to read. Kendra reminds us all that taking the first small step is the key to experiencing change. This is a must-read for anyone who desires to make a difference in their community.

Dave Runyon

Coauthor of The Art of Neighboring

2017 Kendra Broekhuis

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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

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ISBN 978-0-7180-8332-8 (E-book)

Epub Edition February 2017 ISBN 9780718083328

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Broekhuis, Kendra, author.

Title: Here goes nothing : an introvert's reckless attempt to love her neighbor / Kendra Broekhuis.