When’s the last time you walked over and said hello to your neighbor? Sadly, I met my neighbor under not-so-great circumstances. My dog got out and tried to attack my neighbor’s 11-year-old son. The next day, I went over with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and an apology. My neighbor was understanding, and her son lit up at the sight of the cookies. I’ve been trying to do better about making conversation with my neighbors, but Erica’s story is truly inspiring. She and Darlene are such good friends, an awesome call was in order.

“Erica is my neighbor, and we met through our kids becoming friends at school. Ever since then, she has treated me and my children like family. She truly defines what it means to be a friend. Erica is a mother of seven, a wife, a daughter, and a sister. She takes care of everyone around her with such grace. On top of that, she gives her all as a manager at an immigration firm. The way she retains so much information and helps so many people is incredibly impressive—I really look up to her.

Recently, she hired me and completely turned my life around. Despite everything she has on her plate, she remains faithful to God. No matter how tired she may be, she still makes time to attend church and live as a godly woman. She deserves so much recognition, and I truly hope God continues to bless her. Please give Erica a huge shoutout—she is awesome!”

Darlene

Luke 10:27 (NIV)

“He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

loving-houston-one-yard-at-a-time