by Stephanie Toews, Executive Editor

“It will be our love not our opinions, which will be our greatest contribution to the world."

— Bob Goff

In our family, we talk often about loving our neighbor. But what does that really look like? While love is sometimes described in big, sweeping ways, it most often shows up quietly and starts at home. It looks like patience in conversation and a willingness to listen. It is choosing to stay engaged even when it would be easier to pull away. Love shows itself when we set ourselves aside to serve others and when we notice the needs around us instead of waiting for someone else to step in. It can be messy, and it often requires sacrifice. Love in action is rarely loud, but it is always intentional.

Spend an hour around the dinner table at our house, and you will quickly discover a family full of strong opinions. Opinions are shaped by experience and perspective, and they are part of who we are. But opinions alone do not build strong relationships. Love does. Love opens the door to conversation instead of closing it. It creates room for understanding and invites connection and correction. When we slow down and truly listen, we begin to see the people behind different viewpoints and recognize how much we often share. It can be tempting to keep our distance, observing life from behind a screen, the back porch, or from the sidelines. Love asks more of us. It calls us to show up, to step into relationships, and to care deeply about the people right in front of us. This is where connection is formed and where community begins to take shape.

At Simply Local, we strive to love our neighbors well and celebrate the good happening in our community. Every story is created with the hope of helping us engage more fully with our city and with one another, encouraging us to love where we live even more. This February issue reflects what love in action looks like close to home. It is found in shared moments and in stories shaped by resilience and commitment. It shows up in talented musicians and artists who share their gifts with others, as well as in places that invite conversation and a sense of belonging. Love is also evident in how we support families and care for the next generation. These everyday expressions are the quiet strength of our beautiful community.

Love, 

Originally printed in the February 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Read this article in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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