A humble woman prays

Mr. Rogers, our neighbor and friend. That is how most of us address him in our heads, whenever we see a picture or clip of him. You see, he was one of our first friends as a child. We met him when we were children watching My Roger’s Neighborhood. So to us he is simply our Fabulous Neighbor and Friend , Mr. Rogers.

Fred McFeely Rogers was born March 20, 1928 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He was a very shy child, introverted and over weight child. He was bullied as a result of that and missing school due to asthma. Perhaps that experience prepared him for his work in the Presbyterian Ministry and then working with children, To be their friend.

Mr. Rogers helped develop the psyche and feelings, sense of moral, and ethical reasoning of millions of children, including me. His reassuring voice, demeanor, example of good behavior and teaching lessons taught us that everyone should be a friend and treated with respect.

As The Washington Post noted, Rogers taught young children about civility, tolerance, sharing, and self-worth “in a reassuring tone and leisurely cadence”.^[59] He tackled difficult topics such as the death of a family pet, sibling rivalry, the addition of a newborn into a family, moving and enrolling in a new school, and divorce.^[59] For example, he wrote a special segment that dealt with the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy that aired on June 7, 1968, two days after the assassination occurred.^[60]

From the Fred Rogers Production Company site: Fred Rogers saw the potential and possibility of media to help children explore the world around them, with special emphasis on their social-emotional learning. His impact—and the impact of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood—is still felt today in the hearts and minds of children, families, and professionals who continue to be nurtured and inspired by his timeless wisdom.

Check their site out for more information and more children’s media. Really cool site! Click here

Mr. Rogers made such a strong impact on me. Were you his neighbor? Did he make an impact on you? Are you making an impact on others?

Let us pray…

Fabulous Mr. Rogers, we still love you!!

Almighty Father, You have created and gifted and led so many of your children to help others. You sent Fred Rogers to impact many, especially the most precious of all, our little ones. Teaching the little ones, change the world. Thank you Father. Amen