05/07/2026
Truth.
Pondering Mr. Rogers
I do wonder sometimes what Mr. Rogers would have to say in these troubled times. I’m sure it would be helpful and most likely grounded in doable, human size and yet transcendent love. I’m pretty sure he would have something to say about the impact of the language we use, and the importance of acknowledging our own feelings and the feelings of others. I think he’d be a fiercely loving advocate for how children are faring in this uncertain world and call on all of us to care for the most vulnerable. Maybe he’d speak to the harmfulness (and perhaps spiritual bereftness) of intentional lying and bullying. I imagine he would say that we each contain an inner light wisdom within us, and it is safe to listen to our hearts and lean into our better selves —and that kindness and love will not lead us astray.
Really people, Mr Rogers had it going on—he knew that nurturing children and engaging in good neighborliness wasn’t just a nice idea, it was foundational thinking and I believe very good theology.
I don’t know how to change the whole world, but I do know I can have tremendous impact in how I choose to live my daily life, in how I choose to be in relationship with my neighbors. In these uncertain times, I don’t know how to fix all the things that are broken. But I do know how to mend a tear, reweave a frayed edge, and be a good and generally kind neighbor.
So this week, let us all tap into our own “inner Mr. Rogers”. Let us listen to our hearts and lean into what is stronger, softer and kinder. Let’s start from there.
