Category: Belief

Was Mr. Rogers a hero?

Was Mr. Rogers a hero?

I’m sure there are many differing opinions about Mr. Rogers and the recent movie about his life played by Tom Hanks, however, I believe he was much more than a hero.

I grew up watching Mr. Rogers Neighborhood as a child and appreciate the way he helped children understand their feelings and the world around them. As an adult, I recall these things that made him different from everyone else:

  • He had a soft spoken voice that was welcoming.
  • He taught us manners and common courtesies.
  • When he took off his shoes and changed his coat it meant that he was purposefully putting away everything pertaining to the outside world and entering another world–his home.
  • He was focused on you (the audience) and sharing something from his heart.
  • He welcomed people who were different from him and tried to understand their culture, their childhood growing up and more importantly, where they were at that moment in time.
  • He taught children how to deal with their emotions, family issues and life in general.
  • He taught us that we were/are good, lovable, and should extend kindness to others.

In the movie, it showed how Mr. Rogers very lovingly, thoughtfully and methodically saw through the tough exteriors of people to get to the root of the issue. I guess you could say in modern terms that he psycho analyzed everyone. There was no screaming, bad or terse words to get our attention, it was the polar opposite. Mr. Rogers taught us why it was important to give someone you are speaking to your “full attention” when speaking on the phone or in person because they were/are important. How I wish for those times today! Don’t you?

At the end of the movie I saw men, women, boomers and millenials crying as the lights came up. It touched them and reminded them of a better time in their life and the world. As for me, I left the movie theatre feeling calm and peaceful. I even slept better that night than I had in a number of days.

In retrospect, I believe America needs another Mr. Rogers for our children and grandchildren to experience. My hope is that the boomers who grew up with Mr. Rogers will take the lessons we’ve been taught through the show and in life and continually pass it on to the next generation. Our world and the people in it are broken and in need of restoration both spiritually and physically.

A Sign from…

*Photo courtesy of South Florida Sun Sentinel

On February 5, 2019, a very, very, large wooden cross washed ashore on Ft. Lauderdale Beach to the delight of beach-goers.  It was 20 foot long, barnacle encrusted and looked like it could have been made from railroad ties.

According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Mary Ann Smolinski, visiting from Michigan said, “It’s amazing. Very spiritual.”  Not long after the tales about how the cross washed ashore and the possibility of its spiritual meaning were heard everywhere.  Some say it was probably from Puerto Rico due to last year’s hurricanes while others believe it is a spiritual sign.  One man was so moved by the cross as a sign that he called his friend and said he was going back to church.

Today the cross now lays behind the Ocean Manor Beach Resort where it took ten men and two ATV’s to pull it ashore.  WSVN reported “Ocean Manor resort Owner Frank Talerico told WSVN he had goosebumps when he learned of the cross and believed it was a sign of protection. He said his sister had been praying at the property that morning after having a bad dream.”

Have you received a sign?  What was it?  Remember, it is what you do with the sign that matters!   So stay alert, read the Word, and pray!