“You can’t really love someone else unless you really love yourself first.” (Fred Rogers)
From 1968-2001, a Presbyterian minister named
“Fred McFeely Rogers” decided a quality children’s television show was needed
that didn’t focus on the violence of the day, but was educational, and was
primarily concerned with the inherent value of children in their world. To
children of all ages (throughout the years), Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, became a safe friend and a regular
viewing habit on public television.
Mr. Rogers began each episode by changing into one of his
cardigan sweaters and tennis shoes while singing the show’s theme song, “Won’t
You Be My Neighbor?” He then addressed the topic of the day, and taught
children lessons like getting along with others, feeling good about themselves,
and dealing with their fears.
The hope of all parents is that they can provide their
children with a positive self-image so that they can one day grow into
responsible, well-adjusted adults (despite the challenges in life). Below are
the lyrics of two lesser known songs from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Your
heavenly Father agrees with Fred Rogers that you are a person of extreme value.
Do these children’s songs agree with what you (and others) believe about you as
an adult?
“I Like You As
You Are
I like you as you are
Exactly and precisely
I think you turned out nicely
And I like you as you are
I like you as you are
Without a doubt or question
Or even a suggestion
Cause I like you as you are
I like your disposition
Your facial composition
And with your kind permission
I'll shout it to a star
I like you as you are
I wouldn't want to change you
Or even rearrange you
Not by far
I like you
I-L-I-K-E-Y-O-U
I like you, yes I do
I like you, Y-O-U
I like you, like you as you are
“It’s You
I Like”
It's you I like
It's not the things you wear
It's not the way you do your hair
But it's you I like
The way you are right now
The way down deep inside you
Not the things that hide you
Not your toys
They're just beside you
But it's you I like
Every part of you
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings
Whether old or new
I hope that you'll remember
Even when you're feeling blue
That it's you I like
It's you yourself
It's you
It's you I like
Fred Rogers said: “What interests me so much about the characters of the Bible is that they
make mistakes, but God uses them anyway in important ways. Nobody's perfect,
but God can even use our imperfection.” Our heavenly Father often
uses what we consider of little value in our life to make a
big impact on someone else. To allow God to work this way requires that we be
volatile (and authentic) with those around us. Are you willing to be the
miracle from God that someone desperately needs? [i]
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