If you stop in my office you will see that I am a big Mr. Rogers fan. Fred Rogers was all about inclusion, love, and grace. When you watched his show you always felt like he was looking straight at you and telling you that you are loved. He talked about our feelings (it’s okay to be angry sometimes) and how to say I’m sorry. Most of all Fred, like Jesus, gave us grace – grace to know that when we mess up, we are still worthy of being loved.
I work a few hours a week as a chaplain at a psychiatric hospital for teenage boys who have behavioral/mental health issues. Many of these boys have been abused or neglected and never experienced unconditional love. I lead Pastor’s Group which consists of 4-6 students at a time. We listen to music, learn about Jesus, and pray.
I have had boys say they have never heard of Jesus before or never been to church, yet they come back again and again. Why? Because in Pastor’s Group they are told they are loved by God – no matter what they have done. They are not judged by their past. Each week I try to tell them that they are worthy of God’s love and they don’t have to do anything to earn it. I like to think of Fred Rogers sitting next to me singing, “It’s you I like....” That’s the grace of God.
Blessings,
Becky Boyer was recently hired as Associate Director of Youth Ministry at Westminster. She has vast experience in leading teens to know God through mission, study, and adventure. Becky has served with teens at Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community on the South side, Center Presbyterian in McMurray, and Southwood Psychiatric Hospital. She has a special passion for people with disabilities.
It's You I Like
Written by Fred Rogers | © 1971, Fred M. Rogers
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.