Rev. Danny Fisher

Upon receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002, Fred Rogers, host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, said two things that have stayed with me in the years since I first read them:

I’m always afraid when I talk like that, people will think it’s sappy. That’s probably one of the worst outcomes of the fast, superficial things people are fed. They think that’s the way people should be. I think we’re created deep and simple, and society doesn’t nurture that. Society nurtures shallow and complicated.

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At the center of the universe is a loving heart that continues to beat and that wants the best for every person. Anything we can do to help foster the intellect and spirit and emotional growth of our fellow human beings, that is our job. Those of us who have this particular vision must continue against all odds. Life is for service.

Mr. Rogers is one of my professional and personal heroes and I intend to honor what would have been his 80th birthday by wearing a sweater on March 20th. I hope you’ll join me.

Thanks to Martine for making us aware of this.