Yesterday I went to see the movie “A beautiful day in the neighborhood”. I had been looking forward to it all year because I grew up watching Mr. Rogers. Surprisingly, it was not a children’s movie, but rather an inspiration for adults about forgiveness and using our words to build others up.
The story was actually about the magazine reporter assigned to interview Fred Rogers and he changed his life after meeting him.
Journalists often have an image of getting the facts without getting emotionally involved. Little did he know when the reporter went to interview Mr. Rogers that things would be turned around and that he would be the one to answer the questions and ultimately have to make the decision to forgive his own father and make amends.
Mr. Rogers was more like a therapist who searched the soul of each person he met to find the heart that needed healing. He was soft-spoken and could see through the tough exterior. He prayed for people by name every night. He loved his wife and children. He loved his community and the viewers. He lived the example he wishes he could follow.
The story begins at a family wedding where the reporter got into a fight with his father, who had a history of alcohol abuse. He had never forgiven his father for leaving the family and his wife who died.
The interview ended up becoming an observation of a sincere soul who touched lives everywhere. The reporter never had a typical question and answer session. He had to follow Mr. Rogers because he was very busy and never gave a straight answer, but he was the one who asked the questions.
Mr. Rogers knew what it was to be teased as a child for being chubby. He remembered crying and wanting to be accepted. As an adult, he used his talents to help children learn to express their emotions in a healthy way.
Although I mean well most of the time, I know I am guilty of not speaking kindly to some people with whom I am frustrated. I forgot the saying, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything.”
I remember times when I felt hurt by the words of others, but I forget those times when I don’t speak kindly about others. We all need reminders from time to time to get back on track. This movie was one of those good reminders.