Neighbors are what matter most

I am guilty. On a recent morning as I was on my way to church, the tragedies over the recent past were hitting hard in my spirit. What are we to do? “What can I do?” My heart aches. In this “small town with a big heart,” I noticed on my way to church (a predominantly black church) and in order to get there, I passed parishioners of the local Congregational church who happen to be, on this particular morning, white. It hit me right there, here we are calling ourselves Christians and going into separate houses of worship. Today I felt like saying shucks, I’m not going to my church and go to the white church across the pond, but alas, I reasoned my way out of it. I said to myself, “I have been away from church for nearly two months,” “it was communion Sunday” and “I have no plan if I visited the other church other than being a visitor who was a different color.” So I sit here and write today, these words, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”

There is something about the simplicity of that statement while watching “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” that allows us to lower our guard and meet each other eye to eye instead of, “Are you my adversary?” I pray that the film release of this new movie that portrays Fred Rogers’ life will help promote civility. But the new film doesn’t come out until November. Another movie was released last year, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” (June 2018), that film too portrayed Mr. Rogers and all he brought to neighborhoods across the nation; a slower pace of life that enjoins us to spend time with each other. I believe that we can start right here, ensuring that this will not the next place that these heinous acts occur.

In order to do this we must respectfully face reality and be honest with ourselves. Let us engage in conversation where we can share out fears and concerns as well as share in our celebrations. We can try it for once a month first, then adjust if we need to come together more. I’d rather be engaged in courageous conversation, helping out neighbors and sharing happy celebrations than to pretend. Let’s not be the town that whispers, “We knew soinso was in trouble.” We can start by showing the 2018 movie, followed by discussion. What is needed to make this happen? You! A diverse group of people, of all age groups, to talk about serious issues, to celebrate accomplishments, to promote better understanding, and to help our neighbors where needed. If Please, won’t you be my neighbor?”