There is an urban legend that claims Fred Rogers, more commonly known as “Mister Rogers,” was a former Navy SEAL sniper before he became the beloved television show host many of us remember from our childhoods. It was even said that the decision to wear sweaters each week was made to cover up the numerous tattoos he had acquired during his years of military service.
While none of the above is true, Mr. Rogers did indeed serve his country with incredible honor. Just in a different way. A Presbyterian minister, musician, and tireless advocate,
Rogers pioneered the use of television – an emerging method of that day – to champion education, child development, and values. With Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and without ever compromising his standards, his influence reached millions for over 30 years.
I’ll never forget the sense of wholeness I felt when I finally realized what in fact I really was… someone who could use every talent that had ever been given to me in the service of children and their families.
For over 30 years, Fred Rogers was “America’s favorite neighbor.” Using the gifts, skills, resources, and opportunities he’d been given to make the world around him a better place.
Fred Rogers Institute
While you and I might not have our own television shows, God gives us the same opportunity: to make the world around us a better place, starting with the community where He has placed us and exercising the ways He has SHAPED us.
There is a plaque displayed on the campus of Rollins College in Winter Park, Rogers’ alma mater. For years, he carried a copy of its inscription in his wallet and kept a framed version of it on his desk. It simply read,
Life is for service.