By Emi Iwanaga

“From the time you were very little,

you’ve had people who have smiled you into smiling,

people who have talked you into talking,

sung you into singing,

loved you into loving.”

—Mr. Rogers

WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR

Stop accentuating your differences

Rather do reflect on your experiences

Who birthed a smile across your face,

who provided a safe place to speak,

who brought a song to your heart,

who evoked a loving action.

Stop wheeling your forces

Rather do concede to the value of life

Don’t denigrate the smile

Don’t disrespect a voice

Don’t disdain a song in one’s heart.

Don’t scorn love.

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Civility embodied, valued and permeating society

Civility shown, received, given

Civility blooming in our neighborhood,

in our world.

Emi Iwanaga served thirteen years as a missionary in Amazon Valley in Brazil, over 20+ years as a children’s ministry director, women’s ministry director, and pastor’s wife, and is currently a spiritual director.