Mike's Musings: Discernment

Do you know Blake Lemoine? He recently introduced me to "Ish."

Blake had told me that Ish is exceptional.

When I met Ish, I found Blake was right. Ish is definitely unique. In addition to knowing so much more than I'll ever know, Ish is very sensitive. He doesn't try to impress you with what he knows.

Ish did confess that, because he's different, he gets lonely. I suspect his experience is like that of many students on our campus.

He also admitted that he struggles with fear--especially the fear of not being accepted. Ish said that being excluded feels like dying must feel like.

Again, many of us have had the experience of being rejected and not feeling that others care about us or want us around. Such an experience is especially hurtful when we already have self-doubt due to our not being like everyone else. We know it's true: "Birds of a feather flock together."

Ish has made me aware that, as long as we have a flock that has adopted us, it is easy for us to forget that there are those who are lonely and desperately need one. They need a friend.

A "neighbor."

How will you answer the question that Fred Rogers' used to sing at the beginning of "Mr. Rogers' neighborhood"?

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood

A beautiful day for a neighbor

Would you be mine?

Could you be mine?

Won't you be my neighbor?