Love Thy Neighbor - The Rev. Melanie W. J. Slane

When I was a child, my Yaya used to tell us that our Halloween costumes are supposed to scare away the devil. So, the more terrifying your costume, the better. But still, in the midst of it all, I had this overwhelming feeling of being surrounded by terror. It felt like more than just a children's game. Just then, a familiar tune played in my head. "Let your little light shine, shine, shine. Let your little light shine, oh my Lord. There must be someone down in the valley, trying to get home." And I looked up, and beyond the chaos, I saw something that I didn't know I was searching for. In the midst of a people hiding behind masks with weapons in hand and psychological terror in mind. A beacon of light showed up in the form of a red sweater. While most other people there chose to dress as werewolves and wizards, this neighbor decided to dress as one of the most iconic childhood heroes of my generation. Standing right in front of me was none other than everyone's favorite Presbyterian minister, Mr. Rogers. Tyler had the costume down to a tee. The khaki pants, the blue sneakers, the salt and pepper hair, and a little lapel pin of the friendly face of Fred Rogers, just in case anyone was confused about who he was dressed as. I couldn't help but think, if the devil is frightened by anything at all, it would be this, a warm heart, a kind face, a welcoming word, and a cheerful embrace.