Among the many Presbyterians who have roamed the earth and made our world a better place along the way, we have two Freds I admire and respect enormously:

(1) Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: An ordained Presbyterian minister who never had his own church but had a different calling: to do something about children’s television. And he sure did!

(2) Frederick Buechner (pronounced “BEEK-ner”): An ordained Presbyterian minister who never had his own church but had a different calling: to be a teacher and writer of fiction and nonfiction books, essays, and sermons. He did it all in a big way!

Let me introduce you to Frederick Buechner talking about tears in this ~1-minute video clip (1992): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1RLZGtDtrc

See what I mean? He writes: “Whenever you find tears in your eyes, especially unexpected tears, it is well to pay the closest attention.” I take these words to heart.

I highly recommend this book!

My decision to write my own memoir was inspired by reading Frederick Buechner’s Telling Secrets: A Memoir (Harper Collins, 1991). He tells us we all have secrets, “which are both very telling and very important to tell.” He makes the case that “secrets kept buried can cause harm.”

Anyone who knows firsthand that “unspeakable things happen” in your life may also discover taking the “don’t talk, don’t trust, don’t feel” approach can lead to some serious trouble down the road. Again, that’s what happened to me.

Fred Rogers, who I’ve read considered Frederick Buechner one of his favorite writers, is quoted as saying: “You know how when you find somebody who you know is in touch with the truth, how you want to be in the presence of that person?”

Precisely! That’s why I’m drawn to read Frederick Buechner’s body of work. He writes in an extraordinary, thought-provoking manner. His words speak volumes to me when he writes: “you cannot go it alone.” I’m proud to declare myself an enthusiastic fan of his work and gladly join the ranks of those who call themselves “Buechnerds.” I invite you to visit frederickbuechner.com today and take any of his books for a test drive soon.