“Ain’t No God in Mexico”

When my oldest son was about three years old, we lived a few blocks from his Grandma and Granddaddy Dean.  They were in their early 50’s and Granddaddy was still working.  Grandma and Brian spent a lot of time together.  She called him her “sweet boy” and he loved spending time with her.  This was before they started playing Putt Putt Golf and other more physical activities.  Brian loved books and so did Grandma so they would often spend the afternoon reading.  During this time, Grandma and Granddaddy started going to Hollydale Methodist Church and asked if they could take Brian to Sunday School.  Of course he was anxious to do anything with them and he enjoyed it and made lifelong friends.  Not too long after that, Bill and I joined Hollydale Methodist and I too have many good memories and still stay in touch with some of the friends we made during that time.

Grandma bought Brian a children’s book of Bible Proverbs and she would read it to him.  Later when he learned to read, he would read it as well.  There is a picture of him at about six sitting in one of the ladder back chairs (which I think he now has in his home) reading this particular book.

While Grandma was working on his Religious/Christian education, his Dad and I were filling in some of the more worldly secular information, which has contributed to who he is today.

We were really into Country Western, particularly “outlaw” music and we would often see Waylon, Willie, Johnny Cash and Doc Watson before they were so famous.  We bought a lot of music on vinyl and a console stereo which we were apt to play very loud quite frequently.  Not everyone shared our love of loud honkytonk music blasting away on a warm spring afternoon.  I remember one neighbor in particular who would call and ask if we could please turn town the volume as she was not enjoying our music.  We later became good friends with this neighbor and laughed about it as we became a little more toned down.

One afternoon, Brian was visiting Grandma.  I don’t remember the exact occasion but I know I was not there.  They were talking about God and Brian with his sweet innocence asked “Grandma why ain’t there no God in Mexico?”  Grandma must have been shocked and she reassured him that God was everywhere and asked where did he get an idea that God was not in Mexico?  Apparently his answer was “it’s in the song”

Shortly thereafter, I received the call and the first question was “to what kind of inappropriate music is this innocent child exposed?”  When she told me the story, of course I laughed and said, it is a Waylon Jennings song that we play quite frequently.  As I recall, Grandma was not amused and cautioned me about being careful what I allowed Brian to listen too. 

This week, when I read about the Americans that were abducted in Matamoros, the song “Ain’t No God in Mexico” immediately ran through my head.  Because of the line “when you are down in Matamoros” I knew exactly where that was.  I had looked it up in the 70’s.  Because I lived in Georgia at that time, I had no idea I would move out of the South or ever go to Mexico.  I was in my early 20’s and very sheltered and naïve.  I was very unaware of what went on in other parts of the country or the world.

It has been over fifty years since that time and I have lived in the West for almost thirty four years.  I have been fortunate to visit different parts of Mexico.  I have extended family, whom I care very much about, that are from Mexico and live there now. I feel fortunate to have been able to visit with family and see the everyday Mexican life and as well as the tourist part of Mexico.  I have found the Mexican people to be warm, friendly, kind and very patient, especially with an old American woman who speaks only a few words of Spanish.  I have been to large cities and small villages and have found the residents proud of their country and history.  It is a beautiful country with fantastic architecture and historical sites. 

Recently, several people have asked me if I am afraid to go back to visit.  Some have even asked me not to go as they feel it is not safe.  I am planning a trip soon.  I would not go to a border town and of course I do not go out at night, drive or go outside of tourist areas.  I travel with people who know the areas, speak fluent Spanish and in most cases, live or have lived in the areas I visit. 

Of course, there is still some risk but there is risk in everything we do.  I am hopeful to keep making memories in this beautiful country and I have Grandma’s reassurance that Waylon is wrong, God is in Mexico.  I will pray for His protection and blessing for me and the Mexican people.

If you missed the 70’s, I suggest you listen to the album by Waylon Jennings “Honky Tonk Heros”

Adios Amigos!  See you soon!