Don’t Blame Me – Mama Tried!

Genesis 3:11-12 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.”

From the beginning of time there has always been a trend to cast blame. When one is caught in sin, it is very natural to point at someone else as the cause for the indiscretion instead of taking responsibility for his or her own actions. Adam and Eve were the first people to try this ploy for getting off the hook.

Eve, deceived by the serpent, ate some of the fruit from the tree that God had forbidden, and then offered some to her husband. Without any argument Adam also ate of the fruit. Sometime later, when confronted by God with their disobedience, Adam tried to pass the buck to Eve. Then Eve, when questioned, blamed the serpent. The facts were right, but the attitude was wrong. Instead of taking responsibility for their own decisions, they tried to cover up their sin by blaming someone else.

On and on throughout the years, many have used this same tactic – escape responsibility by blame casting.

Recently it has come to my attention that the target of much of this incrimination is a person’s mama. It seems that no matter what foolish decisions a person makes the consequences they suffer can be traced back and blamed on the one who nurtured them through their childhood.

Now I have no doubt that upbringing makes a huge mark on one’s future. Attitudes and habits are molded throughout the early years. A mama models life behaviors that influence her children, and love or lack of it can shape a child’s psyche. There are mamas who are not taking their job seriously and causing great damage. But there are others who, despite their own struggles and weaknesses, are trying to do the best they can to raise God-fearing and law-abiding citizens.

When a person reaches adulthood they start making decisions for themselves, and there are many who refuse to listen to wise counsel when it comes. They choose to do things their own way, and the consequences they experience cannot be blamed on anyone but themselves.

Merle Haggard, a country singer legend who recently passed away, got it right in his song Mama Tried. From early childhood the young, rebel antagonist of the song wanted to do things his way. A string of wrong decisions finally landed him in jail without hope of parole at the age of 21. But this unsavory fellow had one redeeming quality. He took full responsibility for his actions and punishment. He didn’t blame his friends, he didn’t blame the victims, . . . and he didn’t blame Mama. He took the blame squarely on his own shoulders with the words . . .

 And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole

No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied

That leaves only me to blame ’cause Mama tried

Now, dear ones, I know that the world’s way of handling sin and its consequences is to find someone else to blame. But that is not going to cut it when you stand before God.

God knows all you’ve been through. He knows the personality you were born with because He created you. He knows your heart and the human tendency towards sin. He knows your mama and the difficulties she has faced. All of us will stand alone before God and take personal responsibility for our attitudes, deeds, and sin. There will be no one else to blame.

God has given all of us a way to be free from the hold that our past has created. He has given us the power of new life brought by His death and resurrection. We will not be able to cast blame. The only acceptable answer to our sin will be, “Yes, I am a sinner, but I have been washed in the blood of Christ and can now stand righteous before You.”

So, my children, next time you even think about doing something that would be wrong or that would get you into trouble, consider the consequences heavily, and make wise decisions as to whether or not to go through with your action. Because when you get caught you will be on your own before God. Don’t blame me, or anyone else for that matter! I am not perfect, but one thing is true – Mama Tried!

Love,

Mama

MAMA TRIED  

by Merle Haggard 

The first thing I remember knowing

Was a lonesome whistle blowing

And a young’un’s dream of growing up to ride

On a freight train leaving town

Not knowing where I’m bound

And no one could change my mind but Mama tried

One and only rebel child

From a family meek and mild

My mama seemed to know what lay in store

Despite all my Sunday learning

Towards the bad I kept on turning

Till Mama couldn’t hold me anymore

And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole

No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied

That leaves only me to blame ’cause Mama tried

Dear old Daddy, rest his soul

Left my mom a heavy load

She tried so very hard to fill his shoes

Working hours without rest

Wanted me to have the best

She tried to raise me right but I refused

And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole

No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried

Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied

That leaves only me to blame ’cause Mama tried

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