This week many former Mississippians traveled south – going home. The ole girl, Mississippi, had called her children home for Christmas. Why did they ever leave, you might ask? Many reasons –it could be the military, education, a job, or just because it seemed the thing to do. But deep down there was a longing to return.

    Many have said things never change in Mississippi – ah, but they were wrong. We Mississippians know the progress we have made, but we also know the good in the State – a goodness that should never change.  Not that we’re perfect, but pretty darn close. Look at the corrupt world – see, I told you. I have often said that Mississippi is located just one block from the pearly gates — easy access when the time is right.

    I am reminded of the great song by Meridian native, Jimmie Rodgers, father of Country Music.

Missing Mississippi and You (in part)

I’m growing tired of the big city lights

Tired of the glamour and tired of the sights

I’m sad and weary far away from home

Missing Mississippi and you

 

    My friend, Jack Davis, remembered his first Christmas away from home. He had taken a job with the railroad which took him to Illinois. Of course, since he was the new man on the job, he had to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Because he would not be home for Christmas, his momma mailed him a fresh baked fruitcake. Jack remembered that he cried with each bite he took.

    Do you remember your first Christmas away from Mississippi?

    Home for Christmas is a well known theme, but for Mississippians the theme is powerful. No one but a Mississippian would understand. It’s like a rescue mission, a keep-your-chin-up to the folks back home. We have always been a social victim – political injustice by those who do not live here is an everyday occurrence in Mississippi. So at Christmas the former Mississippians return to verify that the world is wrong. No, Mississippi is not backwards or ignorant. Yes, Mississippians are wonderful, sweet and God-fearing. What’s wrong with that?

    I heard a new song recently – “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” performed by Tim McGraw and his wife, Faith Hill, from Star, Mississippi.

Meanwhile Back at Mama’s (in part)

The porch light’s on, come on in if you wanna

Supper’s on the stove and beer’s in the fridge

Red sun sinkin’ out low on the ridge.

Funny the things you thought you’d never miss

In a world gone crazy as this

    In my mind this song is about Mississippi – the State who has had to survive as a beloved underdog. However we have continued to live and love, just as we were taught at the knees of our grandparents. It has been the simple things by which we have survived: yes, that red sunset on the ridge, coon dogs yelping in the distance, Saturday night jamboree, dinner-on-the-ground at church, momma’s pecan pie, children giggling as Poppa played his old fiddle, putting flowers on the graves of love ones who have passed, and that first tomato sandwich of the season.

    May we never forget the little things.

    Merry Christmas, my dear Mississippians.