His Mother’s Prayers were answered
At age 9, young Merle Haggard lost his dad. Though their time together was limited, Merle had deep respect towards his old man. He credited his father’s creativity in making a home for the family out of a boxcar. From the outside, it has looked like one of the regular homes in their neighborhood. Despite not being well-off, the Haggard children were well-taken care off without realizing the case until they’re older.
But, children still need a father-figure to look up to. In the absence of his dad, Merle grew up with a rebellious spirit. So, for the following years of his youth, he has been sent to juvenile facilities. His mom, Flossie Mae Haggard, a member of the Church of Christ, earnestly prayed for Merle. Her prayers paid off.
At age 20, Merle spent time in San Quentin State Prison for burglary. The prison life changed him within and music became the love of his life. Soon, he started playing music with his prison band, a mark of a man ready to change for the better. That determination of turning his life around was cemented after hearing Johnny Cash’s concert in 1958. Merle admired Johnny and not long after their first meeting, the two became country music’s twin titans in the outlaw movement.
This must have been the inspiration behind Merle Haggard’s hit, Mama Tried. Indeed, God does not waste the fervent and sincere prayers of mothers.
