I Heard the Music in Cuba
by Brian Kaylor, Communications & Engagement Leader
I heard the music in Cuba during a Churchnet delegation to a meeting of Cuban Baptists in October. Everywhere. In church while gathered for worship, in hotel lobbies while seeking a Cuban coffee from the bar, in restaurants while dining on Caribbean treats, and on streets while going for a stroll. The island itself practically seemed to pulse with music, particularly the two-three beat that grounds most of the tunes.
I must admit I even did a little dancing in Cuba. I only admit it since photographic evidence exists thanks to my Churchnet colleagues acting like the paparazzi as I tried out some Cuban moves. As they say, “when in Rome …” Well, I’ve never been to Rome so I don’t know what the Romans do. But I quickly learned that when in Cuba, you dance with the Cuban Baptists. I also learned that I shouldn’t quit my job in hopes of a dancing career!
One member of our group said in my defense, “Those who dance are called ‘loco’ (crazy) by those who don’t hear the music.” During the week I spent in Cuba, I heard the music. For a week afterward, I returned to the island nation in my dreams, with the addictive music laying the soundtrack. I bought a beautiful hand-carved clave to continue to make my own music. I also picked up some other hand-made instruments for my son and nephew.
In the last two months, I have often thought of my new Cuban Baptist friends. They impacted how I view their beautiful nation and the global Christian family. Although separated by a physical distance of only 90 miles, the U.S. and Cuba remain worlds apart politically and culturally. We traveled to Cuba to demonstrate we will not allow national borders or politics to divide us from our Cuban brothers and sisters. As the Bible says, we are united with “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” We celebrated that the baptismal waters run deeper than national allegiances.
I heard the music in Cuba. Not just the peppy beats and soulful tunes, but also the people’s faith, hope, and love. I will cherish those memories and lessons. Their music will stay with me, enriching my own spiritual journey. As one anti-embargo billboard in Havana declared, “You can take our instruments, but you can’t take our music.”
"As the Bible Says, We are United with 'One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.'”