Not All Tacos Are Created Equally: A Brief Look at Hispanics and The Church

During an Acts 29 function, I was asked to speak and introduce the context of the Rio Grande Valley to a small group of pastors. Many of these pastors are from large urban contexts here in Texas such as San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas and the majority of our group had never visited or heard of the Valley. Those that did have knowledge of the Valley had gained it from what they saw on the news concerning immigration or had, at some point, taken a short term mission trip down here.

As I began to speak on the culture of the Valley, I made a few jokes on the pursuit of a multiethnic congregation saying that I believed that I had reached my quota by hiring a white guy from Indiana. Afterward, I spent some time speaking on the unique complexity of the term “hispanic.” I shared that this term is really a junk drawer for people from Spanish speaking countries and that not all Hispanics are Mexicans. Apparently, many minds were blown.

NOT ALL TACOS ARE CREATED EQUAL

I think the American church can impose and assume that all cultures are the same. In other words, what works really well in the suburbs of a predominantly white community should work the same if not as effectively in a place such as the Valley, Mexico, or Latin America. It doesn’t.

Culturally, there are many things about hispanic cultures that overlap, but not every culture is the same. Rather than taking the time to learn and invest, much of the American church has confused assimilation for discipleship. This model, for my hispanic community, is quickly sniffed out and the church is rejected.

So, what can the church do?

1. OBSERVE

One of the primary roles of a missionary isn’t to disrupt the rhythms of a people, but to learn them by asking questions, observing people in the daily, and listening carefully. The church is not a religious police, but a royal priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9-10). who, at one point, did not belong to God, but through His mercy they now do. The church must be zealous in doing good while speaking with gentleness and respect.

2. CULTURE

While many areas of hispanic cultures overlap, there are also significant differences in values, morals, and customs in between.

3. LANGUAGE

Many of the Spanish terms coined here in the Valley are non-existent in Mexico and many words in Mexico mean something completely different in Guatemala. When my brothers and I were growing up, our parents taught us four different Spanish dialects. We learned Valley Spanish, formal and proper Spanish, Chilango (a general mix of Spanish from Mexico and Spanish from Chile), and Spanish from Monterrey (speaking ridiculously fast in Spanish. If you know what a fresa is, then you know what I mean).

It’s not uncommon to meet another Hispanic and have zero clue at what they’re saying. For me, understanding a Cuban is one of the hardest things this side of heaven.

4. SOLDADERAS

Often, Hispanic culture is associated with machismo. And to be clear, it exists in many families and it’s toxic. But depending on the country and family, the head of the house isn’t always the man and his “authority” may be limited. When we were growing up, all of the men would gather to execute a big decision for the rest of the family AFTER my grandmother would make the call.

Looking back, it reminds me of a scene in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and while I don’t remember the characters, I’ll never forget what the bride’s mother said to her daughter (a paraphrase), “The man may be the head, but the woman is the neck and she can turn the head wherever she pleases.” I think, when put differently, the men are captains and grandparents are the generals (especially grandmothers).

5. RELIGION

In many spheres of Hispanic culture, religious rites, tradition, and customs can be universal and widely embraced; all without ever having a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. When an individual confesses Christ as Lord and begins to speak of faith and repentance, there is a sense of betrayal toward the family and in many ways, individuals are socially rejected because of the gospel. The fear many Hispanic families have is that those who become Christians are going to assimilate and abandon their cultural identity.

EAT TACOS

If the American church is going to reach Hispanics, then there must be cultural awareness and patience. Hispanics’ love language is quality time and if the church is more passionate about preferences and assimilation and not discipleship and acculturation, then the gospel of Jesus Christ will continue to be resisted.

If you’re a church leader, planter, or just curious about engaging Hispanics then you need to hang out with Hispanics, in the backyard, while eating some tacos.

And here’s a pro-tip: if they start making fun of you, then you’re in.

Trust me.

The Cigar Shop

Over the last several months, I have been asked about my cigar smoking and why I enjoy it. It's been everything from special hashtags on social media to practical joking in conversation. I thought I'd write something short and concise to share my thoughts about cigars. And for the record, I know it may not be for everyone, but it's definitely one of my favorite hobbies.

Also, I wish to share that I don't smoke as often as many think I do. Many of the pictures I've posted have been cigars that I just received in the mail for review or that I've bought- in essence, smokes that I'll eventually get to. Nonetheless, I have been smoking for several years now and I have a passion for cigars. They're my jam. I don't like cigarettes, weed was never an interest, and I don't believe vaping is authentic (another conversation for another time). 

The Experience

Cigar smoking brings several elements. We'll start with the overall experience. It's an art because each cigar has been constructed, rolled, and checked by hand which means they're made with intention. When you decide to toast (light) a cigar it's because you have time. It's not a quick smoke, it shouldn't be. 

When you smoke a cigar you're forced to slow down and take hold of what's been going on. This is the part where you simply reflect on the day or week, enjoy a good read or engage in work while in a great atmosphere, or engage in fruitful conversation with friends. The bottom line is that you have time; something people are quick to forget about and are constantly searching for. 

For a moment, the fast paced culture we're accustomed to doesn't exist.

The great philosopher, Ferris Bueller said it best in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986):

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

Is it Missional? 

Remember, in part, this is about preference so if cigar smoking isn't your things I completely respect that. Where I want to encourage and exhort you is in asking what are you doing to engage your culture? Your city? 

Cigar smoking is incredibly missional because, as mentioned before, time slows down for a moment and people who enjoy cigar smoking at a B&M ("Brick and Mortar" or lounge) appreciate conversation. The cigars are what brings them together and serves as neutral ground so it's one of the best places I have found to talk about Jesus and to share His gospel with those who don't know Him. In my experience, when sharing the gospel at our local cigar lounge, tolerance is replaced with sincere respect and handshakes. 

I am well known at the cigar lounge that's in town and love talking with several of the men who visit frequently. The culture of cigar smoking is unique and not as popular as many think, but it is alive and well. It's authentic. 

So, the next time you find yourself (if you ever do) with an hour or two to spare and the smell of rich tobacco is one that you enjoy, then I encourage you to stay in at your local shop and spend your time wisely, incline your ear, and turn the cell phone off. 

*Spoken Word performed at Logos Community Church | Worship Night

 

G R A C E

An Ill-deserving living sacrificial favor from our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Grace is the favor we receive on the treachery we commit despite already been forgiven.

Grace fuels forgiveness; enables compassion; consumes love; and furthers the Kingdom.

It is by grace, through faith that we have been saved; a gift not a paycheck; purposefully not pitifully.

 

W O R S H I P

Could it be that as a people we have summarized and culturized Worship into music alone?  

I look through the lens of my life and ask the question that no one including myself wants to ask, do I worship God? Is my identity in the working of the church or in the working of my job or is it in the person and work of Jesus alone? 

You see, I will worship what I am passionate about and I can tell you that my time in worship of my Lord is a struggle.

I, like you, whether you like it or not, can plainly see through all His things; evidences of His work; the soundtrack of the gospel in His people; blind people seeing; dead people living.

And I think about what I see and ask if I really see; the gospel is true. 

 

F I N A L L Y

We are receiving a kingdom that is unshakeable; a kingdom of His creation, but are we shakeable? 

The power and majesty of His voice has spoken; the power of His kingdom cannot be shaken; it will not be shaken; there will be no other dispensation; are we shakeable? 

Jesus speaks through this writers telling us the canon of scripture is now perfected, the Spirit of prophecy has ceased, the mystery of God is finished, He has put his last hand to it. 

The church may continue to grow, the church may continue to be more prosperous, but it shall not be altered for another exemption; those who perish under the gospel perish without remedy.

It is through His work on the cross that we see him intricately at work in the lives of His creation; the fear of the Lord; reverence and awe like mary who used her hair like a wash rag to wash the feet of Jesus; giving up so much for this Jesus; could it be that her reverence was a sign that she had seen this Nazarene as the Christ? 

Our God in Christ deals with us graciously and kindly, but is a consuming fire; faithful and true; just and righteous; the sacrifice for our sin; the beauty of justice beyond what was seen when the law was given. 

May we taste his goodness and kindness; a kindness that leads us to repentance; for there will be a day where it will be too late; my friends repent and by grace let us worship God.

“Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.”

— Sam Houston

I wish to begin with a wonderful quote from the film, Selena where Abraham Quintanilla (played by Edward James Olmos) says, 

“Listen, being Mexican American is tough. Anglos jump all over if you don’t speak English perfectly. Mexicans jump all over you if you don’t speak Spanish perfectly. We’ve got to be twice as perfect as anybody else. Our family has been here four centuries, yet they treat us as if we just swam across the Rio Grande. I mean we got to know about John Wayne and Pedro Infante. Anglo food is too bland; yet when we go to Mexico we get the runs. Ours [homeland] is right next door – right over there. And we got to prove to the Mexicans how Mexican we are; we got to prove to the Americans how American we are. It is exhausting! Man, nobody knows how tough it is to be Mexican American!”

THE TENSION

The question of "the hyphen" is of great tension in the United States. It is one that cripples some and confuses others. It is a paradox that questions a sense of belonging and relationship. But I want to be clear and concise: the issue is not primarily social injustice, but identity. Identity is the golden ticket because it gives people value and worth. The problem is that we are constantly looking for value and worth in things that will constantly fail us, most notably ourselves. 

Edward James Olmos' words in Selena are spot on, however. Personally, the tension I feel in being a Mexican-American is that I've either sold out to be successful or pursue further educational opportunities or that I want to be like the white man in my success. People can be jerks. All of the sudden, I don't know anything about the barrios because I have a degree, yet any success is because I'm a minority or as I was once told, "ethnic." English doesn't mean "better than you," raza. And gringos, English is not the official language of the United States not to mention there's no such thing as the language "Mexican." You need a Joya after you get off of the horse you bought from my cousin. 

The tension inside of the hyphen is one of identity, not success. We need to understand this clearly and quite frankly unapologetically. Diana Cardenas writes on the assimilation and acculturation: assimilation is the process of losing one's identity, worth, value, and culture for the sake of another while acculturation is the act of maintaining one's culture and learning and adopting principles from another in order to learn and grow. Regardless on whether you agree or disagree (I actually agree), the purpose of her thought process is one of identity. 

Yes, it is out of my identity as a Mexican that I love carne asadas and Negro Modelo with banda bumping in the background. And yes, it is out of my identity as an American that I enjoy coffee shops, education, and pallet wood decorations.

If the question and tension within the hyphen is one of identity and clearly our cultures (despite success and pride) are failing, then where do we go to have closure on who we are? 

OUR ANSWER

Jesus.

Jesus was an outsider; among his own people. Jesus experienced rejection, was a social rebel, didn't always play by the rules, loved the people, and then we murdered Him. The Catholic church has it right: the bloody portrayal of the crucifixion. The Protestant church understood it: we cannot save ourselves and therefore are in need of a Savior. This means that a part from Jesus Christ, we will only cause further tension to the lack of countless identities.

The entire Biblia is about a people who are unfaithful to a Savior who constantly demonstrates his faithfulness to them. Yeah, that's us, menzos.

Jesus, rather, gives us a new identity; one that despite where we come from or how we were raised is based on who He is. 

REAL ENCOURAGEMENT

Gringos, you need to learn to have parties. Everyone agrees. The language, "Mexican" doesn't exist and this isn't your country, but ours. And social injustice is real, not just something poor people do to get attention. Dia de los Muertos is very real, not an excuse to look cute with vibrant colors. People died, yo. 

Raza, you need to learn to shut up sometimes. You're not fooling anyone when you drink coffee from Starbucks but scream that you're from La Balboa. I would much rather you embrace your low-rider, bumpin' 2-Pac while proudly sipping on your black coffee with 8 sugars. Ya. Callate. 

At the end of the day, amigos, let us turn to Jesus where there is reconciliation and restoration for our cultures and differences. The joy that is found in Jesus is that we're different. It is out of the person and work of Christ that we have identity and our differences are actually what make up the church (a people)! Let us not be ignorant to one another, but burden for one another for the sake of bringing more glory to our Savior; the real immigrant.