The C Word
So, I am a Cuban. Did you know? I mentioned it here in case you hadn’t noticed. My parents came to the USA when Communism took over in the 60’s during their teenage years, but the shadow of that little island just 90 miles south of my home state looms large over my life. There are rules about being a Cuban kid. Yep. The rules of “Cuban-ness” are firmly ingrained into my psyche. My dad, the Cuban Fred Flinstone in a guayabera, schooled me in the rules. The rules must be firmly adhered to and should never be questioned. In short, the rules are as follows:
Rule Number 1: You must hate Fidel Castro.
Rule Number 2: You must hate everyone who likes Fidel Castro. (This is a big group of people…)
Rule Number 3: You must be able to communicate rule 1 and 2 in both English and Spanish.
Rule Number 4: Everyone who hates Fidel Castro must be respected. This usually means kissing people on the cheek in greeting as you enter and exit a room.
If you are not a Cuban, these rules may seem a bit intolerant, out dated, or even nonsensical, but if you are Cuban kid, you understand that these rules are deeply rooted in pain, passion, and patriotism. You don’t mess with the rules. You will politely kiss an old Cuban man who hates the bearded dictator because you are honoring your family in the deepest way. (Please note the picture above of evidence of my respect for all things Cuban — on my 15th birthday, I donned a big, scary white dress for my “Quinces,” my Cuban “coming out.”)
Now, besides being a Cuban, I am also a Christian. My Savior donned flesh and came to the earth over 2,000 years ago to die on a cross, and the shadow of that cross defines everything that I am. There are rules about being a Jesus Chick, a Christ follower. Yep. These rules of Christian living have been written on my new heart by God Himself. My Heavenly Father, the Creator of this universe, penned a book that points me in the right direction. That book must be firmly adhered to and never questioned. God’s rules for this Jesus Chick are as follows:
Rule Number One: Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul.
Rule Number Two: Love your neighbor (and your enemy) as yourself.
Note: You must communicate rules 1 and 2 in action, not just in word and thought. This requires dying to self.
If you are not a Christian, these rules may seem rigid, naïve, or even impossible, but if you are a Christ follower, you know that the rules are deeply rooted in grace, compassion, and devotion. You don’t dismiss the rules. You will sacrificially extend yourself to pesky people who disagree with you because you are obeying your Savior’s example.
These days, the word “Christian” has almost become an expletive to some. It causes me to wonder — how well are we loving others? Are we obeying the rules? They will know we are Christians by our love.
Q4U: Do you think “Christian” has become the “C word”? How do you live out the call to love others as Christ loved?
My one-word focus for the year is “fruitilicious.” Find out what that means here.
Joining like-minded sisters today at Three-Word Wednesday, Faith-Filled Friday, Thought-Provoking Thursday, Tell His Story, Playdates with God, Hear it on Sunday: Use it on Monday, and Soli Deo Gloria.
Amen and Amen!!
The latter being most important
Thanks, d. I know that you understand the complicated life of a Cuban Christian as well as I do. 🙂
I’ve decided that growing up at DCS has given me a cuban soul 🙂 because yes, I understand every bit of that. and mostly, I don’t understand why people in Minnesota don’t give besitos…
Besitos are good for the heart, Ruthie. You must show them the way… 🙂
xoxo
Lyli, this is very well written! Very thoughtful! Very biblical!!! Thank you 🙂
Thank you, Happy Shoes! As my big sister in Christ, I have always thought that you exemplify both set of rules with reckless abandon. It has challenged me to do the same.
Lily, How precious are your words. I realize that I am not Cuban but I am a Christian and in ways both mesh together. I learned a great respect for the Cuban people first, when I got to know my first Cuban neighbor in the 1960’s and without her knowing a word of English nor I only knew a few words of Spnish we formed a sister bond because both of us were Christians. I wanted her to come to know Jesus and she wanted to be sure that I knew Jesus. Quickly we knew we were sisters in Christ. My second Cuban blessing was getting to teach at DCS fo 15 yrs and came quickly to love our many Cuban students, you being one I always remember. I love following you on FB and seeing a bit of the life you are living for Jesus. Your sweet husband is a blessed man to have such a lovely wife lke you. I love you in Jesus name.
Thank you, Miss Gwen. I will forever be thankful that I came to faith in Christ at a DCS Chapel. What a beautiful story about your sweet neighbor! Isn’t it wonderful how being sisters in Christ surpasses a language barrier?
I am married to a Cuban Christian man, so I can totally relate…
My gringo husband has had quite an education… 🙂
You’ve educated me well. This post reminded me a little bit of that movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding regarding the cultural rules.
My husband says that movie reminds him of the day he met my family — big and loud. 🙂
As a Christian and a Cuban I can relate to all of this 🙂 this was so adorable and of course perfectly written 🙂 thanks for sharing
Thank you, Alice! We are blessed with such a rich heritage — so much to be thankful for!
What a fascinating peek into your life and heritage. (And I’m totally digging that sweet picture!)
Thanks, Jen. The picture is visual proof that Cuban chicks can rock the Farrah Fawcett hair. 🙂
I didn’t know you were Cuban, Lyli! And, my, what a lovely 15 year old! I really like this parallel you draw here. Being a Christian is our family heritage, isn’t it? I live in the Bible Belt, so it’s still ok to be the “C” word around here. I’m so grateful for that.
I don’t have that Cuban look, & I lost the Hispanic last name when I got married. Folks here in Florida sometimes get a shock when I start speaking in Spanish — I have fun with that! 🙂
I love that you are sharing older posts that I have missed for Three Word Wednesday. What a beautiful picture of you. :))) Thanks for sharing a piece of your heritage with us.
Much love,
Beth
I do think “Christian” has become much more of a derogatory term to many. It has become synonymous with intolerance, hypocrites, hatred, prejudice and elitism. Quite frankly because as churches and as individuals, we often act in ways that demonstrate those words. I’m like you, I love words, they have always come alive for me and reading is the best past time ever! But, I know that there have been times for me (and my modern church brethren) when I have made known much clearer with my words what I am working against rather than Who I am working for. The Holy Spirit has skillfully and effectively worked over my heart, growing my understanding and, honestly, my acceptance if the grace that God extended to me through Christ. As that wisdom has grown, my ability to extend grace to others has grown. How can I not? So, my life is becoming more about honoring Him through that extension of the grace He gave me. Happy, happy that I found your blog 🙂
Sweet Marjan! You made my day with your words here. Love you
Girl I had now idea you were Cuban! I want to sit with you some time and hear all about your life! And the way you rewrite the rules? Outstanding!
hi lyli, i was a teenager in ft. lauderdale, FL in 1960 when the influx from cuba started. some of my teen years my parents were missionaries in costa rica, but i was in the US in high school. later i married in ft. lauderdale and lived there some and in miami. in the 70’s and 80’s. my kids spoke spanglish a lot with their friends!
i understand the quince and all the cuban influence in south FL. i was sad to move away. we loved living there with all the variety of caribbean cultures for our kids to enjoy for neighbors, friends and intertwined in the culture:)
i enjoyed this page along with the pages about you:)