Hispanic Heritage is rich, vibrant, and multifaceted. My culture, Hispanic culture, offers an array of stories filled with brave, resilient, and tenacious individuals who selflessly contribute to the tapestry of North America while being a diverse community.

Though we stand connected, we are unique, leaving much to learn and celebrate all year round. 

Spanish is spoken in most of our countries; however, various dialects are spoken in different villages and towns, adding another layer of history and beauty to our people. As a community, we are known for being profoundly family-oriented and rich in culinary, musical, religious, and holiday traditions passed down from generation to generation. 

I was born in Antigua, Guatemala. If you’re not good with geography, don’t worry; neither am I. Guatemala is a tiny country found right below Mexico. Most of my childhood and adolescent years were spent with my Abue, my grandmother (short for Abuelita in Spanish), who was also born in Guatemala. She passed down Guatemalan dichos (sayings), which she used to accentuate and explain the point she was trying to make. 

She also shared stories of her childhood filled with traumatic realities that no child should bear, along with her dreams of one day making it to America for a better future. In the early eighties, Aube made it and eventually became an American Citizen with only a third-grade education. She attended night school for years to learn English and obtain her high school diploma. 

However, no matter where we lived – Guatemala, Canada, or Arkansas – Abue always instilled in me the importance of speaking Spanish, keeping traditions, practicing hospitality, cultivating community, and following Jesus.

One of Abue’s most practiced traditions was to give thanks to God no matter the circumstance. Whether her heart was filled with joy or heartbreak, she would always give thanks, especially when celebrating a birthday. 

I waited forever for my fifteenth birthday – my quinceañera. A quinceañera is a coming-of-age celebration for young women to mark the transition from childhood to womanhood. In my mind, this day called for a big, puffy, beautiful pink dress for the birthday girl, many friends, lively salsa and merengue music, and delicious food. However, given our limited finances, I knew that would not be possible. 

But Abue, with her determined nature, was resolute in passing down this tradition. With the help of my father and the church community, I had my celebration. It was a servicio de accion de gracias ( a thanksgiving service) that included traditional hymns and a sermon that spoke to the goodness of God.

It was nothing like the quinceañera parties the other girls had. There was no music and not many friends. Instead of the elaborate pink dress of my dreams, I got an ivory chiffon dress; it was a budget-friendly alternative that matched the simple luncheon held in an old church basement that smelled like mold and mothballs that Las Damas (Ladies in the Church) stayed up late helping me and Abue decorate.The decorations included dollar store balloons, ribbon hanging from the ceiling, wooden tables with cheap plastic pink tablecloths, and tacky centerpieces. 

Despite the disappointment, I remember the sound of laughter filling that old basement as Las Damas cooked together to help make this celebration a reality. Plus Abue’s delicious pavo con arroz (turkey with rice in Spanish) was on the menu — yum! 

It’s also the consejos (advice) that was passed on as we decorated late into the night that I remember most. They told me, La oración lo cambia todo (prayer changes everything), con Dios todo es possible (with God all things are possible), and Nunca estás sola, Ligia, Dios siempre va contigo (You’re never alone, Ligia, God always goes with you). 

Las Dama’s love for me that special day and these words were engraved in my heart.  As I got older, they became the voice of Jesus to me, often my only lifeline when life’s challenges were too much to bear.

It’s the love of Jesus that my Abue and other women in our communities have so intentionally and beautifully modeled for me throughout my life – love through community. Coming together intentionally, nurturing safety in the relationships we are entrusted with. They know that generations to come are not only shaped by traditions but by togetherness. 

To try to encapsulate the stories of our Hispanic community’s bravery, resilience, and tenacity, our rich history, accomplishments, and inspiration in just one month is like trying to cover the sun with one finger, or as my Abue says to this day, querer tapar el sol con un dedo – it’s impossible. But I believe sharing my personal story is a starting point. 

As we approach Hispanic Heritage Month, can I encourage you to think of how you, too, can be the hands and feet of Jesus to a community that desires a relationship with you? Please don’t reduce us to Cinco de Mayo beers after work, Jennifer Lopez, or Feliz Navidad lyrics. Instead, take the time to sit with us, ask honest questions, and listen with your heart without any preconceived notions. Accept this month as our community’s invitation to come together and learn to nurture a safe environment by proximity. 

The generations to come will be greatly impacted by our togetherness, even with the discomfort of our differences.

I want to leave you with the consejos that Las Damas left me with: 

Prayer changes everything, with God all things are possible, and you’re never alone, friend; God always goes with you.

 

Listen to Ligia’s devotion below or on your favorite podcast app!

Leave a Comment