By: Marco De Leon
Community is the life-blood of the Rio Grande Valley and while I have spent time in larger metroplexes that can give very practical insights on community, I'm afraid many are inconclusive. It is with confidence that I believe the Valley can provide 2 insights on the importance of community.
Family
The Valley has the lowest average income in the nation with the most children which means we don't have a lot of money, but we know how to have a lot of kids. Culturally, most families live within a short distance of one another, if not in the same neighborhood or complex. The first things you teach your kids are that family is sacred and primary.
In his book, Batos, Bolillos, Pochos, and Pelados, Professor Chad Richardson says it best, "People of Mexican origin in the Valley tend to take the obligations associated with friendship and family very seriously."
In light of what Professor Richardson writes, Jesus says, "My mother and My brothers are those who hear and do the word of God (Luke 8:21)."
Jesus points that being a family means obedience and service. The question is: Does your church family act like a family? No? Then, serve.
Think about it, the difference between a restaurant and a family is whether or not you do something. If you're invested and connected to family, then you're not a consumer, you're a servant.
Parties
Many who visit the Valley will often say there is a lack of bars or clubs. But the simple truth is that everyone is at someone else's house! And no one rides alone in the Valley. We're Hispanic which means we're always in groups and not many venues can accommodate, but back-yards can.
Throughout scripture, Jesus is constantly in community. He is frequently a guest at the family table, crashes a wedding and brings the best wine, always has a group of people with Him, feeds thousands of people (more than once), and then says we're called to do the same.
Luke accounts of the first church in Acts 2:46-47, "Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread together from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people." They broke bread daily. You can't have a party and not break bread.
Jesus Calls Us to Community
Professor Richardson says, "...colonias have certain cultural and structural properties that produce a strong sense of community." The context of this statement is in reference to close relationships established between families and neighbors in colonias; they meet one another's needs.
In the end, the issue is the heart of the individual. Family and community call for a heart filled with humility and vulnerability; the ability to serve and love others while being challenged and exhorted at the same time.
Are you a consumer or a servant? And, when's the party and who are you inviting?
