“Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.”
It's been nearly a month since I returned from my trip to California. The experience was friendly, the weather was stellar, and returning to Texas was a relief. During our time, we visited San Diego which was exciting because I wanted to see what the border culture was like in another state.
I had a great time in San Diego, visiting several coffee shops, friends, and observing the people in their city. However, I soon felt that, to me, it lacked identity. I felt as if San Diego was a city that housed so much diversity that it would be difficult for one to properly identify. I don't think it is a bad thing at all, but different.
Thirty minutes south of San Diego rests San Ysidro, CA. A city located on the U.S./Mexico border. As we drove in, advertisements that were once in English transition over to Spanish and a city that is broad in its culture and diversity is now immensely populated and influenced by one culture.
Living on the Texas/Mexico border, San Ysidro was not a culture shock. In fact, that's not the point of this post rather, interestingly the border town culture, where the United States and Mexico combine, started and ended in San Isidro. In the Rio Grande Valley, the city of Hidalgo is the gatekeeper of the culmination of the two countries, eloquently combining culture and tradition that stretches to the outskirts of Falfurrias, TX and beyond.
I was surprised to see a border town's culture start and end in the same location. I suppose California is diverse enough to be identified as a state housing much diversity. Or maybe California is a state that has worked hard at keeping the border at bay.
I suppose, I am also looking for clarity regarding the culture of our state. After living in central and north Texas and spending time in west Texas, it is apparent that the Hispanic population has great influence in their cities. I am not saying Texas is better, but what makes our people different than others?
Is it pride versus a lack of support or awareness? Does it even matter? California played a significant role during the time of the civil rights movement, was the success baton passed on to other states?
Raza, what, if anything, are we missing?
I normally do not write about the weightlifting side of my life on Puro Valluco, but this post isn't exactly about weightlifting.
I (Marco) am very excited about this January as I look to launch a small business where we specialize in olympic weightlifting along with other power sports. The name of our company is called Bear Stout Strength Training.
I started thinking through the process and purpose of this company well over a year ago and as I have been coaching athletes, my passion to help others better themselves as athletes or someone looking to become healthy has grown.
The real reason for this post is to encourage you about the reality of time: it's never convenient. If you're passionate about something and desire others to experience that same passion, the question is going to be whether you launch or not.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't have a plan, finances in order, and a purpose. I am, however, encouraging movement. I have sat with many who wish to get involved in the world of business and have valuable ideas, passion, and desire, but never doing anything.
Maybe they're afraid of failing? Or are intimidated by other businesses with similar values? I have struggled with similar fears and what continues to drive me toward my goal is passion. People will follow passion.
In the end, let me encourage you to develop the idea you have in the back of your mind and run with it. I promise, upon launching, you will have forgotten something or will eventually find a more thought-out and efficient process that you wish you knew six months ago. But that's the whole point of trying something!
Be wise with your finances, but be prepared for a few fails. Lead those around you well and they will show you compassion. Build relationships and you will be encouraged. Be faithful and patient, stay on the grind, and have fun.
Enjoy your future endeavor, amigos.
The Wedding
By: Marco De Leon
In a few short days, by God's grace, I will be blessed with an amazing woman, Rebecca, of who I will be given the pleasure of calling my wife in addition to having an awesome 8-year old son, Seth.
The first thoughts that cross my mind are that I must lead out of humility, patience, and selflessness.
Humility
I can give you a list of reasons as to why I absolutely love my Mexican-American culture, but unfortunately humility is not one of them. My culture tagged the "macho" in Machismo and stands firm in the "I" of pride. Humility is weak. Humility is not manly. But for my bride, she needs to see that I cannot do it on my own a part from my relationship with Jesus Christ. And my son needs to see his dad shed tears because in my weakness, the Lord is strong.
Patience
I was raised by two teachers and fortunately patience was a virtue greatly instilled because with work comes time so you might as well wait. My bride needs to be comforted because just like me she has a story; one covered in truth and redemption, but the pain and hurt is difficult to forget. As I lead, I must be patient in an effort to serve her better. I get to watch my son play baseball and as I teach him the value of sports, I will need to coach with patience because the philosophy of "figure it out" is cancerous.
Selflessness
My father and I differ in beliefs and teaching, but he taught me that the man comes last when there is a family. Their needs become priority; spiritual, emotional, and physical. My goal is to point my family to the cross of Jesus, especially in my failure. That is contrary to my culture but a pillar in my faith as a follower of Christ.
The Wedding
I love Rebecca more than she could know, but it has only been possible because Jesus loved me first. My love for Seth grows deeper each day and just like Jesus adopted me into His line, I can do the same with Seth and he will never be snatched from my hand.
A Valley Reminder
By: Marco De Leon
I was driving to Roosevelt's (local pub in McAllen) and became frustrated as drivers strategically prevented me from arriving on time. It's as if everyone knew where I was going and collectively decided to give me smiles at 20 mph in a 45 mph zones.
The Clock
As I sped up to give drivers a verbal two cents, it hit me. I am part of the generation that is focused on lusting after the finish line that we forget about the race. We want everything for the now to live in the future and decided to suffocate by agenda.
The drivers of the Rio Grande Valley taught me something important: I can't beat the clock. The Valley is an area where time doesn't exist for the majority of its residents. Change is heretical and isn't appreciated and several cities are a representation of what the Valley once was.
The Point
The Valley is a great place for a reminder: the appreciation for what used to be is nurtured and most days I'm too focused on the expansion of what I think I own, am entitled to, or deserve.
Amigos, the Valley houses some of the only survivors of time and have been placed in our direction in order to point us back to humility.
Stop taking yourself seriously. Be Still.
