I grew up in Miami where over half of the population lives with their hearts in two countries. You see, in the early 60’s my mom got on a plane with just two sets of clothes in her suitcase and fled the only home she’d ever known to find freedom.
My mom finished high school in the United States, earned a college degree, owns a home, pays taxes, and votes in every election. She speaks fluent English with a heavy accent, and she passed the citizenship test decades ago. She loves shopping at Walmart, and we eat turkey and sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving.
We are American.
But if you visit my mom’s for dinner, you will get a tiny thimble of very strong coffee after the meal. Every December, we celebrate Christmas on the 24th – which is “Noche Buena” – with mojo roasted pork, black beans, white rice, and yucca.
I am Cuban.
Eight years ago, I married a nice American man, and now my last name is Dunbar instead of Lopez. If you look at my picture, you might not suspect my true heritage. But I must confess, I dream in two languages.
My parents are incredibly thankful to reside in America, but they will always live with a restless longing for home. And they carry on many of the customs of their homeland to this day in exile. Cubans are kissers, for example. If we ever meet in person, I must warn you that I might not be able to resist the urge to give you a kiss on the cheek in greeting. I was schooled in this important custom as a child and expected to give “besitos” to welcome every guest who entered our home. My American friends like to simply shake hands, but Cubans embrace.
You, my friend, are also a dual citizen. Your feet may stand on earthy soil, but your home is in heaven.
In his epistle to the church at Philippi, Paul challenges Christ followers to steward their dual citizenship effectively. During our time of exile on earth, we must confess that our hearts long for heaven. Our conversation should be marked by a decidedly Christ-like accent. And while we may adopt some of the customs of this world, our lights should shine brightly for Jesus even as this broken world grows darker.
My parents may never return to their homeland, but I can assure you that every person who puts their faith in Christ for forgiveness of sins will see Him face to face in heaven one glorious day very soon. Paul says we are to eagerly await Christ’s imminent return. The word picture created in the original Greek text is the idea of standing on tip-toe with your head and neck thrusted forward in anticipation.
Our Rescuer is going to return and set every detail right. It could be today. Wouldn’t that be amazing?
In a flash of glory Jesus is going to show up on earth to take His children home. We will leave behind weariness and pain. We will say goodbye to disabilities and disease. Our sin-wracked bodies will completely transform into perfect trophies of His grace.
Are you longing for home, friend? Rest in the promise that the King of kings is coming soon. In the meantime, we can share our love for Jesus and invite others into His embrace. Someone in your circle of influence needs to hear your heavenly accent more heavily today.
As we head into the holiday season, let’s share a strong dose of Jesus with our seeking friends who desperately need a Savior.
Keeping the Faith,
Lyli
Lyli Dunbar enjoys karaoke in the car with her husband, digging into Bible study with the girls, and reading 12 books at a time. A writer, speaker, and mentor, her burning passion is to know Jesus and to make Him known. Join her at lylidunbar.com to find fuel for a wildfire faith. You may also connect with Lyli on Facebook, Instagram,Twitter, You Tube and Pinterest.
Oh Lyli, friend your words spark new hope in my heart today. Also a smile on my face since we’re a Salvadoran-American family living in the Middle East. Just got to spend 3 days on a retreat with friends from a beautiful church in Madrid. We are all citizens of heaven, indeed!
Love you, friend. May God bless you as you flesh out your dual citizenship overseas.
may grace of God be upon you with your family and all your friends over there
I’ve got dual citizenship today! I’ve got a Venezuelan passport (expired today and need to renew it) and an a American one. Thanks to my parents, family and friends, I’ve enjoyed learning US traditions and have maintained some Latin ones along the way…I’ve been acculturated over the years. I’m very fortunate to be bilingual! Most importantly, my true citizenship is in Heaven and one day I️ will be going to my eternal home and will be reunited with my loved ones and see Jesus face to face? I’m just passing thru… I’m 50 years old today and my life is just a ‘dash’ so I️ plan to make a difference while I’m here ALL for His glory!
I turned 50 in August, Adriana. The days go faster the older I get. Thanks for this reminder to make every day count. Un abrazo fuerte, Hermana.
Beautiful. Your words brought me to tears. Good ones. And your call for our Heavenly accent to come out more heavily… just wow. This is such a lovely reminder. That our accent should be recognized so others know without a doubt where our home is. Thank you Lyli. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Aw, I am so glad that you were touched by this offering, Jennifer. God definitely spoke to me about how my voice should be recognizable as His during the study of this chapter. I think Paul was passionate about communicating this subject to Timothy in our last study, and here again in Philippians, I am hearing the same thing. Be bold and get the Word out.
Beautiful post, Lyli. Love the analogy between your parents Cuban heritage and America. Yes, my feet stand on earthly soil, but my citizenship is in heaven. Hallelujah! Thanks for this reminder!
Love this post and the nod to multi-ethnic families and cultural diversity. You provided a great visual for meals we consider our Kingsom citizenship.
You’re Mexican-American sister from Michigan!
Besitos, Julia. We just got home from having a Mexican meal in Orlando. God created a beautiful rainbow of cultural diversity in His children, and we have much to learn from one another. Most importantly, we wave God’s banner high. 🙂
Lyli, being a Florida girl, we love the Cuban impact! Florida has been changed for good bc of so many Cuban families. I’m so grateful Jesus has prepared a place for us. ❤
“Someone in your circle of influence needs to hear your heavenly accent more heavily today.” I love this, Lyli! Thank you so much for this perspective.
I would love to receive a kiss of hello from you. We Italians have many traditions too, but no longing to return to Italy. However, I look forward to finally stepping into heaven.
My best friend — who is Cuban — recently married into a lovely Italian family, and we’ve noted many similarities. Perhaps we could plan a field trip for our LGG group to Italy. (A girl can dream, can’t she?) —- It’s a joy to study the Word with you, Deb. What a blessing to know we are all His children with our own uniqueness that points to Him! xo
Lyli this is a powerful post! I love the example of your family. I really felt it as I continued to read! Thank you again it’s a wonderful way to start my day with Jesus and your post!
Glad you were encouraged, Sue. Hugs
Sweet, sweet, sweet. Lyli, what an encouraging piece. Yes, let’s give ’em a dose of Jesus.
He’s better than cafecito any day! xo
super post – will share:”Someone in your circle of influence needs to hear your heavenly accent more heavily today.” praying my accent will come through loud and clear throughout the holidays!
Bless You Lyli
Que Dios la Bendiga, God Bless You Lyli
Thank You, all of you for this blessing you give us in friendship and study.
Bendiciones, Amiga. One day we will stand in heaven and worship Him with every tribe and tongue before His throne. Won’t that be wonderful?
This reminds me of a quote in The Last Battle, the last if the Narnia books by C. S. Lewis: ““I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it til now. The reason why we loved the old Narnia is that it sometimes looked a little like this.” That not quite at home feeling we have in this world is because we’re not there yet! But may our lights shine for Him so that as many others as possible will find it, too.
Love that, Barb! Thank you for sharing it. I do think that we will always feel a little restless until we see Him face to face.
Ah yes… I love this! That Heavenly accent that just sounds like home!!! May we all be fluent and outspoken, dripping with love and grace and welcome!
This is such an encouragement Lyli – to keep our eyes on heaven but live our purpose here. As we gather with more family and friends in the next month, it is so important to reach out in love – the Lord’s native tongue. Great reminder to be on the lookout!
I love hearing some of your story and being pointed back to the Author of it all. And I have absolutely loved studying Philippians with you, my friend. xo
Being an American missionary in Eastern Europe, your words warmed my heart, made me laugh and challenged me to make sure my heavenly accent is being used heavily today in the midst of my circle of influence. Encouraging words, thank you. My English speaking friend from Moldova and I are learning more about Philippians and ourselves through this study…even as seasoned believers. 🙂 Blessings!