OPINION:
In the unfolding narrative of the American experiment, no chapter is more inspiring or urgent than the rise of the Hispanic community an ascent rooted in faith, family, hard work and entrepreneurial grit.
As we look toward securing our nation’s economic future, one truth becomes increasingly clear: America will not flourish economically unless the Hispanic community flourishes economically.
The question of flourishing is both economic and spiritual. In 2 Corinthians 9:69, the Apostle Paul reminds us that “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” This is the logic of the biblical model of flourishing. We “sow” consistent efforts to live lives modeled after Christ, characterized by love, sacrifice, generosity, stewardship and justice. In turn, we reap a flourishing life which is evidenced by peace, hope, joy and love (Galatians 5:22-23).
It is important to remember that biblical flourishing does not necessarily equal being rich by the world’s standards. At the same time, our public policy must not disadvantage those living upright, law-abiding lives from having the chance to prosper economically. That’s why here, in a healthy model of biblical flourishing, we find profound implications for economic policy and community empowerment today.
The Hispanic community, now over 63 million strong, is the youngest and fastest-growing demographic in the United States. Yet for decades, many Latino families have faced systemic barriers to opportunity, from limited access to quality education to redlining practices that blocked homeownership and business capital.
But that’s not the whole story. The other story the one often underreported is the story of resilience, faith and aspiration. It is the story of how Hispanic Americans are starting businesses at a faster rate than any other ethnic group. It is the story of families working two or three jobs to break out of the struggle for survival and build something better for the next generation.
Flourishing, in this context, means enabling families to move from poverty to purposebreaking cycles of generational lack and replacing them with generational legacy. It means unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit of a people who already carry the values that make capitalism work: hard work, perseverance, family loyalty, and faith. This is about restoring dignity, not just creating opportunity for economic flourishing.
What can catalyze Hispanic economic flourishing in the years ahead?
It starts with financial literacy. Without education, resources are useless. People must be trained how to effectively steward money and other assets before they can truly be set free from the chains of poverty.
That is the heart behind the NHCLC’s Financial Health Initiative. Each year, we equip pastors and other Latino leaders with the financial tools and the understanding needed to build secure and sustainable lives. But it does not stop there.
We also equip them to teach and train their congregations. This creates a waterfall of financial stability and networks of mentorship that are already unlocking an economic renaissance in urban neighborhoods and rural communities around the nation.
The training also includes teaching on biblical generosity, which helps to expand the impact of individuals, families and entire communities. The church is called to be generous. A robust understanding of biblical stewardship enables the church to be both a sanctuary and a solution in its communities.
Let us always remember: True flourishing requires policy that honors human dignity and preserves opportunity. It does not happen in a vacuum and should not be treated as such. There is a distinct context that must be accounted for.
Importantly, this context is both national and cultural, so the question becomes “how can we create just and equitable systems that both honestly engage those present national realities and elevate those that the current policy traditionally overlooks?”
Our approach must focus on expanding the circle of blessing, rather than helping the wealthy accumulate even more. It calls for defending free markets, ensuring equitable access and removing regulatory barriers that suffocate small enterprises.
We must not lose sight of the goal: creating a nation where every child, regardless of ZIP code or skin color, can dream audacious dreams and find pathways to make them real.
The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference stands ready to work with every sector government, business, education and the church to create a better future.
The Hispanic community is a promise to be embraced, not America’s problem to be solved. We believe that when Latinos flourish, America flourishes.
This is our moment. Now is the time to commit to sowing generously that we may all reap generously of the promises God has made and so faithfully kept. Let us rise together by faith, through enterprise and for the glory of God.
• Rev. Samuel Rodriguez is president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC).
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