Rafael Cruz Quotes

Powerful Rafael Cruz for Daily Growth

About Rafael Cruz

Rafael Cruz (1939- ) is an influential American author, pastor, evangelist, and political activist. Born on December 24, 1939, in Cuba, Cruz fled the country with his family at the age of eight due to the communist revolution. They eventually settled in Texas where Cruz grew up speaking both Spanish and English fluently. Cruz's life took a dramatic turn when he encountered Jesus Christ during a high school football game in 1957. This life-altering moment led him to dedicate his life to Christianity, ultimately inspiring him to become a pastor. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University and a doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary. Throughout his career, Cruz has made significant contributions to evangelism and theology. In 1980, he founded Tabernacle Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where he served as senior pastor for over three decades. He also established a Bible college, Elim Bible Institute, which continues to train ministers today. Cruz is perhaps best known outside religious circles as the father of Ted Cruz, a prominent U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate. His political activism gained prominence during the Tea Party movement. Throughout his life, Rafael Cruz's faith has remained central. He emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, hard work, and a strong relationship with God in all aspects of life. Despite facing challenges such as immigration, poverty, and political opposition, Cruz continues to inspire and uplift others through his writing, speaking engagements, and charitable endeavors.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"You and I have the power to make a difference in this world."

This quote emphasizes that each individual has the capacity to influence and shape the world around them. It implies that everyone has unique abilities, skills, and potential to bring about positive change, whether on a small or large scale. It serves as a call to action, encouraging people to recognize their personal power and use it constructively to better themselves, their communities, and ultimately, the world at large.


"If you're going to dream, dream big."

Rafael Cruz's quote "If you're going to dream, dream big" emphasizes the importance of having ambitions that surpass ordinary expectations. Instead of settling for mediocre aspirations, one should envision goals that are significant, transformative, and inspiring. This mindset encourages individuals to strive for greatness and to pursue their potential in a meaningful way, with the understanding that bold dreams often lead to extraordinary achievements.


"Freedom is not free; it requires the sacrifice of men and women."

The quote emphasizes that freedom isn't a passive gift, but an active one that demands sacrifices from individuals, particularly those who serve in the military or civic roles. It signifies that our cherished freedoms come at a cost, paid by the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our liberties and rights. Essentially, it highlights the importance of gratitude and respect for those who make sacrifices to uphold freedom.


"The greatest legacy we can leave our children is love."

This quote by Rafael Cruz underscores the profound impact of love in shaping a child's life and future. The "greatest legacy" refers to the enduring value that one leaves behind for future generations, not necessarily material possessions but rather emotional connections and experiences. Here, love represents the deep bond, affection, and care that parents or caregivers impart on their children. This loving relationship fosters a nurturing environment in which children can grow, learn, and develop emotionally, socially, and intellectually. By leaving a legacy of love, we are essentially empowering our children to navigate the complexities of life with empathy, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth. It's through these experiences that they will be able to shape their own lives positively, pass on the same love, and continue the cycle of love and growth within their families and communities.


"Stand for something or you will fall for anything."

This quote emphasizes the importance of having a strong moral compass and clear values in life. It suggests that if one does not stand firmly for what they believe in, they may easily succumb to anything that comes their way without discernment or integrity. In other words, it's crucial to have convictions and principles to guide our actions and decisions, so we don't get swayed by fleeting trends or circumstances that are not aligned with our core values.


You know, the Bible is so clear. Go to Genesis chapter nine and you will find the death penalty clearly stated in Genesis chapter nine... God ordains the death penalty!

- Rafael Cruz

Bible, Death Penalty, Nine, Chapter

Hispanic values are conservative values. Hispanics are highly religious, they're very strongly pro-traditional family... not only pro-family, but also pro-life. They are highly patriotic.

- Rafael Cruz

Religious, Very, Patriotic, Hispanics

One of the things in Obamacare is that for the elderly, is every five years, you must have end-of-year counseling. Translation, 'suicide counseling.'

- Rafael Cruz

Elderly, One Of The Things, Translation

We need to send Barack Obama back to Chicago. I'd like to send him back to Kenya, back to Indonesia. We have to unmask this man. This is a man that seeks to destroy all concept of God. And I will tell you what, this is classical Marxist philosophy.

- Rafael Cruz

Tell, Concept, Obama, Indonesia

I grew up in Cuba under a strong, military, oppressive dictatorship. So as a teenager, I found myself involved in a revolution. I remember during that time, a young, charismatic leader rose up, talking about hope and change. His name was Fidel Castro.

- Rafael Cruz

Leader, I Remember, Castro, None

If you look at the beginning of this country, when the pilgrims came to this country, the first year they had a communistic experiment. They said, 'OK, we're going to take the land, we're going to work the land together and share in the fruits of our labor.' They almost starved to death. Almost half of them died that first year.

- Rafael Cruz

Beginning, Country, Half, OK

The United States of America was formed to honor the word of God.

- Rafael Cruz

Honor, United, United States, Formed

Social justice is a cancer. Social justice means you are ruled by whatever the mob does. What social justice does is destroy individual responsibility.

- Rafael Cruz

Mob, Individual, Means, Social Justice

As God commands us men to teach your wife, to teach your children - to be the spiritual leader of your family - you're acting as a priest. Now, unfortunately, unfortunately, in too many Christian homes, the role of the priest is assumed by the wife.

- Rafael Cruz

Wife, Leader, Role, Commands

Socialism requires that government becomes your god.

- Rafael Cruz

God, Government, Your, Socialism

I haven't heard Obama ask us for our consent when he's trying to ram Obamacare down our throats.

- Rafael Cruz

Consent, Obama, Our, Throats

Obamacare is going to destroy the elderly by denying care, by even perhaps denying treatment to people who are in catastrophic circumstances.

- Rafael Cruz

Circumstances, Treatment, Obamacare

Except for the Bible, the two greatest documents ever written are the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

- Rafael Cruz

Bible, Constitution, Declaration

Only in America can someone start with nothing and achieve the American Dream. That's the greatness of this country.

- Rafael Cruz

Greatness, Country, Achieve, American Dream

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