Viva Jesus in Las Vegas

July 17, 2024

I am in Vegas and for the first time I am not being overwhelmed with the oppressive sadness of the always inside, artificial, recycled, false hope giving, substitutional beauty and emptiness of it all. 

It is an incredible lightness of being.  To smile at those who are with and around me. To marvel at all the vibrant colors, shapes and sizes of the people and buildings. To be present … I am aware of this obvious change in me but not how it came to be. I can’t seem to put my finger on how I am different than I once was.

As we were roaming the last days of the Mirage with all its garden splendor, my friend told me she read my book. She asked me where I find Jesus in Vegas. It took me several conversations to finish my answer because there was so much vying for our attention.

There was a constant stream of people hoping for a last big payout promised by the closing casino. The few slot machines left were claimed by the hearty who showed no signs of leaving as they pressed on. It appeared that each machine would go blank and shut down once it vomited up its prize.  So many were already dark and abandoned, slot machines and players alike.

A wandering woman, in both body and expression, walked by us several times. She wore a lovely Derby worthy dress with flowers sewn into the neck line. I admired it every time she passed and finally stopped to tell her how lovely she looked. Her face transformed as only being caught being beautiful can do. It was like her inner light sparked on. She passed several times more with that same smile and nod.

I told my friend that in my experience of loss and trauma, any place of destitution, be it a tragedy, trauma or a place like Vegas, Jesus can be found in the unexpected kindnesses we encounter. He is always especially there. The times of simplicity when our downward gaze is lifted up and off of ourselves. The times when we feel seen for who we are, valued and beautiful.

God uses these sometimes interruptive times to woo us to Him, bringing us to the choice we are always given. Will we choose His fresh, authentic, hopeful beauty or turn our eyes to the artificial, fleeting promise of self sufficiency as we look  elsewhere for meaning. So my answer to her question: Where do I find Jesus in self-acclaimed Sin City? I look for the light of kindness. He is always there.

As I finished what I considered was my inadequately presented theology, my friend summarized my words.  “So it’s like what you did with that woman.”

She stunned me with her words and I was even a bit disoriented. My attention had been focused on giving a thoughtful response. I had not expected my words to be validated so immediately and certainly not by my own self. It took a moment for it to sink in. 
My unexpected kindness to the woman became an unexpected kindness for myself. It was now I who smiled and nodded. My friend had heard not only my words but had seen my heart as well. It’s the ripple effect of a sort. I feel seen and valued which then empowers me to see and value others. This is the way of Jesus.

AMRB/JCIM
Las Vegas in July