Finding Jesus in Las Vegas

Finding Jesus in Las Vegas

light in the darkness

 Las Vegas. A city that reminds you of the parts of humanity that you probably don't want to be reminded of. It is not on the top of my list of places I would want to visit.

However, it's where I found myself last weekend. I had the blessing of seeing the Eagles at the Sphere with my mom, who first introduced me to their music when I was in 7th grade. Ever since then, their music has been with me through so many seasons of my life, and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” is a song I turn to as much as my favorite worship songs. 

The concert itself was incredible and is a night I will remember for the rest of my life. Hearing my favorite songs live at such an incredible venue is an experience I will forever be grateful for. 

During Joe Walsh’s performance of “Life’s Been Good,” a wall of photos hung on a string with clothespins filled the screen. As you can imagine I about fell out of my chair, and of course I had to take a polaroid of it!

Going into this weekend, I felt like I had no time to be away from school. The end of the semester is catching up with me, and it seems like countless projects and presentations are suddenly due. However, sitting there listening to the music and soaking it all in, I realized a weekend away was exactly what my soul needed. People say that time heals all wounds, but I would argue that music has its part in healing too. 

Sometimes, life can feel like Las Vegas. It's dark, it's messy, there are things going on around you that you want to ignore. However, just like Sin City itself, there is beauty and order, and the more you are aware, the more you will find. 

The sky above me, the way the light hits a building, the backlit fountain in front of Caesar’s Palace. These are just a few things that caught my eye that I would consider beautiful.

There have been times in my life where it has been almost impossible to see the good, and I have even doubted if God and His plan is good. Even if you know something deep down, making your heart believe it is a whole different issue.

Even so, God always has a way to show me His goodness. Don’t tell me God does not have a sense of humor when He used Las Vegas of all places to remind me that He is still good. He works in mysterious ways, but these ways are always the best.

Sometimes God uses the mess to reveal His perfect and good character to us. Sometimes He brings people together from opposite sides of the country over a shared love of a band, to remind us that all things truly do work together for the good of those who love Him.

Wherever you are, whether that is a physical location or season of life, please remember that God is still good, and He is always eager to share His goodness with those who are willing to notice.

~emma cora