We recently returned from a fun-filled, busy week-end celebration of the marriage of my daughter, Rozie and her husband, Marcus in Las Vegas. The actual ceremony was held in the historic Graceland Chapel in the old section of town and included an appearance by “Elvis.”  Amongst the laughter and fun, I was thankful that the minister officiating the vows discussed the seriousness of making the choice to love day in and day out and included a reading from 1st Corinthians 13: The Love Chapter.  From personal experience, I know that it is difficult to keep love alive over the long haul. But if God is placed at the forefront of a marriage right from the beginning, the marriage will be stronger and have a better chance of survival. King Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes that a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken.  When God is intertwined in the relationship of 2 people, their love becomes a mighty cord that will stand the test of time. I pray for Rozie and Marcus, as they move forward together in their lives, that they recognize the Holy in their midst and depend on Him to guide them every day. I know my prayers will be joined with those of other family members and friends to lift them up daily to the Lord.

Las Vegas was quite a backdrop for the events of the week-end behind me.  I am struck by the contrasts in this city of glitter.  The sparkling lights can be intoxicating.  Everything in Vegas is “over the top.”  I loved the beauty of the botanical gardens and the fountains at the Belaggio.  The beaming light from the pyramid at the Luxor is claimed to be able to be seen up in space! The grace of the nimble acrobats of Cirque de Soleil was a sight to see.  Wow!

I met so many wonderful people during our stay. People have settled in Vegas from all over the world, serving those that come here to vacation. Our photographer was from Poland.  Her energy and enthusiasm were amazing. The sweet lady at the front desk of our hotel had lived in Kokomo Indiana at one time when her dad was based at Grissom Air Force Base. I was thankful for the sense of welcome they gave to each one of us.

But it’s sad to see the shear number of people trying their luck in the casinos in every hotel. You can’t go anywhere without passing through them. There are even slot machines at the airport. A group of young men on our plane played cards the whole flight to Vegas practicing their skills for the tables. It doesn’t take much insight to realize that the house wins the great majority of the time or Las Vegas would not exist. Hopefully they did not lose more than they could afford but unfortunately many people do.

My heart went out to the middle aged Latino women handing out cards on the street for “escort” services to whomever would take one. I wondered if they even were aware of what the cards said. Were they that desperate for money to promote prostitution in this way or were they forced into this lifestyle by circumstances beyond their control? Interspersed with them on the sidewalks were costumed characters vying for customers to take their pictures for cash. Darth Vader, Wonder Woman and numerous Minions worked the crowds giving the streets a carnival like atmosphere.

On a busy street corner, a man with a megaphone shouted out warnings of judgement to anyone who would listen as people rushed by.  Yes, Jesus did come to save us from our sin but I have yet to see someone respond to this Good News by words of condemnation. Where are the acts of kindness? Where is love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things? This is the love of Jesus that never fails. I have heard it said before that Christians are the best case for and against Christianity. We often are the noisy megaphone that everyone ignores because we don’t live out His unfailing love in our day to day lives. But I admit, I don’t know this man’s life. I hope with all my heart that he witnesses with a life of love, not just his megaphone.

I can speak of love with my newlyweds but If I don’t live it then I too am nothing but worthless noise. The best encouragement I can give to Rozie and Marcus is to be loving to them and to everyone around me. I can’t talk to them about marriage unless I am an example of compassion and forgiveness myself. Respecting my husband and cherishing him as my very best friend and companion, is the best wedding gift I can present to them this day and all the rest of my life. A strong strand of 3 cords in a marriage is an everlasting witness of the Grace and power of Jesus now and forever.

In Las Vegas, all that glitters is not gold. What appears beautiful, can sometimes be ugly inside. What words would I offer to the people of Las Vegas if I was handed a megaphone?  I would tell them that our God is a God of second chances. First and foremost, He loves and forgives us. Yet, there is sin and it touches us all.  But Jesus offers us a life with Him where there is no more sin, no more tears and no more death.  Human love is imperfect and will disappoint us always but Jesus gives us love that never fails.