I got to thinking tonight about the people I've had the opportunity to get to know here in Vegas. The few in particular I had in mind are Las Vegas natives....born & raised here.
Now it's no secret this is not my home, nor will it ever be. But after some consideration, I think I need to start looking at things from a different perspective. I'm always so focused on the things I wish were different here. For instance, I hate the fact that there is a billboard or four on every corner in this town, advertising everything from when & where Donny & Marie will performing to when & where the upcoming auditions for some new strip tease show will be held. Not to mention scantily clad women, if they're even clad in anything! That really gets under my skin!!
Okay, I can see I'm headed in the opposite direction of where this was meant to go, so I think I'll go back to where I started with this thought....the people.
The few people I know who were born & raised here are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. They are talented, smart, faithful, kind, helpful....I can't say enough good things about them. They are the kind of people I am proud to associate with. So, in a place where sin is so prevalent, how did they wind up this way?
Two of my children were born here. Whether or not they're raised here is up to the Lord. I find myself thinking about how these friends were raised here & managed to stay on the right path in their lives.
It makes sense that where there is much sin, there is also great faith. I think our valley is overflowing with it....faith, that is. I've lived places where the atmosphere is so different from here. Small town, mid-west, USA. I can see how the lack of sinful opportunities can sometimes lead to apathy. Thinking about it, it seems like a place like Las Vegas can be an opportunity to grow ones faith. There can be no fence-sitters here. Either you choose to follow our Savior, or you don't.
I like that about Las Vegas. As for the rest, I still wish things were different, but I will take what I can get. And stronger faith isn't a bad trade off for a few offensive billboards. :)
Cali trip
4 months ago
4 comments:
I lived in Boulder City from the day I was born til I turned 18 and went off to college. When I would tell people that I was from the Las Vegas area they always ask so did you go to the strip all the time? They are surprised that the answer in no, we never went there. The next question is, what did you do for fun? I hung out with my friends, we made our own fun. I don't like the rap that Las Vegas area gets, because you are right there are good people here.
Shannon, I was born here too, and yes some of those things that are offensive do bother me, it's hard to ignore them, esp when you can't cover your child's eyes all the time! Despite that, I think Vegas is a great place to raise a family, you can do it so much more black and white...it's so much more obvious of what NOT to do; I think it helps when it comes to those teaching moments with your kids. I remember walking through casinos to get to a resturant for a family dinner and watching my parents not gamble and that sort of thing was a really good example to me. Good luck though, it still is hard sometimes!
Las Vegas isn't so bad!! I know it is just because I am from here, but the things that everybody hates about it, I don't even notice. It is all about how you raise your kids, the where doesn't really matter!! But even if it is for the moment, I am glad this is your home!!
I love your thoughts on this, Shannon. I'm glad to be back in my hometown, but Las Vegas was good to me. I do think it's harder to be apathetic in Vegas, so the church is strong, and my testimony grew from almost nothing to much, much more there. Truly Vegas is home to some great souls, many of whom I'm glad to call friends.
By the way, I'm glad to hear Onala's expecting. She has always struck me as a truly kind person and a wonderful mother.
Post a Comment