Rebuilding in Christ: The Story of Denver’s Silver Cowboy

On the streets of Denver, a cowboy statue stands on a sidewalk busy with foot traffic. Gripped in one silver hand is a plastic beaded necklace. Of those who pass by, only a few pedestrians seem to notice the statue. There are a few double takes—a few who walk past with their eyes transfixed on him, as if waiting for him to move.

When he does move, it's a surprise to the person who has just passed him. She jumps and looks back, her friends laughing at her reaction.

This cowboy is John Casey, and he is a former prisoner.

'A LOT ON MY PLATE'

Years ago, John was arrested after he got drunk and assaulted a police officer after a night out with friends. He was sent to prison for two years, during which time he found hope in Jesus Christ.

In prison, John attended several meetings looking for help—Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Prison Fellowship® classes, where he began studying the Bible.

"I read the Bible, front to back. First time ever," he says. "It was pretty amazing. … Your life starts to change, you know, as you give your life over to God."

After his release, John worked hard and saved his money in order to open up his own restaurant. Everything was going well. And then John's father passed away.

"I didn't know how to deal with it," John says. "I had a lot of stuff on my plate with the restaurant. A lot of money and [I was] trying to grieve."

A relapse was building, but John didn't realize it until it was too late.

When the dust cleared, the cowboy reached out for the one Person who never gave up on him—Jesus Christ.

'I'M READY FOR IT THIS TIME'

"I'm living out here on the streets right now," John shares with Insider. "It won't be for long."

John's working as he can, performing for strangers, trying to make money. And he has a plan: "I'm going out tomorrow to look for another job. Get another chef. And you know, with another year [and] with God behind me, I'm going to open up another restaurant.

"… That first restaurant I opened? I walked in with no money down, just a food order. God blessed me with that. It was very hard, you know, but He'll do it again. And I'm ready for it this time."

A young man sees John is giving out beaded necklaces. He tells his friends he wants one and walks up to John, money in his hand. John gives him a show, moving his arms and body like a robot. The young man laughs and joins him before placing his money in John's case on the ground.

John drapes a beaded necklace over the young man's head. It gets caught on the bill of his hat, and he laughs and leaves it there as he rejoins his friends.