More
than a decade ago I had the privilege of working the lead
singer of the band U2, Bono. He was working with President Bush on what
would become his movement organization ONE.
Bono has always been passionate about the world's struggle with AIDS
and ways to drive awareness of this epidemic, and even more the way that
it was impacting the poor, so when I had the opportunity to work with
him I, of course, jumped at the opportunity. Over the years, we have met several times as our travels cross paths and those meetings usually come back to the same topics: our families, music, and how can we change the world through the platform that God has entrusted to us?
This past weekend I was able to reconnect with him while U2 was here in Nashville for their massive U2.360 Tour.
After our meeting my family and I went to the concert @ Vanderbilt University's football
stadium and got to watch my friend perform with his band! As unbelievable as the concert was, there was one small moment that impressed me the most and showed everyone the heart of Bono and the band:
After the last encore was played Bono invited a man who was standing in the front row holding a small sign that said "Blind Guitar Player". First a little background for those of you who don't know; Bono leads some large organizations, ONE and (RED) among others he leads millions in campaigns to help people around the world, however, in this moment Bono called this man up to make one man's dream happen. He called him up on stage... asked him what song he wanted to play. He said "All I Want Is You" for his wife.
I am moved to share this with you by the words of a blog that I read on Sunday, July 3rd by a man named Dale Best. His words are so true: "Bono certainly didn't pick up clay and rub it in this man's eyes. But I'm guessing that man probably experienced something more vibrant (than) the rest of the people in Vanderbilt Stadium combined. There's healing in what Bono did... and I believe the God who lives in Bono was made manifest in that moment".
Bono encouraged that man last Saturday night in front of 50,000 people he lifted him up and shared the spotlight. He served. Bono didn't tell the crowd the man was blind and why he had to help lead him onto the stage and help him put the guitar on him. He didn't do anything other than bring someone on-stage and make his dream come true (and by the way the performance was pretty awesome too). That is a servant's heart. Proud to call him a friend.
WATCH THE ENTIRE PERFORMANCE HAPPEN FROM A MEMBER IN THE CROWD:
