Singing or Speaking

Several weeks ago my friend James called me up and asked, "You have paid to hear Bono sing . . . so would you pay to hear him speak." The answer was obvious.

On Friday night, James, Donna and I went to hear Bono speak. The lead singer of U2 is also quite politically involved in raising awareness of African poverty, AIDs orphans and other tragic death. He wore a black suit and shirt with a yellow tie. I had never seen him in a tie. No one ever sees him in a tie. This must be a very, very special occasion. He did not wear a tie to see any U.S. president nor the Pope nor graduation addresses.

As he pulled at the yellow choker around his neck, I wondered about the ways he himself was likely pulled back stage. Business people, politicians, religious people, Christians and fans. Would he mention the irony of sponsor Exxon Mobil donating 1 mosquito net for each attendant, when petroleum is used to make nets? Was he asked to tone his message down?

The message lasted about 40 minutes. He was funny, comfortable with his notes and confident of his message. He began by talking about his recent trip to the White House to speak at the annual Presidential Prayer Breakfast. He quipped that this must be sign of the apocalypse - a rock star speaking at a prayer breakfast.

Bono touched all his listeners with his single-minded focus on debt elimination. The One campaign has gathered a wide swath of diverse people into One goal of helping to wipe out poverty. He explained the yellow tie around his neck showed his willingness to do anything to get money from big business. He challenged businesses to do the right thing. He spoke out to government and asked for a tithe of a tithe - one percent of a government's budget to be set aside for the poorest and most debt ridden countries in the world. He even spoke out clearly to Christians in the audience to show their faith by how they use their influence and capital.

All and all it was a good speach and a rare experience. To see a Christian, with vast world-wide popularity, speak openly of faith and call listeners to action. I continue to be impressed with any Christian famous or invisible, powerful or dominated, singing or tone-deaf that is willing to use his or her realm of influence to be a dedicated servant of God.