If there is a dark that we shouldn’t doubt, and there is a light don’t let it go out: Happy Birthday, Bono!

                                                                                                   Unknown Photo Credit: Red Rocks

                  I appreciate the absurdities of being a rock star quoting the Scriptures.

Paul David Hewson was born on May 10, 1960, and has never looked back. The morally conscience lead singer of U2 has been a shapeshifter through the years, adapting to sounds and style. He is a humanitarian, a philanthropist, a family man, a brilliant lyricist, and a perfect lead singer for one of the world’s most renowned rock and roll bands.

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Many don’t realize the amount of times Scriptures or Psalms help to shape the stories or message of their songs. The band has deep religious roots, so deep it almost drove the band apart at one point. A favorite attribute, and also sticking point for many, is that he wears his heart on his sleeve. Modern day psalm writer? He may disagree but he does practice what he preaches:

We don't have to please God in any other way really other than to be brutally honest - that is the root not just to a relationship with God but is the root to a great song … I want to hear a song about the breakdown in your marriage, I want to hear songs of justice, I want to hear rage at injustice and I want to hear a song so good that it makes people want to do something about the subject.

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He does not shy to speak the truth for justice and equality. His honesty is both his strength and his weakness. It’s probably what makes him the perfect lead singer and rock star. In the past, particularly the ZOO TV years, there was a gray area of humbleness and hedonism that aligned into characters such as The Fly and MacPhisto. Who can forget the dance with the woman at the front of the crowd during Live Aid? The Super Bowl Sunday performance after September 11^th? Or his daring political rant on the night of the Enniskillen Bombing before going into one of the best versions of Bloody Sunday? He is also very honest about himself:

Taylor asked: "What's one thing that you've learned about God through your reading of the psalms?"

Bono answered: "He listens."

Next up from Taylor: "What's one thing that you've learned about yourself through your reading of the psalms?"

Bono said: "I don't listen enough." All Art if Prophetic – David Fuller and Bono Interview

 

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Sending lots of love and thanks for the words to contemplate, displays of kindness, and moments of inspiration. Happy Birthday Bono! xoxoxo

Dressing like your sister
Living like a tart
They don't know what you're doing
Babe, it must be art
You're a headache, in a suitcase
You're a star

 

Someone has likened prayer to being on a rough sea in a small boat with no oars. All you have is a rope that, somewhere in the distance, is attached to the port. With that rope you can pull yourself closer to God. Songs are my prayers.

― Bono, Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story

Excellent Bono/U2 reads:

Surrender - 40 Songs, One Story - Bono
Walk On Spiritual Journey of U2 - Steve Stockman
U2 At the End of the World - Bill Flanagan
Into the Heart - Niall Stokes