I don't have a lot of things on my list of things to do before I die. I'd like to go skydiving. I'd like to visit each continent. I'd like to write and publish a book.
Seeing U2 live was one of the things on my list and Tuesday night I got to accomplish that. Thanks to the kindness of some friends, the Weems, the two couples went down to Atlanta Tuesday night to see U2 play at the Georgia Dome.
When you experience something in life that you've ALWAYS wanted to experience, it's difficult to put into words what you've seen. On some level, you don't want to spoil it with words, because on some level that cheapens it. It almost tries to make something concrete that should be left more ephemeral, almost like trying to describe the wind or love. But I style myself a writer, so here goes.
It was one of the best experiences of my life. I've loved U2 since the Joshua Tree and I really like No Line on the Horizon a lot. Seeing and hearing and feeling songs like Magnificent performed live and then singing out I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For matched with Stand By Me is a live music performance that I haven't ever had whether in an arena or a bar or a small concert venue. U2 puts on a great show, but every now and then, amid the noise and rhthyms and lights and screens, there was a whiff of something else, something Higher and Truer than even music performed at a staggering level shared with 75,000 other people. I believe that somehow God was a part of that time, whether everyone recognized it or not. Was God Worshipped? Not by everyone, I'm sure. But when I sing,
"I believe in the Kingdom Come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
But yes I'm still running.
You broke the bonds
You loosened the chains
You carried the cross
And my shame
And my shame
You know I believed it"
I worship God.
And when I sing Amazing Grace with 75,000 other people before I sing about where the streets have no name, I worship God.
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6 comments:
Phil, I'm totally with you. Seeing them was on my bucket list too. I wish it could've been in a smaller venue, but the GA Dome will do. :) We were sitting on the "back" side of the stage, and I love that when they walked out they made an effort to wave to our side. Despite the size of the place, they really worked to connect with the audience--except possibly the nosebleed seats! :)
Oh yes, we had church. When I sing Only Love can leave such a mark, I mean Love with a capital L as in a name for God. And when I think of the moment of surrender I think of each new time I am faced with a moment of giving up myself and giving in to God. Glorious.
I want to go next time! great post!
Phil, I'm a fellow disciple, trying to follow Christ. I'm glad you could praise God to certain songs, but I don't think I'd attribute worship to a man who sings, "I still haven't found what I'm looking for!" I did. It's Jesus. I'm not sure where I read it, and can't seem to find it now, but I read where Bono used to be a Satanist... and at some of his concerts, they have a huge sign that reads COEXIST, with the Muslim crescent, the Cross and the Jewish Star, pleading for an ecumenical unity that is demonic. Actions speak louder than words. You can do a google, or look them up on Youtube. I'd be careful and discerning brother, before ascribing praise and salvation to someone who is not professing Jesus Christ and salvation through Him only in their songs. The woman with a devil who followed Paul around announced he was telling a way of salvation. "You believe God is one? You do well, the demons believe, and they tremble." Jas. 2:19
Lorenmarie, I don't mean to be such a stickler, but one can only have church in an assembly of believers, where there is an elder/pastor and deacons. You may indeed worship God, but if you do not know the context of the song... can you truly give praise to God?
Phil, I don't mean to dominate you blog site, but I want to pass on a crucial site for you that will revolutionize the way you see U2, the music industry, and Hollywood! Go to http://theater.goodfight.org.
We've got to fight the good fight! Tell as many as you know after you research.
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