Reflections on U2

Saturday Night, 6 of us traveled to Soldier Field to see the U2 360 tour. It was my second U2 concert. My first was "PopMart"... which is noted by many to be one of their worst tours. By U2 standards, that still means really good.
Let me be clear, I'm a bit of a U2 freak. In High School, it was an unhealthy obsession. Through college until now, it's found a little balance and it's simply a deep enjoyment in their story, music, and the powerful ambiguity of their lyrics.

My "Moments":

• "The Show". 360 degree stage with all the bells and whistles to enhance an already incredible stage band.
• Stuck in A Moment. Bono (vocals) and Edge (acoustic and vocals) take to the center of the stage and nail out a beautiful version of one of my more favorite U2unes. Although an incredible stage show, in the end, it was a reminder that it's their music I love.
  
• Watching Janelle slowly become mesmerized by the entire show. It was her first arena concert experience. She's never been a big U2 fan. She became one Saturday. In fact, halfway through she Tweeted, "Holy Crap, this concert is awesome!"
• I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. The entire stadium sang, minus Bono, as U2 played. Music is a powerful thing. That song is a powerful picture of spiritual searching. For me, there was a moment of worship in it (and not worship of U2).
• Bad. It was while watching the band perform this in the movie "Rattle and Hum" that I officially became hooked on the band. The building of the melody. The passion behind the lyric. To see it live was a "Moment".
• Walk On. I remember watching a DVD of U2 perform at Slane Castle in Ireland. Their final song was "Walk On". Bono's father had recently died, and this song had become a kind of anthem remembering his dad. It's also an amazing worship song (yes I said worship song) focusing on surrender. I was gripped by the powerful tribute the song had become. It hit home as I think over these past 7 months.
  
• A Simple Thanks. At the close, Bono, who has done about as much for relief in Africa as anyone, said some thanks to those in the Chicago area who have helped with the "ONE" campaign. Through that campaign, 3 million African lives have been saved through getting the ARVs (anti-retroviral drugs) they need. 30 million Africans are receiving education so they can break the cycle of poverty. The first person Bono thanked was Bill Hybels... pastor at Willow Creek Community Church. I loved to hear that be the first name to come of His lips. One from the Church. We need to be leading the charge!

A great night.