...from the lips of Bono

Yesterday, Crosscreek Church experienced an earth-shattering testimony. It was from Bono, yes THE Bono, lead singer of U2. "Why was Bono in church" you may ask? Better question: "Why did Bono agree to come to your podunk church??" Well, in short...he didn't!

On August 11th, 2006 John Shaw (fellow blogger), Lisa Rodriguez, and myself were attending the Leadership Summitt presented by Willowcreek Church. We were attending a satellite location in The Woodlands. I was particularly giddy (sp?) on this specific day because I knew that we were going to hear from Bono. Bill Hybels interviewed him several months before, and they were going to show that video.

It was nothing short of earth-shattering for me, and I know it was for John and Lisa too? Why? Well, it was the very beginning of a journey that I am still on. It began in me, a questioning of many things. All of these questions began to shape in me, a desire to do something radical for Christ...specifically the "least of these", in the name of Christ. I started to understand that we as a Christian subculture, have been almost exclusively focused on ourselves.

Bono said that years ago, a very good friend of his told him, "stop asking God to bless what you are doing Bono. But find out what God is doing, because it is already blessed".

Wow. That's so true, and man have I been guilty of that. So, what is God doing? Here's a simple reading assignment. Read these chapters of the Bible. Ask God to reveal Himself to you through these scriptures, and let it soak in.

Isaiah 58
Isaiah 61
Matthew 25:31-46
Galatians 2:10

These are just a few of the thousands of verses in the Bible, urging us as believers, and followers of The Way, to take up the yoke of the burdened, and serve the marginalized people. You have to ignore the scriptures to not see that His heart, is a heart for the broken-hearted, and for the poor, and oppressed.

Naturally I asked myself, "what have I done for the least of these??" The answer was crushing. If I'm honest, I had done NOTHING. I have been a worship leader in my church for 9 years, and it's been a comfortable 9 years. What I mean by that is, that I can't remember doing one thing or serving one of the least of these. I just can't remember. So, that didn't feel right.

In this video Bono said another thing that really rocked me. "The world is an unhappy place for the vast majority of people living in it". Immediately we think of Africa when we are told something like that. We picture the swollen stomachs of the starving children. We think of the hollow look in their eyes. But do you realize that there are people around us, here in Houston that live in the dark? There are people in Friendswood that need someone to reach out to them. In short...to LOVE them. It's all about love! It just, really is.

As we enter a season in which we will inevitably spend millions on toys, and gifts for loved ones, please also remember the poor. Teach your children by your example. Adopt a family, or bring blankets and food to the homeless, do something with your kids. It really will bless you, more than you expect, and no doubt you will bless someone else!! "Find out what Jesus is doing, because IT IS already blessed!!"

I am thankful for the message that Bono brought, and that I was able to listen. I am praying for you that read this, and that read the scriptures above, that God would begin in you a fantastic journey of what it really means to be the hands and feet of Christ. May God richly bless you through this endeavor. JC