HT to Josh Case for highlighting this great article on Bono. Here's a quote:
Indisputably Inspiring
Both times I met with Bono, I mused that if he weren't a rock star and diplomatic world-changer, he could easily be a great corporate chief executive officer.
He leads by example. No one works harder or delves as deeply into issues and data as he does. He surrounds himself with the best people, is an extraordinary listener, and takes advice extremely well. He understands economics, markets, consumers, media, and regulation. And he has a dynamism that attracts and inspires just about everyone he meets.
Some may question the efficacy of Product (RED). Can a for-profit enterprise really do good? How much money will ultimately be generated to pay for medicine for the people in need?
Others may question Bono's motives. After all, he's already been a Time magazine Person of the Year -- maybe he's simply interested in winning a Nobel Peace Prize. While that may be, it's indisputable that his passion for curing AIDS in Africa is genuine. One only has to spend time with him to appreciate how devoted he is to this cause.
The key lesson to take away from Bono's example is this: If an individual with a sharp mind, a dynamic personality, amazing musical skills, and a desire to make the world a better place can have such a far-reaching positive impact, it makes you wonder what else you can do...
You can out more including what difference you cn atart to make at Debt, Aids, Trade, Africa (DATA)
I think of Bono as a prophet, outside of the religious system, critical of it, but moving into action and and calling others out. I know of so many of us who track with the "Bono model" right up to the last part of moving into action and calling others out. May we be filled with divine creativity,hope, enthusiasm, and energy to move froward and call others out into new kingdom avenues of obedience and adventure.
Posted by: glenn | 19 February 2007 at 07:21 PM
I think of all the times in my conservative circles that I've heard Bono criticized for not having the *proper* doctrinal statement and it just makes me mad to think about, especially my own participation.
While we are all sitting on our easy chairs, "tsk, tsking," his doctrine, he's been out fighting for the, "least of these." Wonder which of us were best representing Jesus to the world?
Posted by: Molly | 20 February 2007 at 07:14 AM
Glenn I think that you make a very wise point. increasingly i think that christian ethic/belief without the action whilst self satisfying is missing the point - action. I don't really get hung up to much on the action cos belief/action can grow/develop.
I'm trying to start small but these campaigning organisations like live8 or DATA make it fairly easy how to get involved/participate...
Posted by: Paul | 20 February 2007 at 07:23 AM
I remember some of those is Bono/U2 a christian or not, especially in the eaely 90s. I guess its kinda a moot point now that he is acting like one and i've mellowed on swearing :).
I'm sure Bono would say he didn't know [and probably stil doesn't] but nevermind that since we're all in a forgiving kinda mood let's forgive ourselves and partner together to keep helping the least [and forget what the rest of the world think]... :)
shhhessh now i speak for Bono, lol.
Posted by: Paul | 20 February 2007 at 07:28 AM
Bono is one of the few who, through entertainment has become influencial, and has done something with it.
He's flaws just make him more genuine.
People are hungry to want to be a part of something, and Bono has given a platform for everyone of us to take action. Whether it's AID's in Africa, or something else, he brings accross this idealism that says, "It can be done. We can change the world."
Posted by: David | 20 February 2007 at 07:35 PM