Billy Graham and Bono- A Friendship Shared In A Poem By U2 Frontman
February 22, 2018
“Over the years,” Bono told writer Catherine Falsani, “I met some preachers who did connect with me, for sure, and whose words return to me. I remember hearing about this fellow called Billy Graham. Church people would push him on you like your friends at school would push Elvis Presley records. Actually, they looked kind of similar – both stars from the South who spoke with a twang and had giant crowds come to see them.”When Bono got the call, he was ecstatic. There was no doubt that he wanted the opportunity to meet Billy Graham and share how his life was impacted.
'“I told [the band], I said, ‘This is a big deal. This is BILLY GRAHAM!’ And they all said, ‘That’s great. But we’re in the middle of a tour.’ So I rented a plane and flew there right away in case he might forget. I was picked up by his son, Franklin, and driven a couple of hours up to their house. I met briefly with himself and his wife, Ruth. ...the blessings of an older man mean a great deal to me. Particularly this man." Bono shared.credit: Billy Graham Evangelical Association While Bono was there, he gave Graham a gift.
“I gave him a book of Seamus Heaney poetry, and I wrote a poem for him in it,” Bono said.The poem Bono wrote was a way to express how much Graham's life and teachings had meant to him. Now, it resides on display in the Billy Graham Library. Bono's poem to Dr. Bill Graham:
"The journey from Father to friend is all paternal loves end It was sung in my teenage ears In the voice of a preacher loudly soft on my tears I would never forget this ...Melody line Or its lyric voice that gave my life ...A Rhyme a meaning that wasn’t there before a child born in dung and straw wish the Father’s love and desire to explain how we might get on with each other again…" To the Rev Billy Graham (that preacher) Ruth and all the Graham family From Bono (March 11 2002) With much love and respectcredit: Bill Graham Evangelical Association After his meeting with the Grahams, Bono later teamed up with singer/songwriter Pat Boone and other musicians to create a tribute song "Thank you Billy Graham" for the evangelist.
WATCH: Bono Opens A Tribute To Billy Graham
credit: Youtube/Gold Label Artists There is no denying the impact that Billy Graham has had on the world. While he, Bono and all of us are imperfect, there is no denying that Graham "pressed toward the mark" (Phil. 3:14) when it came to his faith walk. His was a true life devoted to following Christ and sharing the message of Hope. h/t: BillyGraham.org YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 40 Courageous Quotes from Billy GrahamToday's Devotional
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