Two Cool Updates on the U2/Sphere Post

This week I connected with a writer from U2.com and a man who brings concerts to prisons.

A quick reminder that the next Small-Group Conversation Reunion is happening tomorrow (Saturday, 10/28) at 7pm ET. This online event is open to all past participants. If you’ve ever been part of one of my small-group gatherings, you are invited to the reunion!

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My heart goes out to the people of Maine, and also to everyone affected by the ongoing conflict in Israel, Gaza, and now surrounding areas. While the Middle East is complicated, America's gun violence epidemic doesn't have to be. Access to guns changes everything. I don't know the path to peace overseas but I do believe that commonsense gun laws would save lives here at home. The suspect in Maine had documented mental health struggles. These were recent struggles. Both a red-flag law and a ban on assault weapons would have removed the weapon that he used to take innocent lives. Quite simply, our country’s latest mass shooting could have been prevented.

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I really enjoyed the Zoom with Ever Get Home founding members earlier this week. It was so cool to get to know these folks better, and to see the common threads emerge between the group. I'm so thankful for everyone who chooses to support my writing. Keep an eye out for another Zoom before the end of the year, one that’s open to all paid subscribers. Also, if you’re not already on the list, whether you choose to pay or not, it would be great to have you.

The previous post, Until The End of The World, is among my favorite things I’ve written. I wrote about seeing U2 at Sphere in Las Vegas on October 7. The story found its way to Cathleen Falsani, who writes for U2.com. Cathleen started following me on Instagram and I thought her name looked familiar. I sent a message to say hello. Turns out we met nearly 15 years ago at retreat in North Carolina. The person who shared my U2 story with Cathleen had no idea. It gets better. Cathleen also knew David Kuo, the friend I wrote about, who loved U2 and whose favorite song was “Where The Streets Have No Name.” He passed away in 2013.

I asked Cathleen where she met David. She shared that they met at the same retreat where she met me. Worth noting: Cathleen and I both met David that weekend. The person who shared my post with her, they didn’t know any of this.

“You must have been so surprised when you got to the part about David,” I said.