Super Bowl of Ideas

As the analysis begins to die down about the Super Bowl, perhaps it’s because the networks have sent their correspondents to the next world exposition, TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design). It sounds like it could be a new reality show of mixed heritage (The Apprentice meets American Idol meets Top Design), but TED actually has a 25 year history of sharing ideas, cultivating networks and sponsorship, imagining solutions, and showcasing the brawn of the brain. It’s unlikely that the networks will spend more than five minutes on this west coast symposium, even though some of the biggest political headliners will work hand-in-hand with some of the brightest scientists in a forum with stricter time monitors than the presidential debates. There are simply too many ideas to present for someone to monopolize the stage. I felt like I had found an unexpected compatriot in the Dallas Morning News Editorial section as the author, Virginia Heffernan, declared her passion as a TED enthusiast.

“TED supplies its speakers with strict guidelines. ‘Start strong’ is the most obvious one, and there is virtually no throat clearing or contrived thanking. Instead, speakers blaze onto the stage like stand-up comics, hellbent on room domination. Some consult notes and stay close by their audiovisual equipment, while others pace, spread their arms wide and take up space. No one apologizes for himself. No one fails to make jokes. The appreciative room roars at humor, when they're not literally oohing and aahing at insight…. But it's unlikely that a plan to disarm Iran or treat autism will surface; there's too much razzle-dazzle for brass tacks and that's what I've come to be addicted to: the exposure to vigorous minds whirring as they work hard.”

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You create galaxies and raindrops, atoms and mountain ranges, and yet we are uncommonly proud when we assign a new formula to a spreadsheet. All that we have, we owe to you. We marvel at the mystery of the mind, the possibility for creativity, problem-solving, calculations, planning, engaging, and building. Let us use a similar ecstatic abandonment of impossibilities as we share our undiluted, unfettered dreams, connecting them together like magnets of attraction. We may not resolve every financial burden of the church, or serve every family affected by a health crisis, but let us become captivated by a congregation of vigorous minds coupled with strong backs, observant eyes matched with tradesman hands, and a gentle presence united with a zeal for mission. Let us go forth in a blaze of devotion and trust. Amen.