The "Conscience" of the Rodeo.
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2024 6:38 am
I've heard descriptions of the human conscience, from the New Testament to Huckleberry Finn, and at the risk of overthinking, I'll add one more.
I went to a small town, well Tremonton, Utah, rodeo last night. The thing that is sticking with me is the announcer. Like our Conscience, his voice was almost always present. He introduced the rodeo, the flag, the singing of the National Anthem, which still makes me emotional, and--led the crown in an opening prayer. Significantly, he prayed to "Heavenly Father" but closed in the name of "our Lord," instead of "Jesus Christ," possibly to be more inclusive.
The announcer/conscience of the rodeo continued to announce the events, offer encouragement to the cowboys, and reminded the audience when to applauded. He spoke of respect for the animals, referred to them as athletes. He spoke of the "Rodeo Culture," the pride that the participants had in what they did, and how nobody got rich in the Rodeo "business."
Driving home I had a chance to think about it, and discuss it with my wife, who sweetly grinned and said, "You're overthinking this" which is typical of me.
So I'll stop thinking/writing and just put this out there.
I went to a small town, well Tremonton, Utah, rodeo last night. The thing that is sticking with me is the announcer. Like our Conscience, his voice was almost always present. He introduced the rodeo, the flag, the singing of the National Anthem, which still makes me emotional, and--led the crown in an opening prayer. Significantly, he prayed to "Heavenly Father" but closed in the name of "our Lord," instead of "Jesus Christ," possibly to be more inclusive.
The announcer/conscience of the rodeo continued to announce the events, offer encouragement to the cowboys, and reminded the audience when to applauded. He spoke of respect for the animals, referred to them as athletes. He spoke of the "Rodeo Culture," the pride that the participants had in what they did, and how nobody got rich in the Rodeo "business."
Driving home I had a chance to think about it, and discuss it with my wife, who sweetly grinned and said, "You're overthinking this" which is typical of me.
So I'll stop thinking/writing and just put this out there.