She didn’t offend me. She didn’t even mean to say it as if I hadn’t paid attention. But, there we were in that small conference and enjoying a conversation that was slowly taking its way from technology and going towards writing, culture, and the voices that are prominent around us. A woman who was used to having a quieter voice and me who was used to ignoring the racial differences between myself and the majority of the other domestic participants. We talked and she said something to the effect of, “I’m really glad you are here. You are doing a lot for other minorities who don’t know that they have a voice in this space.”

I’ve kept the moments of that conversation with her (and later both her and her husband) with me. I noticed the ministry and mobile tech cultures that I am a part of. They are composed of affluent, usually caucasian Americans. There’s a prominence of Apple and Android devices in some circles, the addition of BlackBerries and managerial experiences in other circles. At one event I even cried on the phone to my best friend because I was literally alone there. There was no one who could share my passions, faith, and perspectives with – even though there were several people there who had bits and pieces of all of those.

It feels like I’m in a group of strangers when I talk with some friends who feel they are shackled with data plans for mobiles they don’t understand. Oh sure, they get what’s possible, and will not hesiate to call on myself or other “geeks” when problems arise, but to them their use of mobile isn’t about broadcasting a message or status, its about keeping with the relationships that matter. Their cultures dictate that being the only reason for the technology in their hands – scientists, journalists, and engineers aren’t normal.

So I roam around cities and towns, looking and listening to voices that aren’t normally in my social network activity stream. I’m asking the mother of four how she manages to handle all of those kids while playing Angry Birds. I’m asking the young man who is trying to push out of the ‘hood and into a junior-level middle management position how his technology choices help him get there. I’m cobbling together what I remember from my French class and mother (who taught me French when I was young that I’ve forgotten too much of) to talk to people in countries I’ve never visited but have perspectives of connectivity that aren’t something the infrastructure of the USA is used to dealing with.

I’m actively listening for the voice of how people other than the usual paintbrush of folks are using mobile and other technologies. Problem is, we aren’t used to hearing their voice. And so to realize that they are doing something special, innovative, or even needed is harder to discern. I should know better because I’m one of those minorities making those steps forward. I don’t know better because there are so few of those others voices and perspectives in mobile and ministry.