I had absolutely no intention of writing about this. I told myself over and over not to put my opinion out there to be scrutinized by the public, but after paying close attention to news outlets and social media all week, I cannot consciously sit back and stay silent. In order to write about this topic, I've researched the proper way to address it. I, in absolutely no way, want to offend anyone and my hope and prayer is that I'll get it right. Just know that you'll be reading something that truly comes straight from my heart. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but please be careful with your words if you choose to comment. I'm not writing this to start a debate on social media by any means...I just feel it's something I need to pour out so maybe other hearts can be opened. Even though I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion, my heart has been broken by the utter hate that is being thrown out there. It's absolutely astonishing to me that people can sit behind the safety of their own computers and bash another human being. It's like there's no regard for life at all.
Caitlyn Jenner made her public debut on the cover of Vanity Fair this past Monday. I saw the photos and in my heart, I privately rejoiced. But, I also had a sick feeling about what was to come in the days following. I knew it would become a complete social media storm, and that's exactly what has happened. I can't get online without seeing hateful and derogatory comments. The judgment passed on this human being makes me sick to my stomach. Let me say that again. The judgment on this HUMAN BEING makes me sick to my stomach. Key words here? HUMAN BEING. This is a human being created by God, just like you and I. Male or female...it doesn't matter. This is a person with feelings. This is a person who struggled with her identity for 65 years. It's not something I understand. Trust me, I felt a little jolt when I first saw the photos. They were a little shocking. I grew up in the 80's, when Bruce Jenner was known for being the greatest male athlete of all time. So, yes, it took me a minute to digest what I was seeing. I couldn't quite wrap my mind around it, and I may never be able to. But, that's my point. It's not mine to understand. It's not my journey to walk. It's also not mine to judge. I can have all the opinions that I want to have, but it's not my place to say whether someone else's personal struggle and journey is right or wrong. It's also not in any way, shape or form, my place to be hateful. It's disgusting to me to sit back and read some of the comments that people are choosing to write.
I was raised Southern Baptist in one of the most conservative towns on the planet. Trust me, I have a deep understanding of Christianity. Which is why I'm so confused as to why we deem it necessary to project such hate. Weren't we as human beings called to love? Weren't we put on this Earth to spread the message of His love for us and the message of hope that we have in Him? I deeply believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. For your sins. But, also, for hers. Some may believe that Bruce Jenner making the transition from male to female is considered a sin. But, let me pose this idea to you. If you are so quick to judge, explain to me how you're perfect. Guess what? I've engaged in pre-marital sex. In the eyes of the Bible, that's a sin. So, how am I any better than anyone else? I'm not. We are on an even playing field. We're all on the same team. So many people complain about bullying and the hate projected in this world- why not try to make a change and use this situation to show others how much they're loved? It's heartbreaking to hear the stories of many in the LGBTQ community, including Bruce Jenner, that have contemplated suicide. Many of them actually following through with it. Why on Earth is this okay? Why are we as human beings not doing something to prevent this? It is beyond excruciating for me to think about how alone someone must feel to make a decision to end their own precious life. Again, we may not understand their journey, but our job as human beings is to love one another. Everyone deserves happiness. Imagine living 65 years without it. Imagine waking up on a daily basis struggling to get out of bed because you feel so alone and ashamed. No one should ever feel ashamed of who they are.
I've had many discussions with many different people about this topic. Some conversations have ended well, others haven't. But, I will never waiver in my point of view and my love for others. Several have brought up the feelings that certain family members may have. Kris Jenner being one. I was a wife at one point in my life, and I cannot even begin to imagine the amount of betrayal she must feel. I've seen her show. I've seen her in interviews. Yes, she's hurt. And honestly, I feel she has every right to be. She was married to a man for 25 years and now feels as if she's mourning a death. She may or may not have known about parts of his struggle, so in some ways I'm sure she feels as if the life they lived together is a lie. That's completely understandable and her feelings are valid. I can't imagine some of the pain the children dealing with the transition are going through. But, there is also a lesson here in forgiveness and understanding. Yes, it baffles some of us that Bruce waited this long to be completely honest with his loved ones. With that said, imagine holding a secret of this nature, knowing the moment you came clean, you'd hurt those you love? In my opinion, he sacrificed more than we can imagine. He waited until his children were old enough to comprehend it. He waited until he was on his own and ready. Making a transition like this isn't for the faint of heart, by any means. We should respect his timing and move along. If you watch any interview with the Jenner & Kardashian children, every single one of them have said the same things. Bruce was an amazing human being and all they want is for happiness to overflow. Life is short. Let others be happy. Allow people to navigate their own journey without judgment.
I truly hope that after the storm passes and the media coverage dies down some that we can all look at this situation as a chance to love. That's what we're here for. Put down your stones. Project love instead of throwing hate. Life is beautiful, so live it on your terms and allow others to do the same.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out. Love is readily available. I've been blessed enough to be in contact with The Trevor Project volunteer coordinator in the past. It's an amazing organization focused on spreading love. Contact them at:
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Much love.
xoxox
Caitlyn Jenner made her public debut on the cover of Vanity Fair this past Monday. I saw the photos and in my heart, I privately rejoiced. But, I also had a sick feeling about what was to come in the days following. I knew it would become a complete social media storm, and that's exactly what has happened. I can't get online without seeing hateful and derogatory comments. The judgment passed on this human being makes me sick to my stomach. Let me say that again. The judgment on this HUMAN BEING makes me sick to my stomach. Key words here? HUMAN BEING. This is a human being created by God, just like you and I. Male or female...it doesn't matter. This is a person with feelings. This is a person who struggled with her identity for 65 years. It's not something I understand. Trust me, I felt a little jolt when I first saw the photos. They were a little shocking. I grew up in the 80's, when Bruce Jenner was known for being the greatest male athlete of all time. So, yes, it took me a minute to digest what I was seeing. I couldn't quite wrap my mind around it, and I may never be able to. But, that's my point. It's not mine to understand. It's not my journey to walk. It's also not mine to judge. I can have all the opinions that I want to have, but it's not my place to say whether someone else's personal struggle and journey is right or wrong. It's also not in any way, shape or form, my place to be hateful. It's disgusting to me to sit back and read some of the comments that people are choosing to write.
I was raised Southern Baptist in one of the most conservative towns on the planet. Trust me, I have a deep understanding of Christianity. Which is why I'm so confused as to why we deem it necessary to project such hate. Weren't we as human beings called to love? Weren't we put on this Earth to spread the message of His love for us and the message of hope that we have in Him? I deeply believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. For your sins. But, also, for hers. Some may believe that Bruce Jenner making the transition from male to female is considered a sin. But, let me pose this idea to you. If you are so quick to judge, explain to me how you're perfect. Guess what? I've engaged in pre-marital sex. In the eyes of the Bible, that's a sin. So, how am I any better than anyone else? I'm not. We are on an even playing field. We're all on the same team. So many people complain about bullying and the hate projected in this world- why not try to make a change and use this situation to show others how much they're loved? It's heartbreaking to hear the stories of many in the LGBTQ community, including Bruce Jenner, that have contemplated suicide. Many of them actually following through with it. Why on Earth is this okay? Why are we as human beings not doing something to prevent this? It is beyond excruciating for me to think about how alone someone must feel to make a decision to end their own precious life. Again, we may not understand their journey, but our job as human beings is to love one another. Everyone deserves happiness. Imagine living 65 years without it. Imagine waking up on a daily basis struggling to get out of bed because you feel so alone and ashamed. No one should ever feel ashamed of who they are.
I've had many discussions with many different people about this topic. Some conversations have ended well, others haven't. But, I will never waiver in my point of view and my love for others. Several have brought up the feelings that certain family members may have. Kris Jenner being one. I was a wife at one point in my life, and I cannot even begin to imagine the amount of betrayal she must feel. I've seen her show. I've seen her in interviews. Yes, she's hurt. And honestly, I feel she has every right to be. She was married to a man for 25 years and now feels as if she's mourning a death. She may or may not have known about parts of his struggle, so in some ways I'm sure she feels as if the life they lived together is a lie. That's completely understandable and her feelings are valid. I can't imagine some of the pain the children dealing with the transition are going through. But, there is also a lesson here in forgiveness and understanding. Yes, it baffles some of us that Bruce waited this long to be completely honest with his loved ones. With that said, imagine holding a secret of this nature, knowing the moment you came clean, you'd hurt those you love? In my opinion, he sacrificed more than we can imagine. He waited until his children were old enough to comprehend it. He waited until he was on his own and ready. Making a transition like this isn't for the faint of heart, by any means. We should respect his timing and move along. If you watch any interview with the Jenner & Kardashian children, every single one of them have said the same things. Bruce was an amazing human being and all they want is for happiness to overflow. Life is short. Let others be happy. Allow people to navigate their own journey without judgment.
I truly hope that after the storm passes and the media coverage dies down some that we can all look at this situation as a chance to love. That's what we're here for. Put down your stones. Project love instead of throwing hate. Life is beautiful, so live it on your terms and allow others to do the same.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to reach out. Love is readily available. I've been blessed enough to be in contact with The Trevor Project volunteer coordinator in the past. It's an amazing organization focused on spreading love. Contact them at:
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Much love.
xoxox