Bruce for the Comeback.

Bruce Jenner is NOT how I saw myself making a comeback to the blogging world. However, I can't quite shake this overwhelming feeling of frustration and sadness related to his story.  So, although I envisioned my 'comeback blog' reflecting on the last 7 months of my life, here's to a different plan.

People have called Bruce brave, courageous, heroic and honestly this frustrates me a bit.  Those are some strong words.  I think Bruce is actually lucky, or rather blessed, and probably should give thanks to those who are brave, courageous, and heroic.  Those men and women fighting for the freedom we have in this country.  The same freedom that allows him to openly be the person who he claims he needs to be.  There are countries in this world where women aren't even allowed to be women...countries that strip women of their genitalia in order that they never enjoy sex (See an amazing TED talk on this topic:  http://www.ted.com/talks/khadija_gbla_my_mother_s_strange_definition_of_empowerment).  Countries and cultures that require women to cover themselves outside of the confinement of their home.  But Bruce gets to publicize his sex change and then pose on the cover of Vanity Fair.  I'm sorry Bruce, but you aren't brave...you are lucky.  Lucky to live in a country where men and women fight for you to be whoever you feel you need to be.  Lucky to live in a society open to accept whoever you want to be, to such an extent that you get to pose on the cover of a magazine.  Lucky that so many people support your effort that my Facebook news feed is filled with people advocating for you.  So I'm sorry...you aren't brave.  You are darn lucky you have it so good that you can be whoever you want to be.  You might have tough days and criticisms...but you do actually have it good.

Now, I want to be clear.  I am not judging Bruce or Caitlin.  I don't think what he has done is right in the eyes of God...but honestly, that is between Bruce, Caitlin and God.  Ashley Collins really has no business judging him or discussing if it is right or wrong. 

The Bible is pretty clear on judgement:
James 4:12
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy.  But you-who are you to judge your neighbor?

I have plenty of things I haven't done right in God's eyes and I'm thankful to not have the entire world judging me for my sin.  I figured when I get all the sin in my life in order, then I can start judging others.  (Wait, let me take a peak at my list of sins and struggles...folks, it's gonna be awhile!) 

Matthew 7:5
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

I also have been fortunate  (or unfortunate--depending on how you look at it) enough in life to learn to appreciate that you can't understand one's action until you've lived a similar experience.   I have no idea Bruce's struggles or battles or challenges and from the looks of it, I hope I never feel the way he has expressed to the world.  I imagine it's a dark and lonely place.  And I wonder if what Caitlin needs most is to feel loved regardless of if he is a man or a woman.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies.

And as I sit here and demonstrate my freedom to express my thoughts, my beliefs and my heart...I want to thank the men and women that are fighting for me at this very moment.  I want to thank your families that live their lives without your daily presence so I can continue to live and blog freely. 

To heroes, families and blogging,

Ashley Lucille