A Moment in Time

Complexion: smooth, porcelain-like. Shape: tall, fit and surprisingly curvy. Visage: particularly strong. Caitlyn Jenner has graced the cover of Vanity Fair’s July 2015 cover. The accompanying audio depicts Jenner’s decipherable intonation of calm and ease. Referred to now as “she”, the voice extols the life experiences that have culminated into this transformation, juxtaposing the epic win at the 1976 Olympics with “her.” The proud declaration is that she is now free.

Immediately, media has been toppled with commentary on the rights of the LGBT community and the social and scientific surveys on what it means to be transgendered. Beyond academics, religion has professed God’s judgment on Bruce’s decision to exist as Caitlyn. Theoretical divisive lines have been drawn. Rather than join the fray, I submit instead that this moment presents Divine grace for us all.

Innately, we comprehend that we all have a purpose, a message to deliver from God that transcends the space of time, age, career, race, sexuality, or gender. In this era, social media and fanaticism are often the playing fields for expression. We pay attention to what society deems valuable. We venerate the account of a wealthy ex-Olympian turned reality star who transforms at age 65. However, the gender issue is only the format, the framework, the delivery system. Its newsworthiness showcases the perfect vehicle to convey an edict, God’s lesson.

We are all united in needing to have validation, a purpose driven life. We need not purport to understand the skeletons in Jenner’s closet nor do we need to vilify them. Our common ground, the very meaning of Spirit is Love. We can always chose Love. Love for the times in which we live where global interconnectedness brings an issue to bare within moments. Love for the opportunity for introspection as we ponder how we might approach a loved one with similar challenges. Love for our country and the freedom it affords in speech, religion, politics, dreams. Love for each other regardless if enemy or foe, saved or damned, in the practice of long-suffering. During this ground breaking time, let us exercise Love for this very moment.

John 13:34-35 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.””