I'm sure many are, by now, aware that Bruce Jenner is now Caitlyn Jenner and that she was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs. Like many, I watched the television coverage and, although I consider myself rather liberal and accepting of those who "color outside the lines," I was decidedly nervous. As Ms. Jenner spoke so eloquently, I was struck by one particular theme, this was not about her. It was about everybody who feels different; who puts on a false exterior in order to fit in, all the while hiding who they really are. Many go through their entire lives being someone they are not, destined to remain that way because "what would the neighbors think," if I stepped outside my comfort zone?

While I consider myself an agnostic, someone dear to me once shared, "To hold biases and attribute them to the Bible ends up limiting God. He is limitless and so should be our acceptance of those who are not like us."

Before you malign Ms. Jenner for stepping up and out, envision this: a former macho-male Olympian athlete emerges publicly as female, opens herself to serious backlash and ridicule, and then speaks with the poise and conviction of someone who dared not to limit herself. Now, that takes courage.

Cyndia Shook

Norwich