Celebrating a man getting shot is not normal especially when it is coming from children. How do we transform this tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s public death into a teaching and learning moment?
Do we try to answer the question, “Why did they hate him so much?” Who are they? Our neighbors, our educators, our social media influencers, our media, our coworkers, our peers, our friends, and even our family members.These kids should never be exposed to such violence. I remember the horror of watching those towers fall on 9/11. I remember the solemnity the whole country shared that turned into a strong connection of love in America and to those who put their lives on the line. I remember how Americans responded to those towers falling on repeat. When we spoke to our kids we cried and taught them why the pain of losing those towers meant it crushed the heart of our beloved country. The loss was so deep that it ignited a renewal of patriotism, honoring our flag, appreciation of our freedoms outlined by our founding fathers in the Constitution.
Now we have the death of a husband, father, son, and friend on repeat. Why? Because he shared his faith and welcomed civil discourse. Because he lived by his principles of God, family, and country.
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4: 15).
In her first public comments since the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk made this resolve:
"If you thought my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea"
"You have no idea what you have just unleashed across this entire country, across the world."
“The fire you have ignited within this wife.”
"The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry."
"The movement my husband built WILL NOT DIE."
She is correct as we watch how the world responds inspiring so many people stand in solidarity. To be seen and heard. To participate in something bigger than themselves. Charlie Kirk lived out the promise we all can have. That Jesus died for us so that we can be saved, rose from the grave, and is awaiting for us to enter into His kingdom as His children. We represent Him and should be living out our faith daily.
The call is to continue promoting open debate and civil discourse. He fulfilled what is written in James 1: 19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
Remember during COVID lockdowns the fear we felt just letting our kids leave the house? We may want to retreat and let fear stop us from telling our kids to stand firm in their own foundations of faith, speaking truths, and not backing down from open debate or civil discourse.
I have been feeling spiritually defeated as I was focusing on my earthly reputation that has come into question just this week. The groups you attach yourself to can have a big negative hit on your purpose and sphere of influence. But went to a “We the People” 238th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. I cried through the whole event because my heart was so heavy on how our education system has transformed into a collage of TikTok clips.
As I left I sat in my car, somewhere in the silence as I prayed I heard His voice. Bring back to our education system the boldness of participating in open debate and civil discourse. I just agreed to take the chair position over the Turning Point Action Moms Coalition-(Red Rock I think-will clarify later). He told me to teach, reach parents, and stay the course of speaking at school board meetings. As I build this grassroots coalition, my renewed energy will be pointed in this direction. (hope you all look forward to reading about my journey)
Here is where I am going to start:
TPA Moms Coalition: We are the turning point standing in the gap for God, family, and county. (rough draft)
The Bible presents Biblical models of civil discourse through historical examples like the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) and Paul's dialogues in synagogues, demonstrating how to engage with different perspectives to build community and spread understanding:
1. Speak the truth in love
2. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger
3. Build other ups
4. Attack the problem, not the person
There is one who was even greater at open debate and civil dialogue:
The Gospels describe Jesus' extensive discourses, such as the many parable teachings and the Sermon on the Mount, which are models of public instruction and persuasion, even as he challenged existing norms.
This song seems so fitting for the moment. “Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns
All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won
Will crumble into dust when it's said and done
'Cause all that really mattered
Did I live the truth to the ones I love?
Was my life the proof that there is only One
Whose name will last forever?
And I, I don't want to leave a legacy
I don't care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I've only got one life to live
I'll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
Prayers that “if you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas.” Charlie Kirk
dreamsdontfade.com (my website has changed so the titles on the tabs are different)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eQd3K2Fxp4&list=RD_eQd3K2Fxp4&start_radio=1