I am sad. I am so genuinely sad. There’s a part of me that feels trite for saying this – I didn’t know Charlie Kirk personally. But he made such an impact on my generation.
Last summer, I wrote an article titled “Gen Z Doesn’t Need a Soft Gospel.” We want to know why the craziness of this world feels so wrong. We need to hear someone tell us we’re not crazy for thinking the craziness our culture is trying to normalize – LGBTQ, abortion, crime – feels wrong.
Many of our pastors, mentors and teachers wouldn’t talk about it. They either flat out ignored it, or talked about it in such an apologetic manner, it seemed we were wrong for questioning why the Bible says one thing and culture says another.
Charlie Kirk didn’t. He made it his mission to openly engage with us about almost anything. He showed a whole generation we can use our God-given brains to think through things and come to a conclusion.
He wasn’t afraid to share his faith, even with those who disagreed with him. He argued that belief needs to rest in a foundation and He showed so many in my generation that it is possible to live boldly for Christ in a world that hates Him.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed for publicly discussing historic Christian beliefs.
I’m grateful the reaction for so many has been to gather and pray. I went to a prayer night on my campus. Both of my sisters had that opportunity as well. There’s something different about the ability to grieve with fellow believers in the presence of the Lord.
Acts 4 keeps coming to mind. After experiencing persecution, the early church turned to the Lord, praying for courage. They reminded themselves that Jesus actually sits in the heavens and laughs at those who plot against Him.
I’ve read Psalm 37 multiple times this week. I am so grateful for God’s promise to uphold the hand of the one who delights in His way. I desire the day when He will enact justice on the wicked. I pray God uses this event for good and His glory.
And I pray that He uses this to bring multitudes in this hurting, broken, nation to Him.
