Hey Reader,
Over the last week, I have been trying to put my thoughts and feelings into words. The news of Charlie Kirk's assasination, the death of Iryna Zarutska, and the most recent school shooting, has not only been heartbreaking but has shown us how sharp the divide in this world has become. The world right now feels dark, scary, and unsafe.
But we believe in a God who sees and who knows. A God who doesn't call us to hatred and retaliation, but to faith, hope, and love. Love is expansive, but it's what Christ asked us to carry. If anyone modeled that, Charlie did. He loved no matter what happened; he loved right to the very end.
I am not standing on a political platform here. While I do have political views, and stand strong and firm in those, and believe that we should know what's going on and stand firm in our beliefs, this newsletter, this podcast is not political. I am writing this week as a Christian podcast and platform, not just a chronic illness one.
So what is our response to this type of event as Christians?
First and foremost PRAYER. Prayer for Erika Kirk and her young children as they navigate this new chapter of their lives that they did not ask for. Prayer for the Turning Point team as they navigate the changes that will take place now that Charlie is gone. Prayer for those dealing with the PTSD of this and other events like it. Prayer for Iryna's family and the changes needed in our mental health and prison systems. Prayer for those who are dealing with something no child or parent should ever have to deal with in the Evergreen school shooting.
Speak and Act Kindly. We cannot become what caused this issue in the first place. We must rise above it. It is what Charlie did every day. It's what Jesus did while he was here on earth. It's our responsibility to show love in the face of hate. One thing I have been so proud to see is that instead of turning to rioting, hate, and destruction, people across the world are flooding into churches, loving on one another, and being kind. Whether online or in person, let's refuse to take up a mantle of hate.
Be Peacemakers. Scripture says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” — Matthew 5:9 (ESV) Let's build bridges, seek understanding, and honor truth even when it's hard.
Finally, we can hold convictions without losing love. One of the things we saw throughout Charlie Kirk's ministry is that no matter what, he held onto his convictions, while still making the other person feel heard. His mission was to listen, understand, and present truth in love. We can as well. It's important.
So as we take this week in, let’s not let fear or despair write the story for us. We grieve, yes. But we also choose to keep walking in faith. The world may feel dark, but the light of Christ has not gone out.
May we be people who pray without ceasing, who speak with gentleness, who live with courage, and who refuse to let hate have the last word.
That’s how we honor those we’ve lost. That’s how we stay true to Jesus.
With hope,
