How to begin? Yesterday, a 31-year-old political icon was struck down by an assassin’s bullet. His sin? He was a conservative. He was a Christian conservative and a man who prized free speech, civil debate, and genuine truth. Absolute and objective truth. He was not ashamed of his convictions and devoted his life to convincing others that they, too, would be better off by embracing his worldview. But the saddest part of this story, the brutal murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, is that a hate-filled person murdered a loving husband and father to two small children.
This morning, Charlie’s kids woke up without a daddy. There were probably a lot of tears last night. Confusion too. “What happened to Daddy, Mommy?” would have been a very natural question on a horrible day for Charlie’s wife. Family and friends are now gathering to offer love and comfort. A husband and father was shot mercilessly, and there’s no way to make that understandable to small kids, let alone those who fully understand the magnitude of this loss. It’s a loss not only to a precious family. It’s a loss to countless young people who were deeply touched by Charlie’s devotion to the truth. Yes, conservative views that are based on truth.
And that truth? That God is real, that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. That life is sacred, and marriage is good. That bringing children, boys and girls, into this world to be loved and nurtured, who grow up to be men and women of character, is a worthy goal.
The truth, Charlie believed, included the fact that our Founders were great men. That they did a magnificent thing in insisting on and fighting for our independence. That they understood that our rights derive from God-given natural rights, even if some Senators are confused about that. That our Declaration of Independence is the quintessential statement on freedom. That the Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land. That statute laws and bureaucratic regulatory schemes must comport with the Constitution, no matter how much some would like to bypass it to achieve their transitory political objectives. Charlie Kirk was not confused about any of this. Many others are, and he aimed to show them how they were wrong, desperately so.
How did he do that? By debate. Charlie held large rallies on university campuses all over America. He was fond of beginning his presentations by inviting those who disagreed with him the most to move to the head of the line to ask questions. That’s how much he valued the opinions of others, especially those who profoundly disagreed with him. How many politicians can you recall who would do that as opposed to seeking softball comments from staged questioners? Charlie did not need such self-aggrandizing behavior. His purpose was to listen, share his perspective, and help people reach a deeper understanding. Millions of young people appreciated his voice, one that did not ridicule them for their views but did point out where they were mistaken. His critique of the views of others wasn’t condescending but rather was enlightening. Not all agreed. But countless others did, including young men who have reconnected with the goodness of marriage and procreation with a woman in a lifelong relationship. Still others were impressed by Charlie’s faith in God. Indeed, many of the Gen Z population who are reconnecting with the Church and regular worship of God looked to Charlie’s example.
Charlie Kirk lived life well. Truthfully. Joyfully. Respectfully. Lovingly. He was struck down by an assassin’s bullet while doing what he loved—sharing and telling the truth.
At this point, it’s tempting to condemn the state of our nation, where some people think it acceptable to murder people with whom they disagree. But Charlie wouldn’t want us to bemoan. His ebullient nature would prompt us to focus on what is good, what is just, and what is right.
He would tell us that God is good, all the time. That all the time, God is good. He would declare from the rooftop that you are entitled to your opinions, but not your own set of facts. Facts are neutral. And it’s through civil debate that we use facts to distill the truth of any matter. That’s what Charlie did. That’s what we all should do. In the days ahead, vulgar radicals will chortle over Charlie’s death. We must not dignify their obscenities by giving them any attention. Charlie wouldn’t. We shouldn’t.
Today, a wife and two precious children are weeping for a husband and daddy. They need our prayers. The people of our nation should weep with them. Then pray earnestly for the spiritual revival so greatly needed in America. Without it, we will continue to spiral downward.
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