Like millions around the world, I am sad because of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He lived a phenomenal life. His murder was senseless, until his widow challenged the world to revisit her husband’s purpose for living.
Charlie’s tragedy left his wife Erika with a load. The widow and mother of two little girls, stood before a microphone, within 48 hours of his death, and declared that his vision was not dead. Neither would his voice be silent, even with a bullet to his throat. His extraordinary impact as a Christian and a conservative thought leader will continue. According to his wife, “my husband’s voice will remain, and it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever. And his wisdom will endure.”
While addressing a chapter of Turning Point USA at a college campus in Utah, Charlie was assassinated. He founded the conservative group at the age of eighteen. Within thirteen years, the movement spread to 3,500 high schools and colleges throughout the United States. Turning Point USA has gone on to become one of the most influential politically conservative organizations in the country.
Like many others, I was eager to hear Erika Kirk’s first public statement since her husband’s assassination. Although still broken by Charlie’s passing, Erika spoke with courage. She exuded strength. She never asked for pity or revenge. With confidence she contended that “the movement my husband built will not die. It won’t. I refuse to let that happen…no one will ever forget my husband’s name. And I will make sure of it. It will become stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever. My husband’s mission will not end. Not even for a moment.”
Television journalists and their guests were in awe of Erika’s courage. “From where did she get that boldness”, some asked. Honestly, Erika is no novice. Unlike her late husband, she is an academic giant. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies. But what she displayed in the midst of her grief, was much more than academic brilliance. She spoke with Christian grace. She displayed divine empowerment.
In response to her presentation, journalists were searching for appropriate words to describe what they had just witnessed. For me, their reaction became a part of the story. They were emotionally distraught. Some referred to Erika’s presentation as very inspirational. I believe they meant very convicting. Convicting because the expected rancor was replaced by reason. Reason to consider Charlie’s love and commitment to Jesus Christ. Reason to passionately proceed, rather than retreat.
I am aware that there have been toxic responses to Charlie’s assassination. However, I will not disdain this commentary with any further comment on such distractions. I will choose to remember the absence of any violent reaction from the thousands of students whose lives were impacted by Charlie Kirk. I will choose to affirm the spiritual renewal evident among young people. I will choose to focus on Charlie’s legacy of courage and faith. I will focus on the good, others intended for evil. I will pray that Erika will surround herself with godly counselors. I will pray that she will continue to be empowered by the divine Counselor, who Jesus promised when He was leaving this world.
Some months ago, when asked in an interview, how would he want to be remembered, Charlie Kirk replied, “for my courage and my faith.” Wow! Would we have answered like Charlie? Honestly, we will not be here forever. Hopefully, our departure will not be as tragic as Charlie’s. But we will still need to answer the question, “for what would I want to be remembered?”