These past weeks have been filled with shock, unutterable sadness and grief, and loss as Charlie Kirk, who made a huge difference among young people in our country, was assassinated.

The Effects of Loss

The fact that students near the front of the stadium saw the impact of the shot may haunt them for years. This man, a committed Christian, wanted only to dialogue with young people with respect and civility — to challenge them to think critically before simply accepting what they’d heard or been taught. To ask why they favored a certain candidate or policy, and what their rationale was.

He responded to questions from a biblical worldview, but supported his positions with rational, factual answers. And he never hesitated to talk about his relationship with Jesus Christ.

A few days later, a school that the daughters of a dear friend attended when they lived in Colorado was also targeted by a shooter, who killed two before turning the gun on himself.

What is the answer to this violence in our society?

Click here to watch YouTube short videos of Charlie speaking 

Charlie Made A Difference – And So Can You And I

I heard Charlie had something like 3.8 million social media followers before he was murdered. Since his death, it has increased to 5 million. I’m peanuts compared to that.

But I can make a difference where I am. And so can you.

You know from my last post that Don fell after his 100th birthday party. We spent hours in the ER that night, getting x-rays, blood tests, etc. His leg and hip continued to swell and we were sent back to the ER a few days later for another eight-hour stint. The doctors and staff were wonderful and very thorough.

And when we listen, God brings opportunities.

“My grandfather was named Don.”

A young woman who had earlier emptied our trash returned. We started talking and I asked her name.

“Danielle.”

“We’re Carol and Don,” I said.

She looked at Don. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she covered her face with her hands.

“My grandfather was named Don. He died two years ago. I’ve been asking God to give me a sign, and I think this is it.”

Can I Handle That Pain?

Danielle would like to be a social worker; however, she is familiar with some of the pain of social work, i.e., when children are returned to a dangerous family, or when siblings are separated into different foster homes. She didn’t know if she could handle that pain.

“I thought of going into social work too,” I said. “Someone told me I would have to leave my emotions behind at the end of the day. So, if you do go into that field, that’s one thing you’ll need to learn. But the best way I’ve found to release those emotions is to give them to Jesus.”

She agreed, and I handed her a “little Jesus.” I said, “This is not our Jesus. It’s just a representation. Our Jesus is all-powerful, all-knowing” (yes, even about Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the murder of children in school or through church windows).

“He’s huge,” she said, referring to the real Jesus.

Before she left, I asked if she had time for us to pray for her. She said yes. After we prayed, Danielle thanked us with tears and hugs. “That’s the first time anyone has prayed for me. Thank you so much!” She hugged me three times.

Are We Missing Opportunities?

Where are we as the Church (including me) missing opportunities to pray for someone who’s never been prayed for before? Are we bold enough, as Charlie Kirk was, to stand on our faith and share it when God opens opportunities for us?

I know I’ve missed such openings, and will likely do so again. But there is joy when we respond to His call and share His love with those around us.

Back in the ER

We returned to the ER last Friday. Don was in severe pain near his right hip. The doctor thought the pain was coming from his back rather than his side (on which he fell). She ordered back x-rays, which had not been done before, and sure enough, there’s a fracture which hadn’t shown on the earlier x-rays.

We don’t know why we had to return to the ER three times. Perhaps it was to learn flexibility — plans change quickly during a crisis — and to trust God in those changes. Perhaps part of it was for Danielle. Maybe it was just to learn more about Don’s injury and get that treated. Regardless, our God is good.

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you hope and a future.”

—Jeremiah 29:11

Death Couldn’t Hold Him

Jesus suffered scorn, mockery, hatred, and ultimately, death. But He rose again on the third day, and because of that, we have hope if we trust in Him.

Death could not hold him. It doesn’t hold Charlie Kirk. And it won’t hold those who have put their trust in Christ and will spend all eternity with Him. And so, I will meet Charlie Kirk one day. When my turn comes to be called Home, I will see Jesus, Charlie, my parents and nephew, and many others who have gone before.

Grieving a loss in this world is devastating. I pray for Erika Kirk and their two little girls. But with faith in Christ, who, as Charlie said, “Jesus took my place,” or “Him for me,” Charlie’s life has not ended. A new life has begun in a realm we understand little about but have great hope for.

Amazing grace!

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“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”

—I Thessalonians 4:13