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Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. ~John 8:32
I would like to be remembered for having courage for my faith. ~Charlie Kirk
This past week, our nation and the world are rocked to our very core. Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk, is brutally assassinated at Utah Valley University while engaging students in his signature "Prove Me Wrong" discussions. In these sessions, Charlie invited anyone to question him and his conservative outlook on life, helping young people to think for themselves in logical, moral and fundamental ways while encouraging healthy, constructive debate. He fostered civil, respectful and compassionate dialogue, showing that everyone, no matter what their political or religious persuasion deserves to be heard and treated with dignity.
In an eerie parallel to the Butler, Pennsylvania attempt to assassinate now President Trump, this shooter accessed a rooftop on the campus where crowds had gathered to hear Charlie speak and for some, to wait patiently in line to pose their questions to this unique man wise beyond his 31 years. The perpetrator fires only one shot, but it takes only one to end a life so boldly and unabashedly lived for Jesus, and for the freedoms of speech and religion espoused the our Constitution.
But if the killer thought that his heinous act to silence Charlie would work, he was delusional. Instead, the exact opposite, and I would add miraculous, effect resurrected beauty from ashes. On Sunday, as I'm drafting this post, over 36,000 requests for campus chapters of Turning Point USA have poured into their headquarters. Charlies authenticity and grace-filled love for Jesus, some have posited, has sparked a spiritual revival among Gen-Z-ers who are returning to the church in unprecedented numbers. And more than ever, young people aren't afraid to question, speak out and speak up with the same authority, conviction and love that Charlie showed to them.
This powerful movement which Charlie began in life will only magnify and multiply in the wake of his untimely death. And all because he knew his Lord and Savior, spoke the truth in love, and set the minds of millions free from fear and subjugation to a secular culture that is oppressive and intolerant of anyone professing faith in God.
As a physical man, Charlie literally stood head and shoulders higher than most, but his spiritual body will be a towering touchstone for not just this generation, but for countless generations to come.
I will close this post with one of Charlie's quotes about Jesus: Let's mirror His heart, speaking truth firmly yet tenderly, trusting that only God can open spiritual eyes.
Amen, and again I say, amen!
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Only God can open spiritual eyes....amen!
ReplyDeleteYes, Linda, only God.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Amen.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha. God bless.
You are most welcome, Victor. I'm praying for a revival here and in the UK.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
You have said it twice; I will add a third: AMEN! I pray the movement will not end. I pray the flame that has been lit will not flicker but burn brightly until eternity. I pray for the young men and women who were touched by his life and words to fully embrace the Christ he followed. And I pray for his young wife and two children. I pray God will inspire and encourage and embolden them to continue the movement.
ReplyDeleteYou have summed up all my prayers perfectly, Bill. I saw in the news that a vast majority of churches saw a substantial uptick in their attendance last Sunday. It's being called the "Charlie Effect." Praying that it's not a one off but a true revival.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Amen. Thank you so much for this post.
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome, Linda.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
He's now one for the ages. The question becomes what do we do.
ReplyDeleteCharlie has passed the torch to all of us, Glynn. Let's carry it proudly into the future.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Watch Candace Owens. "They're lying to you about Charlie Kirk".
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion, Rose.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Best post I've read about Charlie Kirk and his legacy. Blessings . . .
ReplyDeleteI am so humbled by your kind words, Vickie. Thank you!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Yes, Amen!! The torch must never be extinguished.
ReplyDeleteAnd I truly believe that the torch has been passed, Terri, and there will be millions of Charlie Kirks that will keep his legacy of freedom and the love of Jesus alive.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Martha, I could not agree with you anymore.
ReplyDeleteI know we're on the same page, Sandie. Others need to visit your blog today to read Chad's amazing tribute to Charlie.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
This has been heavily on my mind. We only discovered the news on Thursday morning and were shocked. I then searched online for more information, and before I knew it, I came across the disturbing video, which has haunted me ever since. I can't erase what I witnessed. My son mentioned that he viewed it as well. My heart aches for the young individuals who encountered the video. I'm still heartbroken for his family - and I expect it will take time to heal.
ReplyDeleteThe show must continue... and I hope all the young people will now take the stage and pick up the mike.
Oh, Debby, I'm so very sorry that you came across that horrific video. That has to be traumatic and a terrible memory that will remain in your mind and in your son's. All the coverage I've followed has been on Fox News which had the good sense NOT to show that graphic image. May Charlie's legacy live on in the millions of souls touched and inspired by his message to all of us.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
We truly need more of it in this country - That "everyone, no matter what their political or religious persuasion deserves to be heard and treated with dignity." May we be more like Jesus who loves unconditionally and learn to speak the Truth in love! Thank you, Martha. Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Trudy. What's happened to civil discourse and healthy debate in our country? May the good Lord have mercy on us all and may Charlie be our inspiration to treat others like Jesus wanted us to.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
People have to stop murdering each other just because they disagree. This is getting worse and worse.
ReplyDeleteIt is getting worse and worse, Ginny. Hateful rhetoric that calls people Nazis and fascists only adds fuel to an already raging fire. Killing someone because their beliefs don't align with yours is the lowest of the low.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
horrible what happened
ReplyDeleteBeyond horrible, Christine. One should be able to speak their mind in this country without fearing for their life. That's what Charlie was trying to communicate through Turning Point.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Thank you for this wonderful post, Martha. You have said it all perfectly. I have a loved one who actually lives not terribly far from you, who is on the "other side", and I am praying for his eyes to be opened to the truth, but there are so many lies being circulated out there and for those who do not have faith in Christ, it is easy to be sucked into all of those evil tricks of the devil. My heart has been so burdened for him and so many others like him. I know God is able to break through to his heart, but I just pray that he will be open to listen and believe for himself. There are others also among my extended family in the same situation. My heart is breaking for them to wake up before it is too late. Thank you for this wonderful open and honest message.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you so much, Pamela, for opening up and sharing your concerns for others that don't seem to "get" it, and believe the devil's lies. We have some in our family, too, and it does hurt so deeply. We simply continue to pray that they see the light of Jesus before it's too late. I think what bothers me the most about what just happened is the cruel glee that people in the media and the left that don't see anything wrong with killing someone with whom you don't agree. How did we get to this point in our nation? We must all become Charlie Kirk and keep his light shining.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
My heart is so broken over this senseless tragedy. My heart is broken over the "celebrations" over his death. It makes me angry that people are sitting in churches under false teachers declaring Charlie Kirk was a racist.I'm doing my best not to go to one such channel and really letting this fake pastor have it but why should I waste my fingers by adding to his view count?
ReplyDeleteDon't afford anyone that hates the truth the opportunity for another "click," Regina. Instead, let's pray for Charlie's sweet wife and children and for all those brave souls unafraid to speak the truth in love just as he did. Like you, my heart is shattered into a million pieces at this needless tragedy. May God save and heal this nation.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Diane and I certainly add our deeply felt "Amen!!!!!!" to the one you closed with, Martha. As I have said repeatedly since last Wednesday, I've lived through reports of the death of all kinds of famous, popular, and politically iconic people in my life, but I have never, ever "felt" the impact of that news like I did in Charlie's case. We were in the car on the way home from one of our many appointments when the news broke that he had been shot. Our first response in midst of the shock was to join the millions of others pleading with God not to let him die. But then, when Will Cain had to break the news that he had, indeed, been called out of this life, our tears could not be restrained.
ReplyDeleteAmong the many things that this incredibly gifted and courageous young man exemplified was a process that Jesus highlighted repeatedly. Charlie was a tireless and unstoppable sower of seed, but as we've seen, and as you made abundantly clear, he was himself a seed. Jesus said, "Except as grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone. But if it dies, it produces much fruit." Thank God that in the midst of our shock, grief, outrage, and cries for justice, we're seeing what I believe will be one of the most astounding harvests we have ever imagined.
Thank you, dear sister, for the eloquent tribute and for once again locking hearts with Charlie and the rest of us who are committed to projecting our voice against the evil that took Charlie's life. Like hiim, we will continue to devote out lives to proclaiming the Gospel that undergirded everything this great nation was founded on.
Your words here mirror exactly the horror and sorrow that both Danny and I experienced when we heard the news of Charlie's death. I was beside myself with grief for his wife, children and all of his family, blood relatives and all he mentored at Turning Point who looked to him as a role model of how true dialogue, debate and decency could prevail in this country once again. Yes, like that grain of wheat that Jesus talked about, Charlie has been planted and his message of Jesus' saving grace will multiply and flourish as millions carry on the work he started here and across the world. May we all hold his torch of Jesus' love and truth high.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Killing someone you don't agree with doesn't solve anything, it makes matters worse.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Bill - it never has and it never will. May we all vow to take up Charlie's mantel and shine the light of Jesus' love to others each and every day and with every breath we take.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Praying for our hurting world.
ReplyDeleteExactly what we need to be doing, Diana. Prayers and the love of Jesus is the answer.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
What did his murder achieve?
ReplyDeleteNOTHING but pain
Nothing but pain, Jo-Anne, and the whole world is reeling from it. Who are these people that even think that differences can be solved by hatred and vengeance? Charlie embodied the message of Jesus in a life lived with commitment to love others and speak truth to lies. May we all carry the torch he lit and shine that courage and love to others.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Charlie will NOT have died in vain. I firmly believe what Erika Kirk so valiantly proclaimed last Friday evening: "If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country." One example you've highlighted in your post, Martha, that 36,000 new requests for Turning Point USA chapters have poured in to their headquarters--already. Charlie would be thrilled. May thousands of seeds he planted grow into fruition!
ReplyDeleteAnd now I heard today, Nancy, that those requests have topped 38,000. Praise God! We cannot be a free people unless free speech is honored and protected at all times. Erika's speech and her courage moved me in such a powerful way that defies description. Charlie did not die in vain, and God knows the faith of this one man will create a spiritual revival the world has never seen.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I agree, this is one of the best posts I've read about this tragedy. I still feel gutted, but I'm comforted knowing I'm surrounded by like-minded folks. That flickering light has become a bonfire!
ReplyDeleteI love your statement here, Myra, that this "flickering light has become a bonfire." Charlie's light will shine onto this darkened world in untold and manifold ways that the minions of the devil could never have anticipated. The moment evil thinks it has all the cards, only the Dealer holds the winning hand.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy. Save us from ourselves.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Linda! May the Lord have mercy on this country and upon Charlie's mission to spread the love of Jesus with truth and love be manifested in all of us.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Bom dia, Martha
ReplyDeleteFoi terrível o que aconteceu, que tragédia. Charlie foi um exemplo de cristão autêntico, deixou um legado precioso. Que o Senhor console sua esposa, toda família e amigos, um forte abraço.
The legacy that Charlie left is already producing fruit, Lucinalva. I heard just this morning that the requests for high school and college charters now surpass 68,000, and more young people than ever are returning to church. I'm sure God said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I was not familiar with Charlie Kirk. I first read of his death on a website that I frequent. Then, our new pastor spoke of him in her sermon on Sunday. She actually changed her sermon because of what happened to him. I am learning more about him as I read tributes like yours. Be blessed.
ReplyDeleteI can understand completely why your pastor would change her sermon, Cecelia. Charlie truly was a man of God who lived out his commitment to Jesus and to the truth. I'm continuing to pray for his wife and family as we all grieve this terrible loss.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
oh..the heavy hearts that have felt moments of despair this past week and even still today. I so enjoyed listening to Charlie Kirk on his podcasts. what a great man he was and I know that he lived what he believed. We can only trust that there will be souls saved from the very words that CK shared in his life. Thank you Martha for this post .
ReplyDeleteThat is what I've been hoping and praying for, Shug. I do believe that Charlie's legacy will grow exponentially and influence countless generations to come. Yes, our hearts are heavy as we miss him so very much, but take comfort in knowing he is now with Jesus.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
It would seem that the world is a hard place to be "Christian". It will try to silence the word and the life it creates. In reality it produces more life because of the life that passes over. The world does not understand why. The example of that "silenced" life will always generate more life than that which has gone before. Christ was the ultimate example.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings
Christ was absolutely the ultimate example, Jim. With Charlie's death, more life has already emerged and is growing exponentially for Jesus and God's kingdom. May his legacy live on for generations.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Hi Martha. I already commented up ⬆️ in the comments. I had to recheck. Very good post and I pray for revival - not just for those new believers but within each of our hearts. We all need to step up a little more. It’s time for all of us to recommit to the purpose and reason we’re here - to proclaim His kingdom. The time is near.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all that you do for proclaiming the name of Christ. Well done, Martha. ✝️
A most sincere and heartfelt thank you to you, Debby. Like you, I'm praying for a revival that sweeps this nation with certainty of Who is in charge and the only One worthy of worship and praise. It certainly does feel that end times are near, but we all know only God, our Father, knows the day and the hour.
DeleteOh Martha, I just had time to read this and it is so powerful and so moving. Well said, my friend. Our local university campus and my alma mater held a prayer vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk and thousands attended. I love how many requests for chapters poured in for university campuses. And his wife's public statements on Fox were riveting to the core. It is definitely the Lord working good for His glory and as you said, He continues to make beauty from ashes. A thousand hallelujahs for the Almighty and the legacy that Charlie built.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Karen! I'm sure you've heard by now that Erika Kirk was Charlie's choice to carry on his mission and legacy, and she is the most graceful, poised, strong Christian woman that I've had the honor to hear speak with courage and conviction only two days after the life of the man she loved was wrongly taken from her. May God protect and guide her always, and may those two innocent children grow up knowing that their father died a hero.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Hi there! Great post about Charlie. I feel the same and it has been a heartbreaking week to get through. My son (almost 18 and a senior in high school) has expressed interest in starting a Turning Point chapter in our area. I do feel that Charlie's legacy will live on for years to come.
ReplyDeleteThat's such amazing and affirming news, Dawn Marie! Tell your son that he has the support of Christ followers, young and old, and the choice he has made is one that will reap unimaginable rewards in the future. Yes, my heart is still breaking, but we know that God is in the business of healing and binding up the wounds of the brokenhearted.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Grace and blessings!
I think I'm still in shock at how wicked and dark all our societies have become, but, you know, I shouldn't be. Jesus warned us in Matthew 24. It has to be because "they" have kicked God out of our Government, Businesses, etc. Most folks don't attend Church anymore. Big Pharma, violent games, the dehumanization of technology, murdering the unborn, the anything goes culture ... the kids are bewildered, confused and abused by all this. They feel powerless. They grow up to be broken young men and women. Now we learn our Schools are full of horrible "teachers" (indoctrinators) that groom the kids to send them deeper into the Pit. It all adds up.
ReplyDeleteKeep praying, especially for children. We absolutely must bring back the sanctity of human life.
Sorry about the soap box. Just my 2 cents.
No need to apologize or get off your soap box, Sparky. What you've written here about our secular society and those who have thrown God out like the baby with the bathwater is absolutely true. Charlie knew this, he recognized the hunger young people had for God being in their lives and feeling validated and affirmed in expressing their thoughts and opinions freely even when they disagreed with him or he with them. He was gracious, welcoming and accepting. Never ashamed of the Gospel or speaking the truth in love. May the people he inspired inspire others for the sake of Jesus.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
After seeing your comment on Susan's blog, I had to stop by. Such a tremendous loss. He was all about communication, something one side just can't seem to grasp...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for taking the step to visit me today, Alex! Yes, Charlie was all about communication and inviting civil, respectful dialogue between people of different opinions. He never disparaged anyone, but let healthy debate decide the outcome. Oh, how he will be missed!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Beauty from ashes indeed! I will be celebrating his life and all he has done for us and what his legacy will continue to do for us all this evening at a memorial in my area! A beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carrie, for stopping by today. Yes, beauty from ashes as we celebrate on Sunday (via TV) a life taken too soon but given for God's greater glory in the years to come. I'm so happy for you that you can actually attend a memorial in your area in person. It will be an event you will always remember.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Voltaire said "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
ReplyDeleteAmen, my friend! That is what America and freedom is all about. No one should be killed or silenced for expressing their beliefs and inviting others to express theirs in a respectful and peaceful fashion. God will make things right in the end.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Bom sábado e bom final de semana Martha. Confesso que não sei porque você não respondeu, meus comentários. Se te fiz algo ou falei errado, te peço perdão em nome do Senhor Jesus. Pela misericórdia e graça, fui alcançado pelo Altíssimo, sou lavado pelo Sangue do Cordeiro de Deus, meu Salvador e Senhor Jesus Cristo, também sou Templo do Espírito Santo de Deus. Se não quiser comentar, não tem problema, o principal não é o seu comentário, o principal é eu ter meu nome no Livro da Vida. E ter o Senhor Jesus como meu Salvador.
ReplyDeleteOh, Luiz, you have not done anything wrong at all! In fact, I just now saw this comment that you kindly left here. Sometimes, it takes me a while to get back to the kind and caring people who comment here, so I do hope you will forgive me. May God bless and keep you.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
"...only God can open spiritual eyes." This is true. I pray daily for some specific people, that their spiritual eyes will be opened. Good post, Martha.
ReplyDeleteI do the same, Barbara, when it comes to some loved ones who truly need the Lord in their lives. Sometimes, that's the best we can do. It's all in God's hands.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I was so impressed with the manner that he interacted with people. He definitely spoke the truth in love and he truly listened . We watched his memorial service on tv. I was glad to see so many came to it. I’m sure hearts were touched. The message of Gods love and redemption continues. Erica his wife stood in the strength of the Lord offering forgiveness to the killer. She’s an amazing young woman. God bless her and her children with comfort and provision for their daily needs. This is Cheryl I can’t seem to comment with my google account
ReplyDeleteI can only echo the beautiful sentiments you expressed here, Cheryl. You've said all that was on my heart yesterday when Danny and I watched the memorial service for Charlie. I've never felt more positive that a true revival is rolling through this nation. I pray that I'm right about that.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
What a wonderful tribute to this young man. His legacy will certainly live on. I think about Joseph's words in the Bible...you meant this for evil but God meant it for good. (Paraphrased) - Genesis 49:20.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Debbie! God can always bring beauty from ashes and His good and perfect will can overcome any evil we might encounter here on earth.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Lovely post Martha! Too many assassinations through history and the biggest was the murder of the Lord himself. But, he conquered death by his death and resurrection. Amazing to know that!
ReplyDeleteAnd Charlie believed in Jesus with all his heart and soul. His memorial service yesterday has propelled a movement and revival that cannot be quelled because God knows what an amazing servant He had in Charlie and his message to the lost and the searching for truth. May we all commit to carry Charlie's legacy into the future as our nation heals.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I'm praying for Charlie's family for God to comfort them. Also, praying for a revival around the world.
ReplyDeleteAmen, and amen again, Brenda! Charlie has left us all with a mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus and the freedom given to us in God.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I love what you've said about Charlie Kirk. We lost such a good man. Wasn't his memorial an amazing event. So thankful God put President Trump and J.D. Vance in office. I have felt like a family member was killed when Charlie Kirk died. So very sad.
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