Here at Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms, we typically avoid political topics, especially in our Facebook group, because our goal is to foster peace, encouragement, and unity in Christ. But today, I need to share something that’s been weighing heavily on my heart.
Like many of you, I was shocked to hear the news about Charlie Kirk’s death. When my husband first called to tell me that Charlie had been shot, I was concerned, but I honestly believed he would be okay. I assumed it was a non-fatal injury, and life would move on.
As more details came out, I realized that wasn’t the case. When I finally saw the confirmation that he had been pronounced deceased, I refreshed the page multiple times. I looked for other articles, hoping and praying that it was fake news. Sadly, as you likely know by now, Charlie has gone home to be with the Lord.
Grief with a Heavy Heart
To be as humble and honest as I can: I don’t know who will be in Heaven. I have a relationship with Jesus. I know that I am a sinner, and I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. I confess my sins and continually repent. Aside from that there’s nothing that I can do to “earn” my way into Heaven. Jesus paid it all for every one of us who believes in Him.
As it says in Romans 10:9,
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
I didn’t know Charlie Kirk personally. I watched his videos, listened to his words, and deeply respected his biblical knowledge and, even more, the heart he publicly portrayed for the Lord. I can only hope that this was a true reflection of his heart, mind, and soul. I pray that God welcomed him into eternity with the words we all long to hear:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” -Matthew 25:23
As Matthew 5:10 says,
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Thinking of His Family
I can’t even begin to imagine what Charlie’s wife, Erika, and their family are going through right now — nor do I ever want to try. My heart aches for her and for everyone who knew and loved Charlie personally. My heart also aches for the family and friends of Iryna Zarutska, as well as for everyone who has unnecessarily lost their life.
I started writing this on September 11th; a day that already carries so much weight and national sorrow. I can’t help but notice how tragedy used to unite us as a country, but now it often feels like it deepens division. What this world needs more than anything right now is Jesus.
If You Don’t Know Jesus, Now Is the Time
If you don’t have a personal relationship with the Lord, let this be your invitation. It is never too late to come to Jesus. He loves you. He sees you. He forgives a multitude of sins, including all of mine, over and over again.
As 1 John 1:9 reminds us,
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Forgiveness in the Face of Evil
What has touched me just as deeply is Erika’s public display of faith. In the midst of this unthinkable grief, she has spoken about her love for the Lord and her hope of being reunited with her husband one day in Heaven. Even more inspiring? She has expressed a heart of forgiveness toward the man who murdered her husband. That is nothing short of supernatural. That is Jesus.
As Ephesians 4:32 says,
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
I pray for the man who committed this act, and for anyone else who may have been involved, that they would come to know Jesus and have a relationship with Him. This world is broken, but our God is the king of redemption.
What Can We Do?
If you do anything in the coming days, let it be this: Share Jesus. Tell people they are loved. Tell them there is hope. Point people to the Savior who gives peace that surpasses all understanding, even in tragedy, especially in tragedy. We may not have all the answers. We may still be in shock. But we know the One who is the Answer. His name is Jesus.
With love and hope,
Maria Wilcoxon –A fellow crunchy Christian mom who’s still processing, still praying, and still believing in grace
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