The tragic murder of Charlie Kirk is a horrible stain on this nation that leaves an enormous void, starting with his young and beautiful family, millions of college students across America, and for our national political discourse.
The CFACT team and community, like so many millions of Americans, and leaders and others worldwide, offers its deepest condolences to his widow, Erika, and their little daughter and baby son.
This young man long displayed personal and trenchant qualities in not quite 32 years on this earth. He combined intellect with wisdom and devotion that made him so effective and accomplished. There was no arrogance or “divisiveness” in Charlie Kirk. He was humble, kind and good-natured.
He invited debate on a wide range of political, cultural and spiritual topics. He did so with sound judgment and self-control; firmness and compassion. I dare say most of us in our lifetime will never reach the maturity level and fruits of the Holy Spirit that Charlie Kirk attained by the grace of God.
Charlie Kirk was an exceptional leader and organizer, which made him a political warrior. He founded and expanded Turning Point USA, a pivotal organization that did more than just talk about issues. His leadership was impactful and results-oriented in that he helped re-elect a president in the greatest political comeback in American history, whose administration is implementing a policy agenda that Charlie Kirk espoused.
CFACT Collegians is proud to have worked with Charlie Kirk’s team at Turning Point USA on college campuses across the country. That work will not diminish but continue and build triumphantly, because it must.
In at least the last 40 years, there are few if any individuals who rival his ability and influence. It is not a big mystery to me why he was taken from us. In the fullness of time, we will know more.
More than a political talent, Charlie Kirk was a believer in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for he was “not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). Charlie spoke openly about his faith and the truth of it in winsome fashion – not from a church pulpit, but on the ground, in the trenches, for non-church goers to hear and believe.
Starting from his teenage years, Charlie Kirk was a man “in the arena,” as Theodore Roosevelt described:
[W]ho knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement… whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.”
Charlie Kirk’s blood spilled from that assassin’s bullet this week, an act of violence and cruelty that he could not overcome. But the killer(s) did not and will not win.
Rather, they further provoked a movement as Charlie Kirk’s legacy and impact will endure to even greater heights.
May we all find comfort in God and know that Charlie has crossed over the river, and is resting under the shade of trees in the heavenly places and been told, “well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).