That’s it. That’s what the post is about. How are you doing? I’ve been thinking about everyone here in the midst of regular life that’s taken a lot of my time and attention. I hope you’ll share in the comments where you are in the process of thinking and dealing with the recent events. Maybe we can all help each other out in this respect now that the initial shock has worn off.
I know the last week and a half has been a life-altering time period for many American citizens. I had less of a reaction to the Charlie Kirk assassination than many people and I’ve tried to figure out why.
One, I didn’t follow Charlie Kirk. I watched his video clips here and there, but I wasn’t invested in his work like I have been other people. So the deeply personal connection wasn’t there for me.
But, more importantly, I think it’s because over the past six years I’ve already gone through so many emotions as I’ve dug into All The Things that at some point I started to detach myself from the emotions of it all. (Except righteous anger. I’ve still got plenty of that.) I’ve been horrified so many times by what I’ve learned that I don’t think Charlie’s execution could have shocked me the same way it did people who aren’t aware of what’s actually going on around them. It’s not that I don’t care because I do. But I realized a long time ago that if I continued to read and write about these things, I had to detach myself emotionally from it all. Dealing with All The Horrific Things has worn me out.
So this felt like One More Horrific Thing to process but not respond to emotionally. I don’t say that to minimize it. I felt the same way about the assassination attempt on President Trump in Butler. Both assassination attempts have felt like The Next Horrific Thing of this arduous and exhausting journey we are on as a country. It’s not that I couldn’t be emotional about them. I’m simply functioning in a more detached way than most Americans at this point.
What did move me was thinking about Charlie’s children. I cannot imagine trying to explain to tiny children why their wonderful dad is simply never going to come home from his last trip. As a mother, that breaks me up.
I’ve also been moved to think about Charlie’s family. So much attention has been geared toward his wife and children (with good reason). But his original family suffered a great loss as well. I saw a picture of his father and he was clearly heartbroken. So I feel compassion toward them as well.
After seeing how those under 30 (who aren’t completely deranged) responded to this event, it gives me more hope for the future.
Now to unravel all the related stories about Israel.
How Does Israel Controlling the USA Get Resolved?
I have followed Charlie Kirk because our son who is in the Gen Z age bracket listened to him on his show and clips. Our young adult son was heavily influenced by him as he is similar and loves to debate similar issues. So CK had a big impact and he was very upset. He was hoping to go see him when he came to a university in our state this week. I would rather he be influenced by Charlie Kirk than by the left. Thank God he is not in college being indoctrinated.
I am encouraged by the spontaneous worship and the people coming to Christ and wanting God in their lives. There seems to be thirst for God. The Lord and truth are still winning!
Very interesting of protests happening around the world. People are very fed up and his death was a spark that lit. Time will tell for where I live…
I am concerned on the other side of things with the continued extreme vitriol of the far left and the deep anger and evil showing its face. Like with another school shooting in my state the same day and finding out this kid (16 yrs) was part of an online Satanic group. And the politicians screaming for more control of us following. Then kids from the same school protesting and screaming for the same thing. It’s the kids that concern me. The politicians are just evil and could really care less. Getting to the core issues of the problem will never happen with more control.
Two big things happening on the same day was alot for me. I went on social media which I should not have done and people are just sick. So I got off. I am trying to get back into focus of what I have to do on my plate.
Thanks Sallie….
Good day Sallie,
I just found the comment line that led me to this reply option. I previously couldn’t find the reply option.
As to events on topic, I think the assassination of CK is a sign of our times and where we, as Christians, fit. Persecution of the Church is ramping up. The good news is that persecution has always produced the spread and strength of the gospel. May we all strive to embrace the path He calls us to, without fear and in faith that He is faithful.
Having said that, we need to seek and know what our paths are. Some are hidden in His wings for a season and some are to pick up a mantle and move out. Without doubt, the season in Christ has changed.
May we all find our direction.
I always enjoy your in depth thoughts and unbiased comments on all things. Brilliant….. and rejoice in the fact that God is leading our world forward as it is his government. Being a debate teacher for a few years I loved seeing both sides of a question talked about.. it was so incredible to see passion proven in students who did research on their beliefs…. and had an open forum to discuss them . This is what I felt Charlie wanted to present.. more than anything his ability to allow students to express themselves on things they were concerned about…..freely. Yes, your comments on his sweet children and wife.. hit home and thankfully their mother is teaching them that dad is on a business trip with Jesus. Blessings and thank you , as always,for your space given us to read your wisdom .. and soak in it.. and feel better. Love, Merrilyn Mc Elderry in Northfield Minnesota Merri x
Our family has been deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. Our son (24) and his wife regularly listened to Charlie. Our youngest (19) is a sophomore at Liberty University where Charlie was scheduled to speak next month. A few days before he was killed, I was even looking at flights to go down and hear him with our daughter. Even though my husband and I didn’t listen to him a lot, we feel the attack on the body of Christ. It feels like he was a relative or something – in an odd way. I agree with the above comment that “the season in Christ has changed”. What a good way to put it. We have seen a fellow believer martyred for his faith in our country that was founded on freedom. A believer who stood for free speech and peaceful dialogue and debate, and shared the gospel unapologetically. The evil is on full display and there is no hiding for anyone now. We see the sifting before our eyes.
I wonder what anyone here thinks about pastors speaking/not speaking about this last Sunday. Our pastor did not mention him by name or offer even a prayer for his family. This was tough for us. We changed churches a year ago for different reasons (we had been there 20+ yrs) and have no desire to change. Our pastor is a strong, biblical teacher and preacher. Anyway, just something we are also processing after this tragic event.
Hi Amy,
I’ve seen a LOT of people online struggling with the fact that their pastor did not mention Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Providentially, David was the deacon of the week so he was the one who gave the opening little segment. He spoke in an appropriate way about the positives already coming out due to Charlie’s death – people returning to church, students wanting to start Turning Point USA chapters, etc. He prayed for the family. It was probably one of the best openings David has done and many people thanked him afterwards.
On the other hand, our pastor did not talk about it at all. He made a brief reference to it in his sermon without mentioning Charlie’s name. He didn’t reference what David spoke about so it wasn’t like David stole his thunder from what I could tell. Our pastor generally avoids politics in the pulpit so it wasn’t out of the ordinary. Honestly, I’ve appreciated having a place to go during the week where we can leave the outside world behind. I thought our pastor did an exceptionally good job during covid given the specific situation of our church at the time and so he’s earned the benefit of the doubt from me regarding how he handles things. That said, I don’t know how I would have felt if David or another deacon hadn’t talked about it and the pastor didn’t either.
I know that probably isn’t any help, but that was our experience.
Sallie
This new post is relevant to this discussion.
Big Eva Snubs Charlie Kirk Even in Death | Megan Basham and Seth Gruber
Thank you, Sallie. Thank you for sharing – I’m about half way through the video.