Thoughts

When I set out to “share my journey” here, it never occurred to me that part of that journey would include mourning the loss of someone I never met. I never thought I would write about things like this, but I I just felt like I couldn’t move on unless I shared my heart about the recent events.

There was such a deep grief that washed over me as I saw the news about Charlie Kirk. I didn’t know him, but I was so encouraged by his bravery, wisdom, and passion for the truth. I looked up to him, as I know many did. Charlie’s being taken from this world a day before 9/11 only ignites a deeper flame within me to pray for the heart and soul of this nation.

Once the shock wore off, and I really began to pray and process what happened, I was suddenly confronted with the question: Would I lay my life down for the sake of the gospel?

In truth, that has only ever been an idea and not a reality for me. I have had head knowledge of what that means, but until now, I have only had a surface-level understanding of what dying to oneself really means.

When we become born-again believers, we die to our old life and are born again into new life. Our old man dies. We become a new creation.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

As a pastor’s kid, I grew up listening to stories, reading scripture, and singing songs about this, but I can honestly say that the reality of this has not hit home until a couple of days ago.

My life is not my own. I have died to my old self; I am a living sacrifice.

This world has no hold on me, and because of that I have the freedom to proclaim the good news of the gospel without fear of death. We watched this being played out in real time in Charlie Kirk’s life.

This tragedy has shifted something within me. As I head out to the mission field in a few weeks, I am bringing with me a fresh boldness. As I grieve the loss of a brother in Christ, I also celebrate the ripple effect his life on this earth has had. Even in his death, his message continues to pour out over the nations.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

If any of you reading this need prayer, please message or comment. In these times especially we must look after one another. When Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave us the Holy Spirit—our helper.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26