I didn’t have anything to say yesterday. I still don’t know what to say.
I didn’t know Charlie Kirk. But his voice was still profoundly impacting. It was a comfort to know there was a such a powerful voice out there, challenging ideas and inspiring young Americans, not just politically but for the cause of Christ.
His murder feels devastating, even though I never met him. It feels like our country has shifted and crossed a line that we cannot return from.
As I laid in bed last night, I couldn’t help but wonder, “how do we respond?” “What do we do now?” And I had this fleeting thought, “I guess the easiest thing would be to teach our children to grow up and be quiet. At least they’ll be safe.”
And instantly the Holy Spirit reminded me of the words of Esther. As Mordecai challenged Esther not to be silent in the face of the destruction of her people, her response was to accept the challenge and her responsibility to go to the king, saying, “…and if I perish, I perish.”*
What conviction.
We're not called to be "safe." We are here for the Lord's purpose and will.
We never have to teach our children to be silent. We can teach them to love the Lord with all their hearts and minds, to give their lives fully to Him, and follow His leading, no matter where it takes them, no matter the cost.
And if, like Charlie, their lives are cut short at the age of 31, we can rejoice that they answered the call. We can rejoice that the Lord knew the number of their days, and we will see them again.
I rejoice that Charlie’s family will see him again. I rejoice that this is not the end, and that we can trust the Word of God that says, "He works all things together for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose."**
Earthly sorrow may not diminish, but there is such hope in eternity.
And today, to those of us who are still carrying out our earthly assignments, I encourage us all to live in light of those words of Esther. We cannot be turned away from following the Lord at any cost. Let us grow more steadfast in these uncertain times. Let us share more boldly the gospel of Christ. And let us too live with the perspective of Esther:
“…and if I perish, I perish.”
*Esther 4:16
**Romans 8:28
