remembering charlie kirk: the rise of a generation for christ
by: abby sexton
Almost two weeks ago, Charlie Kirk, the Founder of Turning Point USA, was publicly and gruesomely murdered. An entire generation of young men and women looked up to him as he toured college campuses engaging in debate and standing for truth.
Like many across the country, I have been grieving. I have asked myself, “Why am I struggling with the death of a man I never met?” I was not a loyal follower – just someone who occasionally watched clips of his debates on social media. Yet his death hit like a gut punch. To see someone so young – a husband, a father of two, engaging in peaceful debate – struck down by the bullet of a troubled young man felt like looking in the face of evil.
Why does his death feel so heavy? One person online put it this way: As followers of Christ, we are part of the same family of God, bound together by the Holy Spirit. That’s why the loss feels so deep. Charlie was family.
Most of the clips I had seen of him prior to his death were his political debates. But in the days since, a different side of him began showing up in my feed – his constant pursuit of Jesus and boldness in sharing the gospel with others. I had no idea how much he talked about his faith and brought it into every conversation. Watching those moments, I’m struck by how much he loved his Savior, his family, and his country.
I also didn’t know much about his wife, Erika. Over the past two weeks, I’ve seen clips of them discussing their marriage, and what it meant to walk in God’s good design. As a newlywed, their marriage has inspired me. I believe it will inspire young women to wait for a godly man who leads them well, and young men to wait for a godly woman who will be their helpmate in God’s calling. Charlie and Erika were a team with Christ at the center of their marriage.
Charlie fought tirelessly for biblical values and recognized the deep needs of Gen Z. Our generation is plagued by hopelessness, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. But the answer, as Charlie knew, is Jesus. That’s why he spent his life sharing the gospel, teaching biblical principles, and encouraging people to embrace God’s design for marriage and family. Under His good plan, every person can thrive. We don’t have to settle for despair—we can seek God and truly live.
At his memorial, it was powerful to see so many government leaders boldly share the gospel, worship leaders lift their voices in praise, and over 90,000 people gather in person for what became a moment of revival. Millions more watched online and heard the good news of Jesus.
Charlie said once his favorite Bible verse was Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Even in the midst of death, what the enemy intended for evil, God is using for good and for His glory. Though a great sacrifice was made, God is using Charlie’s death to save thousands of others. From everything I’ve heard Charlie say, I believe he would consider that sacrifice absolutely worth it.
Our generation is rising up and turning to Christ. We are seeing a wave of revival, redemption, and reformation. It is our responsibility to take up the mantle – to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, disciple others, and bring light into our culture. The darkness will not win – let us be the salt and light in America just as Charlie was.
As we mourn, we will not retreat. We will pursue holiness, live virtuous lives, love others well, and push back against darkness. We will fix our eyes on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Let us honor Charlie’s legacy by pursing the good he encouraged: follow Christ, get married, have kids, stand for truth. And may we all be willing to live out Isaiah 6:8, “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’”