The students of Turning Point USA and the College Republicans at GVSU gathered on Tuesday night to remember the life of Charlie Kirk. Around 100 students gathered for a beautiful night of conversation and reflecting on what Charlie Kirk stood for, and the impact he had made on our lives. The room was crowded, and more students gathered in an overflow to watch the event online.
I always love the time we spend with students, and was grateful to be able to share a few thoughts with them on a man who impacted all of us greatly.
Charlie Kirk meant so much to so many of us.
Charlie did what few of us would dare to do–build a powerful organization like Turning Point to give a voice to truth, and give America a chance to return to greatness.
Many public figures concentrate on building for themselves–for personal power and financial gain. But Charlie built for his country. With grit and prayer, he willed his powerhouse organization into being, and shared it generously with all of us.
Locally, when Democrats and establishment Republicans were frightened by the courageous actions of Ottawa Impact and aligned commissioners—closing down the DEI Department and replacing county leaders who were promoting a progressive agenda, Turning Point USA gave us a mic and invited us to share our story to inspire others.
Charlie Kirk understood we would never be able to save America with leaders who refuse to act. America needs courage.
On the national stage, Charlie led from the front—taking the brunt of the fight from the left, gathering like-minded allies around him, making space for Christians and conservatives to speak again, and begin the restoration of America.
Charlie recognized there was more on the line than political parties—that we were in a struggle for truth and the soul of our nation.
Charlie used his voice for Jesus, boldly speaking on campuses and in a nation where truth had been forced into the shadows. You are the generation who has likely most deeply born the brunt of the oppression of truth in America’s institutions.
Where people disagreed, Charlie invited conversation, teaching us all it was possible to talk to each other again, and to refute the oppressive anti-God, Marxist ideology taking over our nation and our schools.
Faith and culture collide in the world of politics. Charlie boldly shared his faith and articulated the application of biblical truth to America’s cultural and political issues. And as it turns out, policy based on biblical truths makes for sound policy.
Too many have been deceived that faith and politics don’t mix—but there is no part of this world where our Creator’s Word does not apply. Our culture is craving His Word and His created order in the chaos of today, and it is our responsibility to share it with them.
The exact point where the battle rages is where we are called to be. And as Charlie’s work exemplified, it’s a beautiful place to share Jesus. In everything, Charlie sought to “make heaven crowded.”
And at a time when the family and gender itself is under attack, Charlie poured into us all the importance of faith, marriage, and building a family–providing an example with his own young life and family.
With grit and organization, Charlie Kirk was arguably responsible for President Trump winning the 2024 election—apart from our President of course, giving our nation a chance for restoration and a return to truth.
Charlie Kirk made the godless tremble. May we all be so effective that we do the same.
I am thankful for the beautiful, courageous life of my brother and martyr, Charlie Kirk. In the beautiful words of a student, “May the memory of Charlie’s life be a blessing.”
I pray for comfort for Charlie’s wife and little ones, for his Turning Point team, our nation, and all who loved Charlie.
Now it is our turn to carry the torch. Fear is not an option, nor can it be an excuse.
God tells us,
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
May we have Charlie’s courage. May we make heaven crowded.