A Day to Remember: The Faith That Fueled a Mission
“I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. … The most important thing [in my life] is my faith.”
These were the resounding words of Charlie Kirk—husband, father, friend, political activist, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), follower of Christ, evangelist, and with very close ties to many Calvary Chapel pastors—as just months before his tragic assassination he answered the question of how he would want to be remembered. In late September, Congress passed a resolution designating October 14th, Charlie Kirk's birthday, as a National Day of Remembrance in his honor. He was also posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian recognition, on his birthday.
As we remember Charlie today, the life he lived, the work he advocated for, we also recognize the movement he inspired, which continues to grow beyond him.
The work that Charlie fought for all stemmed from his relationship with Christ being the foundation of his mission. More than just a political figure, Charlie is being remembered for those very words: “Courage for his faith,” and the boldness to live that faith out publicly, as it fueled his mission. Charlie challenged youth to not only give their lives to Christ but to live a lifestyle that reflected biblical principles. Since Charlie's passing, one of the most resounding calls to action has been the idea of “picking up the mic” and carrying forward the message he spent his life championing.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Recently, Turning Point USA, the organization that Charlie founded, reminded us of some of the core values for which he stood. TPUSA encouraged the younger generation to not only remember these principles but to actively live them every day. Some of these include honoring the Sabbath, attending church, registering to vote, getting married and starting a family, stepping up as leaders rather than being followers, picking up the mic, and making Scripture reading a daily habit.
In many ways, Charlie was a big brother in the faith to the younger generation. One resource stated, “He was a role model to college students across the country, not just telling them to speak up, but showing them how to speak the truth in love.” Charlie’s love of the Word of God is what inspired him to fight against policies such as abortion and fight for family being his first ministry. His Gospel-fueled message encouraged young men and women to also walk in these ministries as he famously would say: “Get married. Have children. Build a legacy. Pass down your values. Pursue the eternal. Seek true joy.”
Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. Titus 2:6-7
Picking Up the Mic
Since Charlie’s tragic passing on September 10th this year, countless individuals across the country have been inspired to continue in his fight embracing his vision and carrying on the mission he dedicated his life to. His wife, Erika Kirk, addressed the nation, stating, "If you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you have unleashed across this country and this world." In the past month, his legacy has been ignited through a surge of student activism. In the weeks following his death, at least 50,000 students have reached out regarding launching new high school and college chapters, according to TPUSA.
Across the nation, hundreds of vigils were held in honor of Charlie Kirk, with events taking place in numerous cities and college campuses across the United States, as well as in a handful of other countries. News reports indicate that thousands of people gathered to pay their respects to Charlie and the principles he stood for.
What the Enemy Meant for Evil
On September 21st, a memorial was held for Charlie in Arizona, where he lived with his family and the location of TPUSA headquarters. The U.S. President, Vice President, and many members of the Cabinet showed up and spoke to honor the legacy of Charlie. Erika, during her speech for her husband, relayed to the entire nation “Charlie wanted to save the lives of young men, just like the one who took his life... That man… that young man… I forgive him. I forgive him because it is what Christ did. And it is what Charlie would do." In that moment, Erika lived out the biblical ideals her husband lived by and taught.
Following the assassination, many people on social media explained their desire to begin attending church again. CBN described this specifically, explaining the story of a wife and mom: “We went to church today,” revealed a TikTok user named Brittany. “It was the first time in 20 years for me and Devin. It was the first time for our children. After the events of the last week, Devin and I had a lot of talking that was happening between us about the type of life that we want for ourselves and how we want our boys to be.” Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, CA, Pastor Jack Hibbs also relayed that he has seen a surge in church attendance following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Today, the memory of Charlie Kirk lives on as young students stand for the principles he fought for on campuses across the country, families return to faith, and a generation steps up to "pick up the mic."
"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." Genesis 50:20
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