Reflections on a Divided Moment

The goal of this post is to capture my thoughts and feelings in this moment of a recent event in the US. I don't think I would have necessarily thought this would have been quite so newsworthy, but things are certainly being amplified on social media by the current state of politics. 

So, Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, a political right-wing conservative organization focused on "faith, freedom, and love of country" targeting younger generations, was shot and killed during a college tour on September 10. 

I was only aware of this guy though Naomi, who discovered him via youTube videos of his "Prove Me Wrong" debates. Naomi loves to debate! In fact, she actually saw Charlie Kirk speak at A&M earlier this year, on April 22. I remember her saying that while he has some good points, he often just twists the conversation or changes direction to make the other person look bad.

Yes, it is truly awful that he was killed in front of a live college audience -- those students will have to live with the image and memory (no, I have not watched the videos) and the angst that comes from experiencing something like that. It is sad that his two very young children will grow up without their dad. It is unfortunate that is wife is now a widow. 

What surprised me in the aftermath was the way his death was elevated to a kind of national moment — some have called him a martyr, even compared him to Jesus and people are claiming it was the darkest day in America's history. (Mind you, this shooting happened 1 day before the 24th anniversary of 9/11, um, I think that should kinda put things in perspective....) What I struggle with most about him is that you don't have to look very hard to find some pretty controversial and unloving, non-Jesus like statements from Charlie Kirk. He proudly and freely spoke some mean-spirited words. He claimed to be following Jesus, but in my opinion, I guess like every human, he was selective on which Biblical commands he wanted to focus on. He did know how to captivate the younger generation and get some of them to vote, so that's cool. (And I was amazed that his wife publicly said she forgives his killer, because that is what Charlie would do and what Jesus commanded. 💗)

I've read a variety of responses over the last 2 weeks, and by far I appreciate those who see it for what it is. I’m encouraged by the the intelligent, articulate, level-headed leaders who are urging people not to use this as fuel for further division, but rather as an opportunity to reflect, listen, and seek understanding across differences. Words, not weapons. Peace, not anger. Love.

We are all Americans, just hoping to enjoy our lives. We might need to work on this "United" thing...

So I am curious how time will remember this moment. How long will the wave last? Is there any staying power in this movement? Lots of money, people talking and campus tour signups happening. However, movements rise quickly but often fade just as fast. I'll check back in a couple years... but for now, we all have a role in choosing how we respond. Choose wisely.