Standing Bold in Dark Times

The world is a dark place. I think we all know that after processing recent events. The headlines seem to grow heavier by the day, and the shadows seem to stretch longer across our communities. As a pastor, husband, and father, I feel the weight of this darkness—not just for myself, but for the families I shepherd and the children I'm raising.

In moments like these, I'm reminded that my calling isn't to retreat or despair. It's to stay bold, courageous, and devoted to Jesus. Do that, and everything else will be okay. When the storms rage and evil seems to have the upper hand, I anchor myself to this truth: Christ is still on the throne. I want my legacy to be what John writes in 3 John 4: "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth" (NASB2020).

A Life Cut Short

Many of us never had the chance to meet Charlie Kirk in person, but his impact reached far beyond personal encounters. Yesterday's tragedy has left me grappling with a familiar yet never-comfortable reality: good people suffer, and evil sometimes strikes without warning.

I hate what happened yesterday. The words feel inadequate, but they're honest. It makes me sad and angry. It was evil, sick, and demonic—there's no other way to describe the senseless taking of a life devoted to serving others. A wife is now left without her husband, her partner, her companion. Two beautiful children will now grow up without their father's voice calling them to dinner, without his hands teaching them to throw a ball, without his prayers over their beds at night. All because someone chose evil over good.

Yet even in this darkness, I find reasons for hope.

The Hope That Sustains

I'm thankful that Charlie not only knew Jesus, but his life proved he lived what he believed. His faith wasn't just Sunday morning rhetoric—it was Monday through Saturday reality. He's not suffering now; he's not wondering what comes next. He's resting in the presence of Jesus, experiencing the fullness of joy that we can only imagine from this side of eternity.

There is hurt and confusion here on earth—raw, aching questions that don't have neat answers. But I promise you, God sees everything. He sees the widow's tears. He sees the children's confusion. He sees the community's grief. And He sees the one who chose violence, knowing that justice will ultimately be served, if not in this life, then in the next.

Difficult Conversations

Having to talk to my 9-year-old son this morning about what happened was heart-wrenching. How do you explain the unexplainable to someone whose world should still be filled with wonder and safety? I tried to find words that were both honest and age-appropriate.

I told him that many people in the world do great things for the Lord and genuinely love Jesus—people like Charlie Kirk who use their lives to serve others and point people to God. But I also had to explain that there are many who don't know Jesus, and sadly, many who are evil and do evil things. Some people choose darkness instead of light, hatred instead of love.

His questions were the ones we all ask: "Why would someone do that? Why didn't God stop it? Is our family safe?" I answered what I could and admitted when I didn't have answers, reminding him that even when we don't understand, we can trust that God is still good and still in control.

The World We're Raising Our Children In

I hate the world my boys have to grow up in. I hate that they have to learn about active shooter drills and that "stranger danger" isn't just a precaution but a necessity. I hate that they'll encounter evil in ways that previous generations couldn't have imagined. I hate that I have to prepare them for a world that can be so cruel to the innocent.

But here's what I hold onto: I'm thankful that Jesus will one day right every wrong and do away with evil forever. This isn't wishful thinking or religious platitudes—it's the promise of Scripture. Revelation 21:4 tells us that one day, God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Evil Will Not Have the Final Word

Evil did not win yesterday. Evil will not win tomorrow. Jesus is victorious.

The enemy wants us to believe that darkness is winning, that good people fighting the good fight are fighting in vain. He wants us to retreat, to become fearful, to stop making a difference. But that's exactly when we need to stand taller, speak louder, and love harder.

Charlie Kirk's life wasn't wasted. His witness wasn't silenced by violence. If anything, his testimony rings clearer now—showing us what it means to live with purpose, to serve with passion, and to love without reservation.

Our Response

May we all be bold and courageous like Charlie Kirk. May we not step back in fear but step up in proclamation of the gospel—that's the only truth that will genuinely change anyone. The world doesn't need more politicians or programs; it needs more people who know Jesus and aren't afraid to show it.

In our anger, let us not sin. In our grief, let us not lose hope. In our questions, let us not abandon faith. Instead, let us channel our emotions into action—action that honors God, serves others, and pushes back against the darkness.

Let us love our families fiercely. Let us serve our communities selflessly. Let us proclaim the gospel boldly. These aren't just nice ideas—they're acts of resistance against the evil that seeks to destroy everything good in this world.

A Call to Prayer

Pray for the Kirk family and friends as they navigate the impossible task of grieving while the world watches. Pray for comfort that only God can provide, for peace that surpasses understanding, and for provision in every area of their lives.

Pray for our nation—a nation that desperately needs the healing that only Jesus can bring. Pray for our leaders, our communities, and our families. Pray for the lost to be found and for the found to be bold.

Pray for yourselves and your families. Pray for protection, yes, but also pray for courage to live lives that matter, to make a difference, to be the light in the darkness that this world so desperately needs.

Lord Jesus, we need You. Come quickly.