Anyone who is old enough remembers where they were when JFK or MLK Jr. were assassinated. Most of us remember what we were doing on 9/11, and I certainly will never forget where I was on October 7, 2023.

On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was assassinated for speaking the truth and peacefully debating with young people on both sides of the aisle. We will all remember the day Charlie Kirk was taken from us. It isn't so much about who did it, where and how they did it, but who they chose to assassinate. Why was Charlie Kirk a threat that had to be eliminated? What has our world become if people are now getting killed for giving their opinion? George Orwell wouldn't believe how close our world is today from his dystopian dictatorial novel "1984", first published in 1949.

Charlie Kirk's assassination should be seen as a watershed moment. Unfortunately, it is too early to determine if what comes next will be better or worse. Yet, there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that we now live in a different world. Gone are the days when we could discuss politics and/or faith, agree to disagree and still have coffee together. We now live in the days when different opinions lead to disagreement, arguments, verbal abuse and possibly even physical abuse. This would be bad enough, but we now also need to add lethal consequences for those who speak a message contrary to the other party, although in all fairness, it seems to only be lethal to conservatives, at the hands of the other side.

Did you notice that there was no looting, destruction of property or even protesting from the conservative side? We have people mourning the loss of a brilliant mind who was making a difference with our young people. Charlie's trajectory could have propelled him all the way to US presidency within the next two decades. The void is unbearable and Charlie's death is a tragedy for so many, not the least of them his wife and two young children. Our prayers are with them.

The hatred that was displayed in the brutal killing of Charlie Kirk is too much to bear, and yet, it has gotten worse! There is such a division in America today that some people are actually rejoicing about the death of a husband and father of two young children. Who in their right mind would rejoice about the death of another person who never used anger or showed any antagonism or hatred towards those who disagreed with him? Charlie Kirk spoke truth unashamedly and he was killed for it.

Charlie Kirk was a bold Christian who shared his faith any chance he had. He was a follower of Yeshua (Jesus). Today, he no longer has to follow Him by faith, because he is with Him. Charlie was silenced because he supported biblical Judeo-Christian values, shared Jesus with all and supported Israel, all three issues that are a thorn in the flesh of the liberal left. So, where do we go from here? Well, there is only one direction, and that is forward. Charlie wouldn't want us to retreat and be fearful. If we remain silent, the enemy has won. We are supposed to be vocal about our faith, our values and even our support of Israel.

Charlie Kirk will not be forgotten. may his death be a wake-up call for all people of good will, and may we all be emboldened to speak up and stand up for the truth, the Gospel and our support of Israel. Free speech must survive. We must continue the fight for the truth. The phrase was coined in 2015 after the French magazine terrorist attack, but I think that it can take a new dimension now. If and when people harrass us for our beliefs and values, we should look them in the eyes, and firmly, but with Christian compassion tell them, "I Am Charlie."

May his legacy live on and may his memory be a blessing to many!

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