Nothing can stop Charlie’s legacy

My late husband and I discovered Charlie Kirk as the oppressive covid years developed. We sat together before my computer and marveled at the young man’s ministry, his devotion to Turning Point USA.

As months unfolded, with thinkers of like mind, Charlie spoke boldly about our government’s abuse of power by closing churches and schools without proven research on the virus.

From a heart devoted to high school and college students, Charlie spoke a language we understood. Believed. Trusted.

He lived by Biblical principles we maintained.

Furthermore, Charlie fostered tangible hope for our future. America’s future.

His voice of reason in yet another stressful season within our adulthood triggered memories of elementary school bomb drills during the Cold War, J.F.K’s assassination, the Hong Kong Flu, the enduring Viet Nam War years.

Then, in July 1996, our firstborn daughter and unborn grandchild perished by a toxic reaction of alcohol and cocaine. Becky’s addiction aborted her life after eight years of wandering from door to door.

Yes, our enemy dwells within colleges and universities. Houses within our neighborhoods.

And within the al-Qaeda terrorists who highjacked two American Airlines planes and flew them into the Twin Towers.

Since I’ve become familiar with Turning Point, I’ve wondered if Charlie could’ve lifted my daughter from darkness, despair and addiction, to faith and freedom in our Lord Jesus, granted her the fortitude to choose life.

In search for comfort and worship during the ordeal of covid church closures, Mel and I attended the Dryden Methodist Church, doors open with a warm welcome, unmasked.

No one died of covid.

When Mel passed away January 30, 2024 of an undiagnosed congenital heart defect, the members of the church opened their doors for his funeral.

The women served the catered luncheon I ordered from Kruse and Muer, the Village location in Rochester – Mel’s favorite restaurant.

And mine, even though the owner fired me when I waitressed more than two decades prior to his death.

It never pays to hold a grudge when the judgment laid upon you is justified. For I could never juggle orders for several tables, which consequently launched my writing life – my calling to encourage people to write their story and leave their legacy.

Meanwhile, young Charlie Kirk grew into his dynamic ministry, eventually traveling the globe to high school and college students. He sat before them, encouraged them to put their trust in Jesus.

Gave them the heart and meaning of words to do so.

To be bold in what you believe.

Last Wednesday, I gathered at the Dryden Methodist Church with my Bible study women. There, circled around the table discussing Exodus, Chapter Two, we heard the tragic news of Charlie’s death.

Dear Reader, I see Charlie as a type of Moses, leading nations, through their wilderness in his size eleven shoes, into their Canaan.

As Ericka, his wife, boldly spoke in her remarkable tribute to her martyred husband, nothing can stop Charlie Kirk’s legacy.

Our enemy has no power over truth.

Contact Iris at irisfarmletters@gmail.com