This past week, America has felt like it’s been held under water—struggling for breath. On September 10, we witnessed a school shooting. That same day, Charlie Kirk—voice to many, father to little ones, son to parents—was assassinated. And yet, these tragic events came just before the anniversary of 9/11, a day every American knows in the marrow of their bones. Our hearts are shattered—for our children, for his family, for our nation.
But as Erika Kirk bravely said in her first statements, this isn’t merely about political controversy. It is spiritual warfare.
What the Awakening Looks Like
- Grief turning into prayer. We see people who feel powerless praying. Schools hold vigils. Parents weep. But prayer is power unleashed. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
- Unity born from shared brokenness. Even people from different backgrounds, political stripes, ideologies—many are saying, “Enough.” They want to see decency, godliness, justice—not more division. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
- A hunger for truth. Not just what looks good in a news clip, but what lasts. What is righteous. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
- Mothers weeping. Children asking honest questions. A little girl wondering where her daddy is. A three-year-old being told “He’s on a work trip with Jesus.” Even here, we cling to the promise: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
What Charlie Would Have Said: “Make Heaven Crowded.”
Charlie Kirk spoke often of faith, of calling young people to live out their convictions, of spiritual boldness. Many of his followers—and many more who disagreed with him—knew him as a man unashamed of Jesus. He believed strongly that heaven needs company.
So let us remember: “Make heaven crowded.” It’s more than a catchphrase. It’s a mission. A calling.
- Let our lives point others to Jesus, echoing Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- Let our deeds of love, kindness, justice, mercy tell people there is light, even in this darkness.
- Let our souls be so on fire that what others call extremism, we call faith.
What We Must Do Now
Our country needs God more than ever. Not as a slogan. Not as an option. As the foundation.
- Return to prayer. Alone, together, in churches, in living rooms. Pray for the Kirk family. Pray for our children. Pray for our nation to wake up. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
- Live out truth courageously. Be kind when others lash out. Speak love when words of hate are easy. Stand up for the vulnerable. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
- Teach our children that God is with them. Even when tragedy, even when evil seems loud. Even when the world feels unsafe, we know who holds tomorrow. “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
- Reach across divides. We don’t have to agree on everything. But we do have to remain humans who respect one another because each person bears the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
A Word of Hope
In pain, injustice, in loss—God is near. Scripture does not promise that His people will be free from suffering. But it does promise that He is with us; that His Spirit intercedes; that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
So yes: this moment is heartbreak. But it is also holy. It is a doorway. It may be that God is calling us out of lethargy. Calling us away from cynicism. Calling us into life—real life.
In Closing
If you’re reading this, and your heart is heavy, know you are not alone. Lift your eyes to Jesus. Let your tears fall. And let your faith rise. Let this be the season when we say with all we are: “Yes, I want heaven crowded.”
Because our country needs God more than ever. And if we truly seek Him, He will meet us here.
