OPINION:
Charlie Kirk was undoubtedly one of the most transformational figures in contemporary politics, with an influence that stretched well beyond the confines of electoral prowess.
Mr. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization that advocates for conservative ideals among young people, achieved more in his 31 years than most people accomplish in a lifetime.
But beyond accolades and successful campaigns, Mr. Kirk embodied something more profound.
“He was the best of us, and in the 20+ years I’ve been doing this, I’ve not encountered anyone who cared more for the lost and did more to reach them than he did,” radio host and author Steve Deace told me just hours after Mr. Kirk’s death.
Mr. Deace’s assessment is one shared by millions of Americans who are left in shock and horror after a cowardly assassin killed Mr. Kirk, a loving husband and father of two small children — babies who are now fatherless due to nothing more than hatred and evil.
As many process anger, sadness and dread, there are no doubt some essential attributes and lessons that must be discerned from Mr. Kirk’s life and legacy.
First and foremost, he was fearless. Mr. Kirk was a brave voice in a world filled with people petrified to tell the truth. While many covered or buckled under the pressure of cancel culture, he showed up to boisterous campuses to boldly speak, regardless of the consequences.
Mr. Kirk recognized something essential: There’s no greater weapon than common sense and words spoken well.
Many noted in the hours after his death the importance of using speech over weapons and one’s voice over violence. This was something Mr. Kirk mastered, winning the most intense of debates armed with the truth and never shying away from contesting inept perspectives.
One doesn’t have to agree with Mr. Kirk’s perceptions to understand how immeasurably talented and passionate he was about the country, the American dream and, specifically, the plight and lostness of so many young people.
What made Mr. Kirk so maddening to his critics was that he was radically effective. He didn’t just speak his beliefs; he made his contentions commonsensical, asked incredible questions and forced people to ponder the tough issues.
Naturally, this led many to shift their political views. I’ll never forget attending Turning Point’s Inaugural Ball before President Trump was sworn into office. Vice President J.D. Vance took the stage along with prominent members of the incoming Cabinet. Not only did they credit a beaming Mr. Kirk for his impact, but they also praised his character and grit.
His cultural imprint was even bigger. With so much chaos and evil raging, Mr. Kirk’s focus on truth inspired young people to think and behave differently.
The real key to Mr. Kirk’s success was that he possessed something far greater than anything I’ve discussed thus far: a genuine faith.
Our paths first intersected in the early years of his activism. He was always kind and helpful and, over time, I came to consider him a wonderful acquaintance. I admittedly made an early mistake, though.
I assumed he was predominantly, if not solely, politically motivated, and I soon came to learn how spectacularly incorrect I had been in this assumption.
Over the past two years, in particular, I saw firsthand Mr. Kirk’s intense passion for theology, faith and biblical truth. Without a doubt, Mr. Kirk loved the Lord, and it was a pure and authentic passion. On Sept. 7, just days before his death, he delivered a powerful and timeless truth on X.
“Jesus defeated death so you can live,” he wrote.
And Mr. Kirk’s love for Christ wasn’t confined to mere words. He also launched an effort called TPUSA Faith, “dedicated to empowering Christians to put their faith into action.” Mr. Kirk would regularly bring together hundreds of pastors from all over the nation to encourage, educate and spiritually inspire them.
Earlier this year, I was invited to speak at one of these events and was captivated by the passion, love and Christian ministry exhibited by Mr. Kirk and Pastor Lucas Miles, a close friend who directs TPUSA Faith.
Mr. Kirk didn’t just claim to be a believer. He took his vision for America — politically, culturally and spiritually — and made it digestible and understandable. In turn, he helped transform people and institutions from the inside out.
In life, you don’t encounter many people such as Mr. Kirk. He used his time on Earth to effect incredible change, and that will never be forgotten.
James 4:14 (NIV) conveys a powerful reality we must remember: “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
Let’s all take a cue from Mr. Kirk and use the time we have to devote ourselves to faith, love and truth.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Mr. Hallowell is the author of four books.
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