Continuing the Mission

 It's been just over a week since Charlie Kirk was assassinated, and since then, there has been a lot of finger-pointing and conspiracy theories.  When things like this happen, I think we may need to accept that we won't find out the full truth, but understand that whoever, or whatever, is behind it is evil. 

My first reaction was shock and sadness, as I have followed Charlie Kirk for a while and was interested in seeing how far he would go.  I honestly felt a sense of relief that he was out there fighting for freedom and truth.  Once it was confirmed that he had died, my reaction turned to anger.  

Anger can be sinful depending on how we react to it, but in this case, since I've now had some time to reflect on it, I believe anger was an appropriate response.  I never met him and likely never would have, but I have grieved over his loss.  It is a loss for us all.  Anger is a part of grief, and therefore, I'm not unfamiliar with it as part of the process.  The problem comes when I can't quite figure out where to direct that anger. 

I did a lot of things in the days that followed.  I prayed for our country, for his family, and for the church as a whole.  I prayed for myself and my family.  I talked with my husband and other family members and friends about what had happened.  I even attended a local candlelight vigil.  All of these things are good, but I know all too well that as time passes, people will go back to living their regular lives and likely forget about it.

I acknowledge the need to live life, and that life continues, but I also acknowledge the need to keep this at the forefront of our minds in doing so.  All murders are tragedies, and no life is more important than another in that regard, but this hits different.  He was murdered because of what he believed, because he spoke out about what he believed, and because he could back it up with facts and scripture.  This murder proves to me that conservative Christians are not safe.  

So the next question is, what do we do about it?  I've been listening to The Charlie Kirk Show, his podcast, and honestly, I haven't made it through many episodes because they are hard to listen to.  But the basic premise I am getting from those who knew him best is to keep going.  He understood that what he was doing was dangerous, but he believed it was important, and he did it anyway.  The rest of us can sit around and talk about what a tragedy it is, and how he isn't replaceable, but we must continue.  We may not be able to replace the person, but we can continue his mission, because his mission should be our mission.

It may not be in my capacity to travel the country speaking at conferences and college campuses, but I do have a mission field, and it is right here in my own home.  So that is where I will start.  What can I do?  I'll tell you. 

I will love my husband and serve him well.  I will set an example for my children of what a marriage should look like. 

I will make room for scripture and prayer in my daily life.  

I will homeschool my children.  This is not my way of condemning those who don't homeschool.  It's what is right for my family, and I encourage others to do what is right for theirs.  But part of my reason for homeschooling is discipleship.  So, we will begin our lessons with scripture, prayer, and memorization.  I will read good literature to my children and let them lead their own learning.  I will disciple them and train them through individualized education.  And I will let them work at the pace that is best for them.

I will cook healthy, from-scratch meals for my family.  If I grow and preserve the food myself, even better.  If not, I will buy fresh food and support local farmers when possible.  I will let my children help me prepare meals to teach them the process, and we will not be wasteful.  

I will touch nature for at least a few minutes every day.  

I will read good literature for pleasure and read nonfiction books about religion, politics, and learning. I will listen to podcasts and watch programming on topics I want to know more about. I've always enjoyed learning, and I will learn as much as I can about topics of interest. 

I will stay involved in my local church, not just by attending Sunday morning services, but by serving.  

I will ask God to reveal my sins to me, and I will repent and seek forgiveness.

I will look for opportunities to share the gospel with others.

This may all seem very simple, and that's because it is.  In fact, it may even seem as though I'd just be going about living my regular life, and in a way, that is also correct.  However, I think we need to double down.  We've been passive way too long, and though we support the cause of others who are like-minded, we often sit by and let them do the work.  That needs to end.  We have to be bold.  We have to stand on our faith.  And we need to get to work.