Good vs. Evil
Dear Friends,
Many Americans feel shaken, divided, and uncertain about the future.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk shook most Americans to their core. We were stunned, we were grieved, and we still struggle to comprehend how a Godly man’s life could be extinguished in an instant.
Good vs. Evil
Many of you probably watched Charlie’s Memorial Service on Sunday. The assassin’s bullet was meant to silence him, but it only made his voice louder, stirring hearts and sparking what feels like the beginning of a spiritual revival. For the millions of people who watched around the world, it was a powerful reminder that we are in the midst of a spiritual struggle — one where faith and conviction go hand in hand.
Charlie was a true warrior in that battle between good and evil. Again and again, the speakers reminded us of the choice before us: to respond with forgiveness or to give in to hate. Charlie’s way was always clear — listen to others, seek to persuade, and never demonize. No one showed that more beautifully than his wife, Erica, who, through her tears, offered forgiveness to the man accused of taking Charlie’s life.
The Aiken Vigil
In times of loss, we have seen some cities erupt in anger and violence. But not in Aiken County. The prayer vigil to honor and remember Charlie drew an enormous crowd of flag-waving citizens to Laurens Street in the center of Aiken. Voices rose together in prayer and in singing “Amazing Grace”— a moment of unity Charlie would have cherished.
We met peacefully, reverently, and with hearts united — to honor his life and memory.
In my remarks to those gathered, I reminded them that politics did not define Charlie. He was, above all else, a devoted Christian.
Though the voices of the anti-faith movement and the “Lame-Brain-National-Media-Propaganda-Machine” reduced him to a caricature, dismissing him as a mere partisan voice. They made him out to be a radical right-wing extremist, which he wasn’t. They cannot erase the truth — Charlie gave his life first and foremost to Christ. And for that faith, he lived boldly and without compromise.
Charlie lived his convictions with wholehearted devotion. He spoke on politics because he saw the erosion of our founding principles — the truth that our rights come not from government, but from Almighty God. He reminded us that free speech and civil conversation are essential to preserving liberty. He warned that silencing voices inevitably leads to silencing freedoms. That’s why Charlie carried his message to college campuses across the nation.
In 2019, I met him backstage at the University of South Carolina, before his debate in an auditorium filled with college students, most of whom were not his supporters.
I watched Charlie listen patiently, answer respectfully, and debate with reason rather than anger. He was gifted. He was brilliant. Even in disagreement, the USC students did not shout him down. His presence commanded respect.
America needs a bigger dose of what Charlie Kirk stood for. We need more civility rather than inflamed rhetoric. We need to listen to one another respectfully and explore opposing viewpoints.
Who’s at Fault?
Angry political tribalism and even violence are being fueled by some political leaders, as well as national media, talk show hosts, pundits, and citizens whose keyboard bravado spouts vitriol on social media. Finger-pointing has become our national pastime, but it solves nothing.
Several years ago, I cited Tony Woodlief, author of I Citizen – A Blueprint for Reclaiming American Self-Governance. Today, his insights feel more relevant than ever.
Americans Desires
Woodlief observes that most Americans are not extreme partisans. The loudest, most ideological voices—those consumed by red vs. blue politics—represent only about 20–30% of the population. Yet their influence dominates public discourse, breeding hatred and division.
The majority, Woodlief notes, desire common sense and compromise. They value rights and freedoms, believe in caring for the vulnerable, support free enterprise, yet distrust big business, and are patriotic without craving war. They respect faith but do not demand uniform belief.
Most citizens want politicians to work together and find middle ground; a pragmatic spirit largely absent in today’s political class. While extreme partisans stoke division, everyday Americans seek unity, consensus, and a chance to get along.
It’s a stark reminder: the heart of America is moderate, reasonable, and willing to compromise—the loudest voices do not speak for most of us.
Path Forward
My remarks at Charlie’s Aiken vigil were similar to those made by others who spoke on Sunday in Arizona. I concluded by stating that his legacy now falls to us.
Let us dedicate ourselves to the cause Charlie championed — to defend faith, to preserve freedom, to speak boldly, and to live joyfully as “happy warriors” for truth.
If each of us carries forward the torch Charlie has passed on, then his life was not taken in vain. His legacy will endure.
May God grant us the strength to live as faithfully as Charlie lived, and to stand as firmly as Charlie stood.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
On the lighter side — For South Carolina college football fans, this picture sums up the start of the season.
