The political Red Team sent all their stars to the funeral for Charlie Kirk, currently being held at the NFL stadium in Arizona. Kirk's murder robbed his family of their husband/father and his Turning Point organization of their founder. It was a senseless crime committed by a 22 year old who dispatched Kirk like an enemy in a violent video game.
I had heard the name Charlie Kirk but knew very little about him, his messages or his movement. He seemed to be an outstanding motivational speaker for the Red Team who led with his faith.
Jesus Christ's teachings are far above politics and the dirty games played in that environment.
Reverend Billy Graham spoke of his regrets with the wisdom of age, something robbed from Charlie Kirk. Graham shared:
The first item on his regret list may be surprising. Billy Graham would have spoken less and studied more. As Billy Graham got older, he increasingly valued the life of the mind. Pragmatism and activism needed to be better balanced with more contemplation and deeper thought.
The second regret was that he would have spent more time with his family. The demands of his work and extensive travel detrimentally impacted his family life. Both his wife and children have spoken transparently about the challenges they faced with a father and spouse who was so often absent.
The third regret was not spending enough time in the spiritual nurture of his own soul and fellowship with other Christians who could have taught him, encouraged him, and rebuked him when necessary.
The fourth regret may also be surprising. It was the regret of endorsing partisan politics. As a pastor to presidents and politicians, Billy Graham puts it this way, “There have been times I undoubtedly stepped over the line between politics and my calling as an evangelist.”
Charlie Kirk deserves to be remembered by those who loved him. He does not deserve to be appropriated by those who would use his life and death for their political gain.
Update: As a Christian I was moved by the words of Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika. Her message is about living Christ's gospel and went so far as to forgive Charlie's killer. She did not focus on earthly desires or anger worthy of an Old Testament King. God bless and hold close the Kirk family and all who loved Charlie.
Update 9-22-25: MAGA's worst called for holy war. Jesus taught us a different way and that way is absent among many MAGA grievers. Trump can give a National Day of Prayer talk and not say Jesus' name one time, yet he garners the projection of Christ as his guide. There are no discernable behaviors shown by the man that he believes, much less follows, Christ's teachings.
Update 9-25-25: MAGA attempted to appropriate Kirk's funeral service but was found wanting in relation to Erika's display of Christian love and grace.
