Every life is valued. Every Life should be mourned. Every life should be celebrated.

When death happens unexpectedly, whether it is a loss of someone closest to us, someone we barely know, or someone that influences us only through our screens, it is impactful. 

When a man is shot in the neck by someone who thinks differently than him, and everyone under the sun is exposed to this horrific act of evil, we are all mentally and emotionally pierced. 

It is the reminder that life is a vapor that is here once but then vanishes away. 

This is evidence that you can be striving to be at the center of God’s will for your life, and evil can still penetrate through. 

This type of event should cause us to pause and ask ourselves, how strong is my faith?

Once I was caught at a party drinking when I was 14 years old and a Police Officer interrogated me about my faith. It went something like this…

The Officer asked me, “Are you wearing a cross around your neck?”

I replied, “Yes Sir.”

He continued, “Do you believe that God will protect you from something bad happening to you if you put yourself in the wrong places with the wrong people?”

Scared and quietly I stated, “Yes Sir”.

I am not trying to promote underage drinking, but I can now look back at this as a defining moment in my personal faith. Even when it didn’t make sense, I have stood firmly in my belief in Jesus and known that God would protect me – because of the cross. I wear my cross necklace as a reminder that no matter the circumstances I find myself in, God is always there.

Even in a world full of darkness and evil, God is Light.

God is the answer, the way and the truth. He is our protector, our guide and our Savior. No matter the darkness we will walk through, He will never leave. God is always good.

Death is not the worst-case scenario. Death is not failing, it’s not losing a battle, it’s not being overcome. 

As someone who has witnessed death more times than I could have ever prepared myself for, I know this to be true, death is not the end.

Our true home is being prepared for us when we leave this earth. Death is merely the entry point to ultimate peace, with the absence of all evil, in God’s perfect presence, face to face with Jesus.

Death is inevitable, for me and for you. The question is not, will I die? The question is, will I truly live while I’m on this earth?

Do I seek to stand firm on a foundation of God, live out the purpose of my life, share faith and real connection, and love God and others well?

What is the meaning of your life if you don’t leave this earth better than you found it?

Am I living a life that reflects my faith and beliefs?

If I were to die tomorrow, am I living in a way today that shows the legacy I want to leave behind?

Are the things you are saying in your homes, in your friend circles, in your social media comments seeds of hope, love and encouragement?

Or, are they sparks of division, blame and hate that will ignite the thoughts, plans and actions of the next 22-year-old that ends up overcome by evil and destroying the world around us all?

Never underestimate the power of your influence. Every move can impact our future world. 

The words and actions of others mark us, transform us, and ricochet through how we treat others from that day forward.

Ask yourself, will I give into the darkness and feed it with more arguing, more divisiveness, and more hate to my neighbors who look, think or love differently than me?

Or, will I seek to be illuminated by God’s light every single day, in every circumstance, planting seeds of hope, giving words of encouragement and shining love towards everyone I come in contact with?

We don’t have to look around and define ourselves by turning only towards the Left or Right, as this only dehumanizes us to fight against our own. 

I have close family and friends who label themselves as Republicans and Democrats, and I do not care. I do not speak this language or use it for my identity or how I see others.

We must know our paths all look different. We each have different upbringings, experiences, exposure to pain, hurt, and darkness from this world.

The answer is never silencing the opposition, it is honoring that every human being is made by God, recognizing everyone’s life experience is unique, and shining light on the beauty we each bring to this world. 

I have been confused. I have doubted. I have been too hurt to see past my pain. I have blamed others. I have been too angry to seek Him, attempting to find my own way to numb through self-medication, distractions, or giving into temptation, and it only leads to a deeper pit of darkness. 

Perfection does not exist. We are going to mess up, say the wrong thing, be misunderstood, but we have to keep talking. Our heart and our intention are what really matters.

Who we follow and allow to influence our lives is what will come pouring out in our words, actions and hearts. What are your next steps?

I want to live a bold, vibrant and courageous life, with an open heart, sharing my faith and pointing people to know and follow Jesus. Make Heaven crowded.

I am praying for the family of Charlie Kirk. I am praying for the family of his killer. I am praying for the families and hearts of Americans.

This is a turning point in America. My prayer is that it is turning towards above us, to the only One who can bring wholeness and peace to our hearts, minds and world. 

Inspiration from Scripture:

“What is your life? You are a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5

Life Inspiration Credit:

-When you can’t find meaning under the sun, go beyond the sun and seek the Son. – North Point Message 9/14/25

-God is the only One that can bring wholeness and peace to all circumstances. – Pastor John Martz

-Seeds of Hope, Dream Makers at Springfield Dream Center

-Conversations with Katie Ward