PASTOR COREY BROOKS: Dropping Charlie Kirk jogs my memory why we should hold combating with out concern

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The information of Charlie Kirk’ s killing at Utah Valley College final Wednesday shocked me to the core. It left a profound void in my coronary heart and within the hearts of many others.

Because the founding father of Challenge H.O.O.D., I mourn not only a conservative titan however a good friend, a supporter and a brother within the struggle for a greater America. The Charlie I knew was greater than a political voice — he was a person of motion, conviction and a devout Christian whose generosity reached far past the headlines.

I do know as a result of I used to be a kind of he blessed along with his time and sources. He by no means sought the general public limelight for his good deeds, and I stored silent as nicely — till now. Together with his departure from this earth to our Heavenly Father, his good works should be recognized.

I first met Charlie, a Chicago native, within the early days of Challenge H.O.O.D., when each of our visions — his Turning Level USA and my mission to remodel the South Facet — have been simply taking root. He was so younger then, barely 18, but his drive and readability of goal have been plain. He knew why he was placed on this Earth, and he lived with a ardour that touched me, a wiser man 20 years older.

YOUTH LEADERS MOURN 'THE GODFATHER OF CAMPUS CONSERVATISM' CHARLIE KIRK FOLLOWING ASSASSINATION

Charlie didn’t simply discuss change — he constructed it. He noticed in Project H.O.O.D. a shared dedication to a greater America, and he provided steerage, shared insights and linked us with unbelievable supporters who believed in our mission to offer alternative and hope to these society usually overlooks.

His donations to our galas have been beneficiant, but it surely was his private encouragement — these textual content messages saying, "Preserve going, Pastor, we’re with you" — that meant the world. Charlie had a present for making you are feeling seen and valued, regardless of how large or small your function within the struggle.

An attendee carrying a U.S. flag joins a candlelight vigil in Seattle for Turning Level USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier that day at Utah Valley College in Orem, Utah. (David Ryder/Getty Photos)

Charlie was set to hitch us in Washington, D.C. , for a serious fundraiser, a second I used to be very a lot trying ahead to since I hadn’t seen him shortly. He was able to stroll alongside us for that leg of our Stroll Throughout America, to lend his voice and platform to carry up those that want it most. That he was taken from us earlier than that day is a tragedy that cuts deep. His demise is a stark reminder of the dangers we face after we dare to talk boldly, problem the established order and stand for what we consider.

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As somebody in the identical area — combating for change in a world that may be hostile to fact — I really feel Charlie’s loss on a private degree.

His killing forces us to confront the rising threats towards those that communicate out. However Charlie’s life teaches us that concern can't win.

CHARLIE KIRK WAS PROUD CHAMPION OF CHRISTIANITY ON CAMPUSES NATIONWIDE: 'I'M NOTHING WITHOUT JESUS'

He confronted opposition with braveness, by no means shying away from the laborious conversations or the cultural battles that outlined his work. He constructed Turning Point USA right into a motion that impressed hundreds of thousands of younger individuals to embrace conservative values, not via concern however via hope, cause and unrelenting ardour.

Charlie Kirk's killing forces us to confront the rising threats towards those that communicate out. However his life teaches us that concern can't win.

The Bible tells us in John 15:13, "Larger love has nobody than this: to put down one’s life for one’s associates." Charlie might not have chosen to put down his life, however he lived it in service to others: his household, his nation and the numerous younger individuals he impressed.

His demise is a name to motion for all of us. We can't let concern silence us. We can't let violence dim the sunshine of fact.

Charlie Kirk's casket is faraway from Air Drive Two at Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport on September 11, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Eric Thayer/Getty Photos)

Charlie’s legacy calls for that we press ahead, honor him by persevering with the work he championed — constructing communities, fostering hope and standing agency in our convictions.

Once I heard of the taking pictures, I went to X, and the very first thing I noticed was a publish by his spouse, Erika: "Psalm 46:1 — God is our refuge and energy, a really current assist in hassle."

Charile Kirk and his spouse, Erika Lane Frantzve and their two youngsters at Christmas in December 2024. (Charlie Kirk by way of Fb)

In a second of unimaginable loss, her selection of verse reminds us that even when life feels shattered, God stays a refuge and energy. This emphasizes that in grief, religion doesn't erase ache however anchors us when every little thing feels unsteady.

Charlie Kirk's demise is a name to motion for all of us. We can't let concern silence us. We can't let violence dim the sunshine of fact.

To his spouse, Erika, and their two younger youngsters, I supply my deepest condolences. Charlie was a loyal husband and father. His household, associates and the Turning Level USA group know that Charlie’s affect will reside on via the lives he touched and the actions he constructed.

Charile Kirk and his spouse, Erika Lane Frantzve and their two youngsters, previous to his assassination on Sept. 10, 2025. (Erika Kirk by way of Instagram)

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As I mirror on Charlie Kirk’s life, I’m reminded of his unwavering perception within the American Dream , a dream he fought for not only for himself however for all of us. Allow us to honor him by carrying that dream ahead, undeterred by the darkness of this second.

Charlie, we love you, God bless you, and we'll hold combating.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM PASTOR COREY BROOKS

Pastor Corey Brooks, generally known as the "Rooftop Pastor," is the founder and Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the CEO of Challenge H.O.O.D. (Serving to Others Acquire Future), the church's native mission. He gained nationwide consideration for his 94-day and 343-day rooftop vigils to remodel the infamous "O-Block," as soon as generally known as Chicago's most harmful block, into #OpportunityBlock. Study extra at ProjectHOOD.org .