Penna Dexter

There were many proclamations of faith in God and Jesus Christ from the podium at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Watching the broadcast of the memorial for Charlie Kirk, I didn’t get the sense that government leaders were pandering. To me, it seemed, instead, that many had shaken off the inner restraint they normally have when speaking about God publicly. They weren’t worried about offending non-believers by saying too much.

It was as if the murder of Charlie Kirk inspired them to speak freely about their faith, or perhaps to deepen their faith and their own spiritual lives. Over the years, Charlie Kirk’s faith increasingly informed his political discussions, and his encouragements toward godly living got bolder and more specific.

Charlie’s widow, Erika, is his chosen successor to run Turning Point USA. She told the crowds at his memorial event:  “My husband Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life.”

She spoke of Christ’s prayer for those crucifying Him: “Father, forgive them.” She juxtaposed the next words from Luke 23, saying, “they not know what they do.” Understandable given the pressure — the weight of what she would say next:  “That young man, I forgive him.”

Of the moment, Anglican theologian, David Roseberry wrote, “that was a spiritual battle fought in real time, and she won it.”

He admits this forgiveness may or may not affect the murderer. But, he says, Erika Kirk  is free.

 He writes, “It drains the poison out of what was done to her and her family. By forgiving, she refused the path of bitterness and vengeance.“

It’s not that this young man will not, or should not, face consequences. There will be justice. But Rev. Roseberry points out that “forgiveness sets the terms” for Mrs. Kirk and hopefully, prayerfully for our families, and friendships.

And, perhaps, for political conservatives, who, despite certain disagreements and divisions can drop their animosity and learn to work together.