Jesus said that “Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). Now imagine the glory of God in a stadium filled with 300,000.
Charlie Kirk’s memorial service was attended by thousands and viewed by millions. The eyes of the world turned to Erika Kirk as she revered Christ, humbled herself, and forgave her husband’s killer. Across the country, churches were filled with newcomers seeking God and finding comfort in the Gospel. Vigils have been organized nationwide in the smallest of towns and the largest of cities. Young people are wearing shirts that say “Freedom” across the chest, and they wear them with boldness.
In the aftermath of Charlie’s death, a lot of people are scared. Safety concerns have become a far more imminent threat and debates about free speech and liberty are rattling social spaces. When people lost Charlie, they lost the comforting voice of a man that had previously helped guide them through complex situations. Arguments keep cropping up between both sides of the political aisle and infighting on the Right makes social media nearly intolerable.
We the people of the United States, have been in a similar situation.
In 1796, George Washington incited a precedent which deeply frightened the American people. The young country had revered Washington as a steadfast, venerated leader whom they could turn to for wisdom. He was not infallible, and his support of federal acts such as the Whiskey Rebellion and the Jay Treaty were proof that he was not immune to popular criticism. Still, Washington had fought for years on behalf of his country, and people saw him for what he was: A Founder. They had a difficult time envisioning America without his paternal presence.
In Washington’s farewell address, he thanked the country for having entrusted him with the honor of serving as its leader. He spoke about how he may have been unqualified but served as faithfully as he was able. Washington wrote:
“I shall carry it with me to my grave as a strong incitement to unceasing wishes that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence- that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual- that the free constitution which is the work of your hands may be sacredly maintained- that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue- that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these states, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a preservation”.
Washington’s final moments of service to America were colored by his concerns over the future. He planted the seeds for greatness through helping win the revolution, solve the Constitutional crisis, and oversee the country’s infancy. In his farewell address, he realized that these glorious acts were not the purpose for his labors. These glorious acts were the first steps in creating a nation which would last beyond his own life. Washington was begging the country to please, please, persist.
I believe many modern Americans currently feel a lot like those early Americans did. We, too, have been through tumultuous years. We, too, live in a world whose rapid growth can easily become overwhelming. We, too, have just lost a leader and are searching for a path forward.
Something inside us has changed. In a moment of tragedy, another American revolution has emerged. This moment is characterized by its devotion to faith, family, and freedom. A fire has been ignited in the hearts and minds of people who are fighting desperately to make sense of a fallen world. The Holy Spirit is working diligently, and it can be seen in the blazing eyes of a nation that instinctively knows why this moment is a turning point.
We must persist. In the face of fear and uncertainty, there is opportunity. Washington encouraged the country to maintain its identity: virtue, wisdom, and liberty, under the guidance of Heaven. America grieves Charlie Kirk, but it will also persist.
We heal a nation by continuing to fight for morality. We heal a nation by forging on. We heal a nation by gathering in the name of Christ.
