A Letter in Response to Recent Tragedies

Charlie Kirk took his mission to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19–20) seriously. Catholics and Non-Catholic Christians — this is our mission, too.

He shared the gospel fearlessly and boldly. His political beliefs and values were a direct result of his Christian values.

Charlie Kirk knew this: God is Love. God is Truth.

As a result of his deep devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, years of studying who God is, and his obedience to God, Charlie Kirk answered God’s call to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations.

Was he always perfect in his delivery? No. Did he make mistakes? Of course.

Just like you and me, he was an imperfect person.

But he was loved perfectly by God the Father — just like you. Just like me.

I’ve seen social media posts highlighting the difference between political violence and gun violence. This difference is inconsequential. Both are violent. Violence is the rotten fruit of hate. Hate is the opposite of Love. Hate is not of God. Let’s agree on this.

I’ve seen posts about how Charlie Kirk was known for inciting hate. Often in our political discourse, correction is mistaken for hate or intolerance.

If there is one standard for Truth and one source of Love (spoiler alert: there is!), then anything else that doesn’t meet that standard falls short. Love doesn’t mean acceptance of things that are not of God. Often, Love looks like a firm correction and redirection in what is good and right and true.

Take parenting, for instance. I know that God calls us to be honest and trustworthy (Proverbs 12:22). So, as a mom, when I catch one of my children in a lie or being dishonest, it is my job to correct them. I do this out of love for them. I know that raising them to be trustworthy, honest adults will bring them true happiness in the long run.

Do I expect my children to be perfect? No. But do I take my job seriously in guiding them towards the truth? Yes.

I’ve seen social media posts calling for stricter gun laws. Similar to pulling weeds, our efforts are fruitless unless we go for the root. The root of the problem is evil. Do I think our gun laws are perfect? No. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. Am I pro-Second Amendment? Absolutely.

Let’s agree on this — the person who pulled the trigger and shot Charlie Kirk or Melissa and Mark Hortman or the innocent children praying at Mass are not the same as the people who rushed the cockpit on Flight 93, taking the terrorists head on, preventing them from hitting their target. They are not the same as the children who dove on top of younger students to protect them during the Annunciation shooting.

It’s the difference between cowardice and heroism. It’s the difference between hate and love. Between lies and truth. The difference between Satan and God.

So, if you find yourself feeling compelled to comment on a social media post that misses the point or one that is filled with hate and vitriol, respond with love. And remember this:

God is Love and God is Truth. When we respond in love with these two things in mind, we will always win.

Charlie did it. We can do it, too.

The Day I Discovered God (My Reversion Story)

It was my junior year of college. I still remember the sinking feeling in my stomach as I sat in my bedroom in the house I shared with four of my closest college roommates. I don’t recall exactly what I was doing at that particular moment, but the feeling inside of me is one I will never forget.

On the verge of tears, an intense feeling of loneliness, fear, and anxiety enveloped me. I had never experienced anything like it before.

Up to that point in my college career, I was having the time of my life. I was studying hard (I always enjoyed being a student), doing well in my classes, staying up partying way too late, and sleeping until Noon on the weekends. Life was good. Life was … easy.

I had spent the first two years of my college career living in a dorm, where I was constantly surrounded by my peers. The halls were always filled with people coming and going, laughter, music, and a strong sense of community.

We were all on the same page, per se, as full-time students with lots of free time on our hands and very little responsibility.

Fast forward two years, and here I was sitting in my bedroom all alone in a house that suddenly felt cold and way too quiet. As college juniors, my roommates and I were on completely different schedules, which meant we were rarely home at the same time.

And as juniors, we were entering into our core classes to complete our degrees. This meant that the work was getting more demanding and graduation was within sight.

And suddenly here I was, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.

I knew what was happening. I was beginning to feel the pressure of entering adulthood. Life outside of college. The real world.

Enter: Anxiety.

I was raised Catholic, a “Cradle Catholic” as they say. I received all of the sacraments. I grew up going to Mass every weekend, and even went with my parents often to Mass at the parish next to my university. I didn’t mind going to Mass, but I admit I did find it a bit boring.

But on this particular day, something happened that completely transformed my faith and my relationship with the Lord.

As I sat on my bed with tears flowing, I suddenly knew exactly where I needed to go to calm my fears and anxiety.

To this day, I know it was by the grace of God through the Holy Spirit that I was moved to stand up, grab my coat, and walk to the church next to the university.

And that’s what I did.

I simply walked through the doors of St. Thomas More, found the nearest pew, and collapsed with tears flowing.

The church was empty at this time of day. It was just me.

My anxiety slowly melted away and was replaced with a peace that only comes from the Lord. An indescribable peace.

I innately knew that everything was going to be okay.

Before that day, I didn’t have a relationship with the Lord.

But I believe to my core that the grace I had received from the Sacraments, the Holy Eucharist, and weekly Mass, moved me to walk to the nearest Catholic Church.

And when I got there, I felt the presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I was truly transformed that day.

It was on that day that I discovered that I needed God. It was on that day that I began my own personal journey with God. And from that day on, my relationship with Him has been at the center of my life. And that was just the beginning.