A Heartfelt Tribute to Charlie Kirk
By now, you know I live in Utah. Today, I’m writing an emotional tribute to Charlie Kirk. Violence has no place in our communities — no one should lose their life over differing values or beliefs.
On September 10th, 2025, tragedy struck at Utah Valley University (UVU) when conservative leader Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a college rally. This campus is only 23 miles from my home in South Jordan, Utah, and the news shattered me.
Let me be clear — this act of violence is unacceptable. No one has the right to take another person’s life because of differing views, beliefs, or values. We must ask ourselves: when did disagreement turn into justification for hate, let alone murder?
Charlie Kirk: A Voice for Conservative Youth
Charlie Kirk was a powerful speaker and activist who built bridges through dialogue. As the founder of Turning Point USA, he inspired millions of young people to get involved in their communities and stand up for their beliefs, particularly as American citizens.
He had more than 9 million Instagram followers, and his content was viewed 15 billion times in 2024 — a testament to his global reach and influence. But behind the numbers was a man of deep conviction, humility, and compassion.
Charlie Kirk: A Man of Faith and Family
Charlie was a devoted Christian, husband, and father of two. He believed in the Bible and could quote scripture by heart. His faith shaped his life — and it showed in how he treated people, even those who disagreed with him.
He often spoke about the importance of living by the Ten Commandments:
“You shall not kill.”
“You shall not steal.”
“Honor your father and mother.”
He believed in kindness, chastity, and teaching sound principles — not through judgment, but through example. When asked what he wanted to be remembered for, his answer was simple: his faith.
Turning Point USA: A Movement Born from Passion
Charlie founded Turning Point USA as a teenager — a remarkable accomplishment. What began as a high school project grew into one of the fastest-growing conservative youth activist organizations in America.
He empowered young adults to think critically, speak boldly, and engage peacefully. His vision was one of dialogue, not division.
Where Does the Hate Come From?
This tragedy has forced me to reflect on how far we’ve drifted as a nation. Why do people feel justified in killing others over religious beliefs or political views?
Years ago, I didn’t know if my neighbors were Democrats, Republicans, or Independents — and it didn’t matter. We shared gardens, conversations, and kindness. Today, families and friends are being torn apart by politics. What happened to respect and compassion?
My Life in Utah: Remembering Love and Simplicity
I still remember meeting my husband, Mark, here in Utah. It was love at first sight — even if he had another date lined up right after ours! We dated for six months before getting engaged, and a few additional months before getting married, surrounded by our family.
I dreamed of a simple life: a small home with a white picket fence, children, and a loving family. My dreams came true. Mark served in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War, and we welcomed our first daughter just over a year after our wedding.
Those were the days of hope, faith, and gratitude — values I see slipping away in our society today.
In Memory of Charlie Kirk
We may not all have agreed with everything Charlie Kirk said or believed, but he didn’t deserve to die for his convictions. He was a husband, a father, a believer, and a human being.
As a nation, it’s time to reflect on what truly matters — faith, kindness, and the courage to love one another despite our differences.
Who was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist, author, and speaker best known as the founder of Turning Point USA, a youth organization that promotes free markets, limited government, and individual liberty. He inspired millions of young Americans to get involved in civic life and discussions about faith and values.
What happened to Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University?
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was tragically shot and killed during a rally at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Utah. The event shocked communities nationwide and sparked discussions about political division, faith, and freedom of speech.
What did Charlie Kirk believe in?
Charlie Kirk was a devout Christian who strongly believed in the Bible and the Ten Commandments. His core values centered on faith, family, kindness, and upholding moral principles. He encouraged young people to seek truth and live by their convictions. He had a strong conviction of the divinity of Jesus Christ and tried to pass on Christ’s values and peaceful approach to life.
What is Turning Point USA?
Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is a nonprofit organization founded by Charlie Kirk in 2012. It focuses on empowering young conservatives to promote free speech, constitutional rights, and American values on college campuses and beyond.
Why is unity essential in today’s America?
This tribute emphasizes that unity and respect are more important than ever. Political or religious differences should never lead to hate or violence. As Americans, we must return to compassion, listening, and loving one another — even when we disagree.
What can readers learn from this tribute?
This post serves as a reminder to honor human life, cherish faith and family, and reject hate in all its forms. Whether you agree with Charlie Kirk’s views or not, his life encourages us to speak kindly, live faithfully, and build bridges in our communities.
How can we honor Charlie Kirk’s memory?
You can honor Charlie Kirk by promoting peaceful dialogue, faith-based values, and civic involvement. Support organizations that encourage open discussion and kindness, and live each day guided by love, truth, and integrity.
🙏 Let’s Choose Unity Over Hate
May this tribute to Charlie remind us that we are all God’s children. Let’s listen, learn, and lead with love.
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Let’s bring back the America where neighbors helped neighbors — no matter who they voted for. May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: American Flag AdobeStock_6265327 By klikk
Beautiful. Thank you for posting this, Linda! What a great Christian man!
Hi Carrie, thank you for your kind words. I thought I might lose followers over this post, and I said, so be it. My heart is aching for this family. May God bless all of us. Linda
Charlie had the courage to stand for his faith, unborn babies, and the truth. For that, he was murdered. Many evil people were unmasked by their sickening responses.
Hi Mary, you nailed it, “Many evil people were unmasked by their sickening responses.” Hugs, Linda
You cannot imagine my delight at your post. For some sad reason I find that members of our church are slow to recognize the true anointing of one of God’s best. What a work the Lord had for Charlie. Isn’t it said he would save the best for last…he’s one of the best and we will enjoy knowing the power of his convictions even more in the world to come. His testimony of Jesus Christ was powerful, unrelenting, and positively real. Soooo grateful for his walk and truly showing our youth and budding Americans that they count in the Kingdom of God. I’m smitten with him. He is a legacy of love, patriotism and morality that cannot be denied. I pray his organization grows even stronger. God bless that beautiful family of his. My ongoing prayer is that his family someday be sealed in the temple…Turning Point employees many, many members of our church. There is a reason. Love will continue to abound in Erika’s life. My soul is still heavy as with the losses in Michigan and our Prophet. These days are tough. Every grateful for the Gospel and it’s clarity. Again, thank you for posting!!!!
Hi Michelle, thank you for commenting. My heart has been heavy for weeks, I wrote this the day after he was killed. I stalled, I was scared after seeing so many negative comments about Charlie Kirk. Why? Why do people have to hate? We all have different ideas about things but my gosh, why kill a good man. I pray our country can stop hating one another. Erika will spread the word, thank goodness for her example. Linda
You have not lost me as a follower Linda! Although I didn’t always agree with Charlie, he was taken out too soon and violence like this has no place in our society. It scares me how people can no longer “agree to disagree” and maintain friendships.
Hi Paula, thank you my sweet friend. I totally agree with your comment: “It scares me how people can no longer “agree to disagree” and maintain friendships.” People must change, we must be nicer, be kinder, and stay off social media. Negative comments behind a screen is being a coward. Thank you Paula, Linda
There are things that can’t be undone and watching those who agree with it enjoy, embrace and promote more leaves little options. It was not the chosen path but the one we find ourselves on. Accept that and the future will come easier in your mind.
Hi Matt, I always love your comments, you know how to comfort my fears even though we have never met face to face. You will always be my friend. Love this, Linda
Linda, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. My teenage grandsons followed Charlie Kirk and have taken his death hard. I can’t get his wife and his children out of my head. Prayer is all we have, but it doesn’t seem enough.
Hi Chris, I have friends that had grandchildren that attended that rally in Utah. They are traumatized. You are so right, prayer is all we have. Linda
Wow Linda this is beautiful!
Hi Jessica, thank you for your kind words. He was a human being that didn’t deserved to be killed. Linda
Charlie was a great man with a great message and way of reaching young people and teaching them to think and respect conservative values. His loss is tragic.
We find ourselves in a Nation divided by political bickering, distrust and even hate. Many of us have lost the ability to tolerate the beliefs of others who disagree with us. I lay the blame at the feet of our heavily leftist biased media and educational system. When I was in school differing ideas and debates were welcomed–or at least tolerated. Now, not so much.
Only by teaching our children to respect the right to free speech of others can we begin to correct this imbalance. Well, that and voting for those who will defend our constitutional rights.
Hi Ray, thank you for your comment. I LOVE it. I can’t imagine someone shooting my grandson who is about his same age over different beliefs. I am sickened about the hate in our country. You nailed it with this: “We find ourselves in a Nation divided by political bickering, distrust and even hate. Many of us have lost the ability to tolerate the beliefs of others who disagree with us.” Thank you, Linda
I have to say I wholeheartedly disagree with many aspects of your commentary about Mr. Kirk but where we can agree is that NOBODY deserves to be killed over political, religious or any other beliefs. Taking things to the extreme at either end is, if nothing else, impractical and counterproductive. We all need to find common ground to share and feel free to express our views as long as they don’t encourage hate, violence and other negative behaviour. People need to cooperate to get things done that need doing. I get that many disagreements come from trying to find things people agree need to be done but we all need to start from a place where we do agree. I suspect many of your followers would consider me “woke” (which I don’t consider a negative term) but we also likely agree on certain basic principles and the need to take care of ourselves, family, country and world and act as though we are rational, reasonable humans with hearts and consciences. I will still be following for the very practical information and because I believe in building bridges, not burning them.
Hi Alice, thank you for your comment, I love this statement you made: “the need to take care of ourselves, family, country and world and act as though we are rational, reasonable humans with hearts and consciences”. I LOVE this statement! Linda
Good job, Linda! You are correct, no life should be lost over opinions or beliefs. I had never heard of him before. I’m so sorry for the loss though!
Hi Deborah, thank you for your kind words. He was the age of my grandson, I can’t imagine losing a child or grandchild. This was a tragedy. Linda
Linda, any death is tragedy. And an intentional one is the worst kind! I am having a hard time with my grown children right now, but God knows the truth and He is in charge. It’s hard to do, but I have had to distance myself from them. Really their decision. I haven’t spoken or seen any of them since June 30, when only bio son had a heart attack and I found out from a friend on facebbook. Girls knew, as well. And jumped on me for being upset for them not letting me know. I’m not on Facebook. I was accused of starting Trauma and Drama.
Hi Deborah, oh my gosh, I’m sorry to hear about your son’s heart attack. I know you well enough over the years you would never start trauma or drama. Deborah, I’m sorry our world is changing in such a weird way. Hugs to you from Utah! Linda
Thank you Linda! It’s been hard, but I’m surviving with God’s help. Without Him, I couldn’t make it.
Hi Deborah, we’re in the same boat so to speak. All we can do is ask and pray for God’s help. Hugs, Linda
Linda,
I don’t comment on social media. I don’t involve myself with it.
However I feel compelled to comment here on your site that I enjoy gaining pointers for prepping.
First, congratulations for finally posting on this tragedy.
Secondly, it is both sad & concerning that we as a people live in fear of speaking the truth for fear of repercussions.
It’s beyond ridiculous that we even need to even point out that one’s freedom of speech is not deserving of the death penalty. (!)
The fact that we as a society even has to have a debate of whether a person is worthy of death penalty for freedom of speech is unbelievable.
But yet here we are.
People celebrating murder with a mindset herd mentality that murder is justified.
Murder is still an illegal criminal act.
The division in our country is celebrated by our country’s enemies. We must learn to listen to opposing views & opinions whether we agree or not. Listening & talking, the open debate, the exchange of ideas between humans is what Charlie practiced and it creates a connection between humans reminding us that we are humans whether we agree or not seeds of ideas can be planted.
Good for you for adding your voice to the obvious.
If God is love, and perfect fear casts out love, and the first commandment and second is like and unto it then it seems we must practice love and faith that our freedom of speech must continue in love rather than being silenced by fear.
Perfect love casts out fear.
And no I am not a Christian or red or blue.
I grew up in a religious cult that did not believe in voting.
I am an independent thinker that believes in freedom of speech & freedom of religion.
Linda, Comfort yourself that if you lose followers that you will gain others or something better will replace them.
My mind is STILL reeling in shock that groups of human beings are celebrating the killing of a man because he spoke about things they don’t agree with.
Unbelievable.
Good for you for Linda.
Take care.
Hi Wanda, your comment is beautiful, thank you. I’ve been emotional all day with private emails of hate and unfollowing. I’m a grandma, mother, aunt, sister who wants to live a good life and treat others with kindness. I never bash anyone on social media. I rarely make comments. I feel safe in this forum because I have some great followers such as you. Those that leave, it is their loss. I don’t believe in murder. Unbelievable is the word of the day. Thank you, Linda
Linda, correction. I wrote it wrong.
Perfect love casts out fear.
Ugh
Anyways, it’s hard when you’re being blasted by hate to stay calm, centered & grounded. But please remember that those hateful comments directed towards you in response to you speaking your truth & feelings are exactly the point of all the division.
We are at a place where we must agree with one group or another in order to be accepted and avoid personal attacks.
It’s no longer a widespread belief that a person can live & let live unless we conform either way then it becomes one side against the other side.
Thankfully there are more people that don’t adhere to this way and they are beginning to speak up and it gives others permission to do the same. We don’t need sides to have a starting point of agreement common sense that murder is unacceptable and illegal and inhumane.
I like your comment about neighbors helping neighbors.
There has never been a time where it’s more true that what the world needs now is LOVE.
It reminds me of the bullying in schools because of children being different & being picked on by clicks.
We’re grown up now.
We don’t cower in the face of bullying anymore.
Hatred and violence does not heal.
Anyone who thinks violence is the answer to our problems is part of the problem not part of a solution.
May our world find love & people live & let live & build peace.
Hi Wanda, oh yes, I remember the bullying in junior high school. We’re grown ups now, hatred and violence does not heal anything. You are so right. Linda
Hi Linda, thank you for your kind words about Charlie Kirk, although I did not agree with what he said, I just did not listen to him. I always say if you don’t like what a person is saying just don’t listen to them; but there was no need or reason to do what was done to him. I feel bad for his children not being able to grow up with their father. I hope people will stop and think before they do something like that again. We don’t need our people injured and killed because of what they think or say even if it’s hateful speech. We have the first amendment that protects free speech. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Mildred
Hi Mildred, thank you my sweet friend, I totally agree. Your last paragraph says it all! Hugs from Utah, Linda
Thank you, Linda, for this beautiful commentary on Charlie Kirk. You presented with accuracy the beauty of the soul of Charlie and, in so doing, also revealed the beauty of your soul. Thank you!
Hi Dolores, thank you for your kind words, this means so much to me. Linda
Linda: Thanks for recognizing such a horrific event. We have begun to put our heads in the sand. The assassination was horrific and he was such a great debater which has been so badly needed on college campuses (even as far back as 1999). Praying God saves our people and great country. Praying for all….
Hi Barbara, thank you for your kind words. I have had so much hate mail over posting about Charlie Kirk, I’ve been very emotional. You are so right we have begun to put our heads in the sand. His assassination was indeed horrific. I will never get it out of my head. We must all pray for our country, thank you for you wonderful comment. Linda