September 10, 2025 has likely changed the landscape of American culture, politics, and faith for generations.
Many of our kids and teens were exposed to graphic images and videos of Charlie Kirk’s death. Many have read or watched as some people mourned and others celebrated. Our kids have questions, and they’re looking for guidance. Allowing our kids to navigate this landscape where emotional opinions abound, and truth is too little valued, is sad. It’s also dangerous to the spiritual health and future of our country.
Addressing this challenge starts with us as parents. As parents, we need to be aware of the emotional and spiritual impact of events like this, especially on our children. This is not the time to let our kids figure out life alone. It’s time to guide them. More than ever, we need to stand upon the Truth of God’s Word and engage our kids in conversation to help them navigate a tumultuous landscape.
Here are four things I’m doing as a parent in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death.
1. I’m rooting myself in the Truth of God’s Word.
What transpired in front of millions of people emotionally affected me. The murder of anyone, public or otherwise, should cause our hearts to break. But now, a week later, I don’t want my emotions to rule or dictate how I respond as a man of God, husband, and father. As parents, we need to plant ourselves in God’s Word, so our kids can see a bold, godly response.
I’m seeking God for wisdom on how to think and what to do next. 1 Peter 2:1-3 tell us, “[R]id yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good.” I’m seeking to rid my heart of any hatred and malice towards another—the same hatred and malice that took Charlie Kirk’s life—and replace that hate with God’s love and compassion. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also ….”
At the same time, as I study his Word, God has convicted me to stand more boldly upon the Truth. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn. 14:6). God provides guidance in his Word, so that no matter the circumstance, our response can be spirit-led, intentional and filled with conviction.
2. I’m educating myself on the issues.
I’m listening firsthand to what Charlie Kirk did and said for myself. There are so many differing opinions of who he was, what he stood for, and what he said. Rather than parroting what someone else has said or believes, I’m trying to find out for myself the validity of the claims for or against him.
I’ve learned he was dedicated to open dialogue and debate, and he believed in the importance of free speech. Because of that, I’m also reading a lot more, particularly about the freedoms we enjoy in this country and how important it is for us to have a society built on freedom of speech. Even if I don’t like what someone else has to say, I’m reminded of how important it is for us to share ideas and debate the validity and truthfulness of those ideas—and how violence is never appropriate.
I’m rooting myself in God’s Word and educating myself on the issues in part because I have a role to play as a parent.
3. I’m talking to my son.
On the day of Charlie Kirk’s death, my son came home and told me he and almost everyone at school had seen the video of the shooting. He told me it was all people were talking about. It made me sad to think my son and millions of kids saw such a graphic event. It made me sadder to think that many of their parents would never check on how they were doing or provide them any guidance.
As parents, we can do a few things to help our kids process difficult events.
Create open communication.
I started asking my son a lot of questions and listening to his answers. Try asking a lot of questions on the frontend to get a fuller picture of what your kids are thinking and feeling. Once your children realize you’re really listening and trying to understand their viewpoint, you’ll be amazed to see them open up, start asking questions and seek your perspective sooner.
Here are some questions to ask your child:
- Did you hear about Charlie Kirk? If so, how are you doing? What are you thinking?
- What are you hearing at school or in your friend group?
- What should our response be as Christians to this?
- Do you think violence is ever warranted when you disagree with someone?
- What questions do you have for me regarding this?
Provide support and encouragement.
Remind your children of the truth of God’s Word, which you yourself are rooted in, and help them see that as Christians we respond differently than the world does. Assure them that you are with them, seeking God’s wisdom together, and that you will walk alongside them.
The Christian worldview offers a solid, beautiful, and trustworthy foundation for life. Show them how a godly man or woman thinks and acts in difficult situations, and give them a living model to learn from and follow. This kind of guidance creates stability and offers a clear path forward, something every young person deeply needs.
Talk specifically about the issues.
We want to educate ourselves on issues to show our kids how to think critically and act wisely. To do that and coach our kids along, we as parents need to know what we’re talking about. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Without guidance, a people will fall ….” This is precisely what is at stake if we don’t engage our kids in conversation about the real issues of our time.
If you haven’t educated yourself on an issue, then be honest with your kids and seek to learn with them. There is nothing more authentic than a parent saying, “I really don’t know much about that topic, but can we find out and learn about it together?”
4. Finally, I’m praying more fervently.
Pray for your kids and with your kids. Teach them how to pray and seek after Jesus on behalf of your neighbors, our country, and our kids. Charlie Kirk’s death and so many other life events do not make sense unless we see them through a spiritual lens.
We are in a battle but not with one another. Ephesians 6:12 tells us “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.” We have a real enemy who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. (Jn 10:10). This battle can only be won through spiritual weapons of war, starting with prayer.
I am praying for healing, unity, and Truth to prevail. I am praying that souls are won to Christ and that evil is vanquished! Will you pray with me?
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