09/11/2025
In the shadow of unimaginable tragedy, we are reminded of profound truths that echo through Scripture and the battles of our time. Just days ago, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a brave Ukrainian refugee who fled the horrors of war only to seek safety in America, was brutally stabbed to death on a Charlotte light rail train by a repeat offender with 14 prior arrests.
This senseless act of violence—a young woman viciously attacked while simply riding home—shatters the soul and lays bare the raw reality of evil in our world. (Proverbs 6:16-19) God hates “hands that shed innocent blood,”
Today, we also mourn Charlie Kirk, the bold conservative Christian who founded Turning Point USA at 18 in 2012, sparking a movement to rally young people for biblical values, limited government, and unapologetic patriotism. Charlie’s legacy created a movement that turned apathetic youth into bold defenders of truth, proving that faith-fueled activism can shift nations and make an impact in our world. There is so much that we could learn from his life.
I was very late getting home tonight and have been thinking on these truths over the past few days and again this evening:
1. EVIL IS REAL.
It’s the spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12) manifesting on a train and at a rally. Tonight, I’m holding my family a little tighter, my heart heavy with grief. In my flesh, I’m angry—furious—at the violence that stole Iryna and Charlie. I demand justice, not just for them, but for every soul crushed by this wickedness. Yet, I’m reminded to entrust vengeance to God (Romans 12:19), while we fight for righteousness here.
2. LIFE IS FRAGILE.
Iryna’s and Charlie’s sudden losses echo James 4:14: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” This earth is not our home; as Christ followers, we’re destined for a glorious eternity in heaven, where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). There, we’ll stand in the radiant presence of our Savior and know unending joy that eclipses our fleeting trials here—a hope that sets our souls ablaze with anticipation. Death is only a temporary separation for us at Christ followers.
3. FAITH DEMANDS ACTION.
Charlie’s life shouts 1 Timothy 6:12’s call to “fight the good fight of the faith.” His legacy urges us: Rise up, vote biblically, protect the vulnerable, and trust in Christ’s ultimate victory over evil. As believers, we must live out our faith to the fullest—boldly proclaiming the Gospel, defending the weak, and shining as salt and light until God calls us home. Every moment is a chance to advance His kingdom with unwavering courage, knowing our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Please continue to pray for these families today and in the days to come.
