The Balance Between Heartache and Hope

Sandee Macgregor

What propels me to write is the expression of a balance between heartache and hope lingering within me. It’s this unfathomable connection that deeply moves me forward. The ache in my heart for Erika Kirk, her children, family and friends is almost wordless. This heaviness drifts in and out of my soul; a profound anthem on repeat in my head. I did not know Charlie or Erika yet followed them from afar with amazement, awe and gratitude. I don’t recall the first time I heard of Charlie, but it was a long time ago. Still, what I do know from all I have seen, heard and read, he loved Jesus, honoured and adored his wife and children, lived courageously for the gospel and went toward ALL people with a message of hope, regardless of whether or not he saw eye to eye with them. Charlie’s purpose was to dialogue with others, listen and share truth. As believers, we know our foundation is built on the Word of God, and he did not shy away from his Saviour. Our world is fallen, broken, dark, evil and downright scary. Despite fears or anxieties, he and his team have entered onto campuses with purpose, intention and grace. Many are saying they did not agree with Charlie on all he said and believed; of course, you didn’t. We are fallen, imperfect humans with differing opinions that deserve to be heard, and we do so with a heart full of love that can only come from Jesus, because Jesus is love,

God Is Love

^“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:7-12)

Freedom, a beautiful word that countless people through the ages have fought for and given their lives for. What amazes me is that simply because the Word of God was foundational for Charlie, he was seen as hateful and divisive. Jesus is love, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, Jesus forgives, Jesus is our rock and firm foundation. Disagreement does not equal violence. Violence leads to a sick cycle, darkening and hardening hearts.

I have read articles, listened to podcasts, watched reels, read posts, and honestly, I am having a challenging time grappling with the hate that Charlie fought so hard to eradicate. Listen to one another, dialogue and most importantly, pray, dig into the Word so you are prepared to give an answer for your hope layered in love and grace,

^“ But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:14-16)

Thanks to Tim Challies[1], I was able to narrow down some articles, and one really stood out to me by Mike McGarry, particularly as he is a youth pastor. From what I have seen, this assassination has impacted the younger generation in ways that are beyond comprehension. My heart aches for every single one who was there that fateful day and all those who watched it on social media. The trauma is real and begs for healing. What I see is a resurgence bubbling over to seek Jesus! A revival! Something I know is that the moms who pray at our local Christian school pray fervently weekly just for that, a revival! It is happening everywhere! These young people need someone to walk with them to point them to the Lord, a mentor and friend. They can’t do this alone. I want to do that more than ever. How do they process this brutal murder that was displayed for all to witness? We help one another together side by side, one day at a time.

What I appreciate so much about this article, Three biblical principles for Christians after Charlie Kirk’s death is his thoughtful and biblical response. It expresses what has been flowing through my mind and just how much it matters how I talk about this upsetting, horrific murder with those closest to me and beyond. McGarry reminds us to grow the fruit of the Spirit in us. Then he takes us wisely to James 1:19-20 to ensure we are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Finally, he cautions that the inevitable political divide in the United States and for us here in Canada is just as applicable and should not determine how we treat one another as Christ followers. McGarry wisely says,

“Jesus is our savior and our example. If we choose any other example or model for how we overcome evil in ourselves and in society, then we’ve lost our way. We must turn the other cheek, carry our cross, and love our neighbor and our enemies. This is simply biblical Christianity. This isn’t easy. The frustration is real. Another man is dead, whose wife and young children will never hear him say “I love you” again. Politics aside, this is a high profile murder that many of our kids watched on social media. It should cause us to grieve without turning it into a political “whatabout” statement. We need to relearn how to grieve without feeding more anger.” [2]

The balance between heartache and hope is a reminder that we live in the ‘here and the not yet.’ We are on earth now (not promised tomorrow), and the greatest hope we have as believers is the reality of heaven and an eternity with Jesus! The heartache is real; however, the hope and joy of what is to come is the most important message to receive and share. Lord, help us do that today.

Need to hear the gospel message today? You can learn more here at Got Questions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Challies, Tim. (2025, September 12). A La Carte: Charlie Kirk Special Edition. Tim Challies. https://www.challies.com/a-la-carte/a-la-carte-charlie-kirk-special-edition/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_campaign=Daily_2025-09-17_04%3A30%3A00&utm_content=5575

 

 

[2] McGarry, M. (2025, September 11). Three biblical principles for Christians after Charlie Kirk’s death. Youth Pastor Theologian. https://www.youthpastortheologian.com/blog/three-biblical-principles-for-christians-after-charlie-kirks-death