I realize that even the title of this blog may cause some to turn away, but I hope you’ll read on.

Charlie Kirk was my friend. Kristine and I first met him in 2020 at an airport, where he was waiting for a flight with a beautiful young woman named Erika—who would later become his wife.

At the time, Charlie’s presence in the media was rapidly expanding. Our first conversation was brief, but meaningful. We exchanged contact information, and from then on I would occasionally send him a text to let him know I was praying for him. Sometimes he responded, other times his schedule was overwhelming and he couldn’t respond. The last message I received from him was a verse of scripture:

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” —Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

It has been my honor to sing at several Turning Point USA events, and Charlie was always an encourager. He urged me to “bring it” and never hold back. Often I would begin an event singing "The Star-Spangled Banner"—Charlie wanted it sung full-throated, big, and loud.

Since his passing, much has been said about Charlie—some of it simply untrue. To really know him, one has to look beyond the sound bites and out-of-context quotes.

My experience of Charlie is this: he loved America. He loved Erika and their two young children. Above all, he loved God. He was not a racist, a fascist, or an evil man. He was a sinner saved by grace, and he was unashamed to proclaim it. Charlie never shrank back from the fight against darkness and deception. He spoke boldly, directly, and with conviction.

On Sunday, I will have the privilege of singing at his memorial service in Phoenix. I will sing to honor our nation, to honor Charlie, and to honor our God.

Please join me in praying for Erika, their children, and for our country.

Blessings,

Steve