Oh death, where is your victory?
Oh death, where is your sting?
(1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
These are the comforting verses I cling to as I mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk, a man I hardly knew, yet whose life touched mine in ways I can scarcely describe. Like countless other Turning Point USA (TPUSA) students, I grieve as if he were a dear friend, a brother in the fight for truth and freedom. His sudden assassination on that fateful morning has left a void, but in the midst of tears, these scriptural assurances remind me of the eternal hope we share.
At just 18, Charlie founded Turning Point USA, a student movement dedicated to educating and empowering young Americans to embrace the principles of freedom, limited government, and personal responsibility. For students like me, TPUSA became a place to ask hard questions and find courageous answers. I remember gaining the confidence to speak up during my college government class simply because I knew other Turning Point students were in the room.
One thing I learned from being a part of Turning Point is that not everyone agreed on the same issues, and that is what made it so great! We all had great debates about abortion policies, gun laws, LGBTQ matters, the separation of church and state, and so much more. Yet, we all shared the same conviction that we should have the FREEDOM to speak openly. TPUSA brought all kinds of people with various backgrounds and experiences together to discuss big topics with one another. We challenged each other to defend our individual beliefs in a safe environment. Everyone in TPUSA had a desire to learn; they all craved finding the truth.
That culture of open dialogue reflected Charlie himself, a man who valued humanity enough to engage with people of every belief and who loved others enough to speak truth to them. He always said, “If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas.”
Last week, I reached out to my fellow Turning Point friends, who were also impacted by Charlie. Here is what they said:
“Charlie Kirk has taught me to speak boldly, live courageously, and never stay silent for what is right. Through him and what he has created at Turning Point USA, I’ve grown in my faith, discovered my purpose, and learned the importance of standing firm in my values. He showed me that sacrifices made to honor the Kingdom of God are always worth it, and his example continues to inspire me to live with courage and conviction every day,” said TPUSA student Amanda Jack.
“He was incredibly humble, and truly believed that his greatest influence was through the leaders he could make,” Aiden Cathey, previous president of the California Sierra College chapter said. “In his passing, I have been convicted that I want my life and my death to be used to bring so many people to Christ as he did in his.”
Zachary Wilsford, another TPUSA student, added, “He showed me that I don’t need to be afraid to spread the truth. Turning Point is a place I can be welcomed, and to love my roots as an American.” His passing has “locked me in for my faith” and made me
devoted to “continuing the spread of truth,” Wilson concluded.
Though TPUSA was not a Christian organization, many found Christ through the Turning Point community because truth ultimately points to God. Charlie led by example and was not hesitant to proclaim the gospel. He met people where they were, regardless of their worldview, and pointed them towards the truth.
Tyler Ginsberg, a TPUSA student, said, “I will always remember Charlie Kirk for the words he said just after Trump won the election: ‘I am humbled by God’s grace.’ That brought me to tears then and brings me back to tears while he is gone. Because it wasn’t arrogant, it wasn’t prideful, it was honest and giving all credit to God, which is how he lived.”
Being an Arizona resident, Charlie frequently visited the Grand Canyon University campus, where I attend. I’ll never forget the day I crossed paths with him. On my way to class, I spotted him heading toward the TPUSA booth. I managed a quick introduction and a handshake before a crowd swelled around him. Within minutes, hundreds of students pressed in, eager for a word, a signature on a ball cap, a selfie. Charlie lingered, smiling and patient, determined to meet as many as possible. His kindness felt genuine, just a man who cared deeply about his country and its people.
Charlie’s wife, Erika Kirk, reminded us in her first public address after the assassination:
“The movement’s not going anywhere. And it will only grow stronger when you join it. If there isn’t a chapter, you can’t find one, then start one. There is no excuse. And as my husband used to say every single day, ‘If you want to get involved, the best way you can do that is going to tpusa.com.’ ”
Now, TPUSA is growing rapidly with 54,000 new chapter requests.
Charlie’s passing has inspired thousands of individuals to continue the fight for what he believed in.
Charlie’s life and death illuminate the gospel he cherished: Christ has already conquered sin and the grave. Because of Jesus’ finished work, we can face mortality without fear, knowing that death’s sting is gone.
As Turning Point surges forward, I pray they continue fighting for our nation’s freedoms with the same fervor. But more vitally, may they cherish Charlie’s faith and fall to their knees before the Lord, yearning for the hope of the cross. So that, like him, they too can stare down death with defiant joy: Oh death, where is your victory? Oh death, where is your sting?
In honor of Charlie Kirk, consider sponsoring a Turning Point student to attend our upcoming Gala. https://cfc.givevirtuous.org/Event/2025-life-family-liberty-gala
