There is strength in language but perhaps no three words this year will be as powerful as those we heard on Sunday.
Tens of thousands of people packed State Farm Stadium in Arizona to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk, the conservative commentator, podcaster and political organizer who was assassinated earlier this month on a University campus in Utah.
Untold millions more watched on live TV or streamed the service, hearing high-profile conservative figures all the way up to President Donald Trump himself sing his praises.
The most powerful words, however, came from the person who knew Charlie best.
His wife, Erika, said he died with “incomplete work but not with unfinished business,” as she vowed to continue his mission as head of Turning Point USA.
She then turned to the crowd and speaking about the man who shot her beloved husband said “That young man, I forgive him,” later adding “The answer to hate is not hate.”
As President Trump himself called alleged shooter Tyler Robinson a “radicalized cold-blooded monster”, she forgave him…openly and for all to hear.
It was the ultimate display of strength of character, one that I am not sure I or many others could replicate.
On one of the largest stages we shall ever see, Erika Kirk called for peace not war, forgiveness and not more hatred….three simple words to encourage the violence to end and the true healing to begin.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
(PAUL MARTIN)
