Called to Courage

Yesterday held a lot of pain for a lot of people. As I sat at my desk and read the articles about Charlie Kirk being shot and losing his life for his beliefs, my heart broke. I respected Charlie Kirk, and yes, there were a few things I disagreed with him on but that's normal. We will never fully agree with someone but the fact that he spoke truth in a world that is so lost, earned my respect. Charlie Kirk was a man who honored God with his life and loved his family deeply. He went to college campuses because he knew that the next generation could be the generation to stand up and say, enough is enough.

There was a part of me that was scared more than anything. Being a parent and raising our children to be strong in a world that will fight to stop them is a scary thought. How do I parent our girls to stand up for what is right and speak God's truth when there is a possibility they can be killed? I went to bed with a heavy heart and woke up with a new perspective. The answer I found was yes. We were not called to live an easy, secluded, safe life. We were called to "Go and make disciples" Matthew 28:19-20. Our world is lost and the only way they won't be lost is if they have Jesus. Therefore, it is our job to tell them about Jesus and how He can change their lives. It might come with pain, suffering, or persecution. It may lead to death, but it is important that we reach as many lives as we can.

So I will continue to raise my girls to be strong and courageous, and tell the truth. I will use Charlie's story to show them a beautiful example of how one man was courageous enough to go out into the world and face people who disagreed; even if it cost him his life. Here are some ways I am going to commit to raising our girls to live a courageous life.

1. Teach Them Who God is, Not just What He says

   1. Root them in the character of God- His holiness, goodness, love, justice, and faithfulness.

   2. Help them see that obedience to Him isn't just following rules, but trusting the One who is worth their whole lives.

2. Model Courageous Faith Myself

   1. Children see how we act in different situations. I will strive to show them how God wants us to live and that we also make mistakes.

   2. I will share my fears and let them know that it is normal to be afraid but that when we have God on our side, He will give us the strength we need.

3. Ground Them in Scripture

   1. Teach them verses about courage (Joshua 1:9, 2 Timothy 1:7, John 16:33)

   2. Read stories of believers who stood firm: Daniel, Esther, Paul, and even modern Christians like Charlie Kirk)

4. Normalize Talking About Hard Things

   1. Don't shy away from the reality that following Christ can bring suffering. Frame it as both a cost and a privilege (Philippians 1:29)

   2. Let them ask questions and wrestle through the "what ifs" in safe, honest conversations with me and their dad.

5. Teach Them That Truth is Rooted in Love

   1. Teach them to combine courage with compassion, grace, and humility

6. Pray Boldly Over Them

   1. Ask God daily to plant deep courage and conviction in their hearts.

   2. Pray not only for their safety, but that they would love Jesus above all else.

We need to stand up, as Christians, and be bold and courageous to tell others the truth. This life is short and we cannot wait for the "right time" or the "perfect moment" to be honest with those around us.