One Week After

Exactly one week ago to the moment, a martyr was made. Charlie Kirk was shot for his beliefs in Christ and in the Conservative way of life. This news has dominated the headlines for the past week, and rightly so. Charlie was a man of conviction. He was bold enough to debate, yet stay civil. And while there is most certainly a time and a place for a precise shot from a marksman, this was not it. The assassin was a coward, plain and simple. 

By "cutting out Charlie's tongue," the assassin did not prove Charlie a liar. He proved that he feared what Charlie had to say.

I got to meet Charlie, and have some interaction with him. And when someone I love and/or admire passes, I like to think about the good things. The fun memories. And that is what this is: a fun memory. 

On Sunday, October 25, 2020, Charlie came to my hometown and spoke at my church at the time. It's funny in retrospect: the Facebook event states that 450 or so people responded to the event on that platform. There were north of 1200 people there that day. 

I was head of the security team, and so I was the personal security detail for Charlie that day. Charlie asked me to call him "Charlie," and he was warm and kind to myself and my team. He verified that we as a security team would allow him to interact with the people. Ericka was there, and was sweet as could be. They were not married yet at that time. 

Charlie Kirk quizzed the Pastor, Greg Lock, about what topics would be kosher for him to bring up. Repeatedly, Locke said "You talk about whatever you want!" Charlie was concerned for the church's 501(c)(3) status. Locke was insistent that he did not care about that... only the truth!

Service was held outdoors in a tent. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee had issued an unconstitutional Executive Order restricting the number of people who could meet indoors. It was fine, though, as the church building only held 160 congregants. I led the way as Charlie, the Pastor, and several other staff persons and security moved from the staging building ("green room") to the tent. 

"How many people normally attend?" Charlie asked me. 

"600-700," I replied. 

"Is that how many we have today?" Charlie inquired further. 

"No. We have over 1100 already," I stated. 

"All for me?!?!" Charlie was almost incredulous. I nodded to the affirmative. 

We entered the tent, and Charlie had another question, "hey, would you like to make somebody really happy today?"

"Sure," I said, "what did you have in mind?" 

"Is there anyone in here you know would want a selfie with me?" 

"I sure do!"

"Call them up," Charlie said. He wanted to make my friend's day! 

I texted my friend, Heather. She is outspoken politically, and has been banned and restricted on Facebook many times for speaking the truth. "Hey, you see where I am?" 

Heather texted back "I do, you lucky duck!" 

"Charlie wants to meet you. Come on over!" I messaged.

"You're joking, right?"

"No joke. Charlie wants a selfie with my most politically active friend!"

Heather tentatively made her way over, and I made the introduction. She might or might not have "fan-girled" just a tiny bit. They made small talk. Then it was time for the picture. I took it and sent it to Heather. 

A little while later, Charlie preached. Worthy of any "fire and brimstone" pastor that lives. He gave his testimony. He spoke of the importance of the church guiding congregants when it comes to selecting the correct candidate. He was who you have seen on a hundred videos. 

After, I helped him over to a spot with a second tent where he did a meet and greet. Virtually everyone who had been there that day came by and said Hi, and spoke with Charlie, and most got a selfie, as well. He was the kindest celebrity to visit that church (and several did). The only person who came close was Danny Gokey - another strong man of God. 

And I will forever remember this day, and now, so will the internet. 

Here's a picture of Heather and Charlie:

Picture and name used with consent. 

As you might have guessed, Heather has had a lot to post about on Facebook in the past week, as well.