Follow my Example

 

When my mother was diagnosed with a terminal disease and passed away shortly after, it left a void in our lives that no one could fill. It was very hard. During the toughest moments, when I craved her presence the most, I would visit my grandmother's house. Being in the company of my grandmother and my aunts, my mother's sisters, was incredibly comforting. It felt as if they carried a piece of her with them. Their resemblance to her helped temporarily ease the motherly void I felt in my heart. 

 What brought me the most healing was the decision to be the kind of mother my mother was to me. Although I was young and  inexperienced, I started by following the examples she left behind. 

 Our country has just experienced a loss that has left countless individuals feeling a void in their hearts that is difficult to explain. Although most of us have never personally known Charlie Kirk, we feel a deep connection to him on many levels. The reason we feel this loss and emptiness is that Charlie carried a resemblance and likeness to Jesus. Just like my grandmother was able to temporarily fill the void I had for my mother, Charlie was able to temporarily fulfill the spiritual longing that countless people had in their hearts for God. His messages and life embodied the living word of Jesus Himself, which is why we feel this profound void and attachment to Him in such a personal way.  

 Our twelve-year-old called me from school in tears. "Mom, they killed Charlie," she sobbed. She loved watching his college campus crusades. Charlie was able to speak to the longing for Jesus in her heart in a way that even I couldn't. 

 The path to healing for our country is straightforward: we should follow the examples Charlie left behind. If Charlie could still speak, I'm convinced that that's precisely what he would say: "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." We are called to embody the likeness and representation of Jesus to the world. We carry the answer to the emptiness in their souls for God.

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Co. 11:1)

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.  (John 12:32)