As you all know, this is the field I work in. God so clearly called me to it when I was 17 years old, sitting at a Wednesday night church service.

What I didn’t understand then was everything that calling would entail. But because His call was so undeniable, I knew He would provide in every season. In many ways, it was 17-year-old me, fueled by a fear of God greater than the fear of man, and oblivious to how dark the world could be, that allowed me to dive in without hesitation. Today, I often look back with gratitude, thanking God for the conviction He planted so firmly in my heart at that young age.

I think it’s time we start speaking openly and honestly about what it really looks like to stand for truth, because of how far our culture has drifted. And I say this not as someone with a big platform or a well-known name, but as a normal, everyday person.

I’ve been shouted down and harassed by the pro-trans ideology crowd. Leading to it being disrupted so badly that we were forced to finish outside in a park. And as I stood there, I wasn’t just thinking about the message I came to share, I was scanning the street, wondering if I’d have to shield my mom from one of the protesters coming back for a drive-by shooting, or if someone might try to run us over with their car.

I have had moments where I have to think about how quickly I can get to my car, drive off, hope no one follows me and I can get out of the area safely. 

I’ve lost friendships. I’ve endured the hate. I’ve been called every name imaginable, sometimes by strangers online, sometimes through letters to my mailbox, and sometimes even by elected officials in public hearings.

I’ve had countless anonymous blogs written about me. I’ve been placed on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s “hate group” list, the very same list that once inspired a shooter to attack another organization. Events I’ve spoken at, places I’ve shown up, have been carefully documented and tracked.

I’ve had people try to tie my name to bomb threats at libraries and schools, false, slanderous accusations meant to destroy my character and silence my voice.

I’ve been spit on at events. Had people flip me off, honk, scream in my face. I’ve had someone follow me barefoot, mocking me by name, laughing while holding a pocket knife, simply because I stood for truth.

And yet, I am no one “special.” I am not famous. I don’t have a massive following. I’m just a regular person. If this is what I’ve faced, imagine the weight carried by those with large platforms, who sacrifice daily to speak the truth because they long for a better nation and a better world. Be praying for those individuals.

Truly, I find joy in these attacks. Why? Because I want Satan to be upset with me. I want him to rejoice only when I am no longer on this earth doing Kingdom work.

Christians, pause and consider this: if Satan isn’t concerned about your life, maybe it’s time to shake things up.

Jesus Himself said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.” – John 15:18

Truthfully, all I want is a better nation for my future children. I long for a world where people are no longer harmed by the lies our culture pushes. I want people to know there is a better way to live, and that there is a way that leads to eternal life in Jesus Christ.

I don’t often share these struggles publicly, because I never want others to shrink back in fear. I want them to be bold. But I speak now because it’s time we open our eyes to just how evil this world can be.

And yet, hear me clearly: it is worth it. Every cost, every attack, every sacrifice; worth it. We must stand for truth. And Christians, we must fear God over man every single day.

Am I perfect? Absolutely not. Do I always approach everything the right way? No. But I know this: every time I take a stand, I align my convictions with the Word of God. And the Bible is perfect. The Bible is always right. As long as I keep standing on Scripture, I know I will be on the right side.

Again, I don’t share this to scare anyone, but to remind us that the horrific tragedy of Charlie Kirk is not some random, isolated event. It’s a wake-up call. Our nation desperately needs to turn back to Jesus.

And so I challenge you: stand for truth. Don’t be afraid to proclaim the good news of Jesus. Be bold in your faith. Stand firm in what is right, but also remain open to conversation.

If you know me, you know that I’ve always been willing to sit down with those who oppose me. Every person who has come at me in my DMs, if they’re not threatening and I know them personally, I’ve offered to buy them coffee and talk it through. Not one has ever taken me up on it.

Christians, last week a man was murdered because he boldly stood for Jesus and for truth. We must carry on his legacy. We must continue to speak with courage, to live with boldness, and to enter into the hard conversations our culture so desperately needs.

Pray for his wife, Erika. Pray for their children. Pray for our nation.

Yes, many are changing their voter registration in response to yesterday, but my deeper prayer is this: that people would walk into church for the first time, pick up a Bible, and ultimately come to know Jesus because of what happened.

Just a few months ago, Kirk was asked how he would want to be remembered if he died. His response? “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing. The most important thing is my faith.”

And I keep and will continue to keep returning to the words of Matthew 5:10-12:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”