My name is Ethel Hermenau, and I am a resident of Galloway NJ, my opinions are as a mother, Grandmother and citizen of the United States of America. I am on the school board in Galloway, but I am not representing them in this article these opinions are mine and do not represent the Galloway school board or Liberty and Prosperity.
Today, September 10th, 2025, I was at home, enjoying a relaxing birthday. In the afternoon, I received a text that said, “Did you hear Charlie Kirk was shot?” Naturally, I responded with disbelief, asking, “What?” I hurried downstairs to turn on the news. I switched to Fox News as quickly as possible. Upon seeing the report, my heart sank. I watched a video of Charlie being shot, and my heart ached. No! not Charlie!
He was a young man I admired deeply. Although I never met him and did not know him personally, I recognized his intelligence, sharp wit, and his love for Jesus and his family. Every time I listened to him speak, I felt immense pride in his remarkable responses and his exceptional debating skills. I appreciated how he engaged so many young college students, encouraging them to interact and pose questions. These were essential questions that enabled them to distinguish between truth and falsehood. To rekindle their love for our Country and to cherish their families.
Charlie possessed a remarkable talent, a talent that originated from the Heart, to impart truth to a generation misled by radical ideologies in colleges and throughout this world. Charlie aimed for the youth to participate, and he succeeded; he was motivating not only the younger generation but also the older one. Indeed, Charlie was inspiring the entire World.
I have been following the news, and today I was in the process of writing a different article when, by some accident, I erased it for the first time ever. I now understand that there was a more significant topic to address, specifically regarding a man named Charlie Kirk.
Who exactly was Charlie Kirk? At the age of 18, he was just old enough to vote when he founded Turning Point USA. The objective was to create an organization for young conservatives that would serve as their equivalent to what MoveOn.org represents for progressives. I believe that God played a role in Charlie’s journey, and over a decade later, Charlie emerged as possibly the most influential voice in young conservatism, significantly impacting national politics.
Following the inception of Turning Point, Kirk has, in numerous respects, emerged as the representative figure of the young MAGA movement — establishing a platform that serves as a counterbalance to the predominantly liberal political landscape prevalent on college campuses nationwide. Turning Point USA currently features over 800 college chapters and boasts an online audience in the millions, which includes Kirk’s social media profiles. Additionally, the organization has initiated several affiliated nonprofit entities and has disclosed an annual revenue of approximately $100 million for the year 2024.
How many of you have ever viewed one of Charlie’s videos in which young individuals pose questions to him or engage in debates titled “Prove me Wrong”?
Here is one video about how the left is failing women.
How the Left Is FAILING Women | Charlie Kirk Weighs In
Charlie Kirk advocated for free speech, free markets, and limited government, frequently criticizing leftist politics. “The fundamental aspects that our parents cherished are increasingly unattainable for Generation Z and Millennials. It appears that the American dream has transformed into a luxury reserved for the affluent elite,” he remarked at the previous year’s Republican National Convention. “Prosperous nations nurture children. Destitute nations grapple with addiction, depression, and suffering. The Democrats have allocated hundreds of billions of dollars to illegal immigrants and foreign countries, while Generation Z is forced to stretch their finances just to ensure they can never purchase a home, never marry, and toil until their demise, without children.”
Today, we are informed that this was political assassination. Charlie had faith in the influence of free speech and discourse to persuade individuals. He was in Orem, Utah, a place that cherished Charlie, where young people eagerly anticipated his words. I was astonished by my feelings today. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Charlie, he represented ideals that resonate with all of us. Freedom and for Truth! Love for our Country, Love for God, and Love for Family.
He inspired countless individuals because he had the ability to move us through his eloquent speech. I believe the Holy Spirit was always present with Charlie, guiding and propelling him forward. He was as bold as a lion, gentle as a dove, and wise as a serpent. He accomplished feats that most men only dream of, and this was due to his understanding of who his savior was and the source of his strength.
I see many politicians speaking out. Jack Ciatarrelli already made a comment on Facebook post “There must be zero tolerance for political violence and harsh punishment for the perpetrators of it. Pray for Charlie kirk and his young family”
Less than an hour after Charlie Kirk was shot – and while he was still fighting for his life – a leftwing MSNBC commentator inferred he deserved it because of his “hateful” rhetoric.
Anyone who stands for their beliefs, particularly in support of Christ Jesus, will face hatred and persecution. The Bible informs us that such occurrences are inevitable, so why do we express surprise when we are met with animosity or derogatory remarks? In fact, the Bible encourages us to rejoice in the face of persecution. Just the other night, I was accused of spreading hate, which left me pondering how misguided someone must be to equate my advocacy for parental rights with hate speech. Yet we all know there is a true division in this Country and it’s easier to see the difference in the political parties today. It is so polarizing that most are afraid to even talk about it. Yet, that’s exactly what Charlie did with great success.
People are becoming increasingly fearful to advocate for what truly matters, yet we must ensure that Charlie’s death was not in vain. We cannot allow fear to dominate us. As the light intensifies, the darkness reacts vehemently, and indeed, there will be individuals with malicious intent who seek to harm us; however, this is precisely when we must summon our courage. A notable instance is the day there was an attempt on the life of our President, Donald J. Trump, in Butler, Pa, which has become a man we all cherish. One lesson President Trump imparts is that we must never surrender! We must not allow the opposing side to believe they can silence us from proclaiming the truth! We must never give up and Fight! Fight! Fight!
If Charlie were present at this moment, what do you believe he would communicate to us? Do you think he would express that he would have refrained from initiating Turning Point USA had he foreseen this outcome? Would he advise us to remain silent and conceal ourselves? Do you think Charlie recognized the significant risk he undertook by standing for Truth?
I believe that regardless of who you are, we all understand deep down that Charlie would motivate us to persevere, to advance, and to never surrender. He would urge us not to allow his death to be meaningless, to advocate for Truth, and to acknowledge that this truth begins with Jesus Christ, our savior. Millions of young individuals are familiar with Charlie Kirk; why is that? Is it due to his intelligence? His attractiveness? No, it was far more profound than that; it was because Charlie exhibited bravery and was unafraid to walk into the darkness and be a Light to the World.
In John 12:24 it says: 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
I am convinced that Charlie’s narrative is only beginning, as death cannot extinguish what God has destined for this nation. I believe that most Americans have an inherent awareness of a hidden force attempting to undermine our Country, to harm and exploit our children, and to instill hatred towards America in them. We are currently witnessing the extent of the darkness that exists; however, there is immense hope and a powerful light poised to reveal the truth and usher in a revival for this Country, in my opinion! The struggle is between good and evil, and we must don the full armor of God. Each of us possesses the capacity to be a beacon of light and to persist in our pursuit of Victory, for we are more than conquerors! Encourage those around you! Be that Light.
It was St. Francis of Assisi who said “
“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” and Charlie’s light will shine even brighter.
It’s your turn……..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txs6UxnSHl0
Charlie Kirk’s quotes;
“America’s young people deserve more than a mediocre future – and we now have demonstrated proof that President Trump is building a path for our success.”
“I know many young conservatives all across the country that are isolated and ostracized due to their beliefs. They are portrayed as bigots, misogynists and ignorant just because they are conservative.”
“I started a college campus-based nonprofit in June 2012 called Turning Point U.S.A. to target millennials in college. Our mission was to create a powerful conservative grassroots activist network on campuses and identify, educate, train and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets and limited government.”
(Charlie leaves behind a wife Erika and 2 small children, please keep them in your prayers.)
Ethel,
This is a beautiful tribute to Charlie Kirk. A few years back, I was introduced to one of his organizations called Turning Point Faith. It was a course on biblical citizenship. He has impacted so many of us, particularly myself my husband and my four children. There were tears. This is devastating and heartbreaking. He was not a priest or a pastor however, every speaking engagement he had everywhere he went he was sharing and spreading the Gospel and defending his faith. He is the epitome of the saying “courage is contagious”. Thank you Charlie Kirk for your impact on the world. We are reminded in John 15:18 it says if the world hates you keep in mind that it hated me first.