We mourn the lives that have been lost.
Over the next few days, we will mark several solemn anniversaries and days of remembrance. Each calls us to remember lives that have been lost, to pray for those who grieve, and to reflect on our own responsibility to bear witness to the truth.
Today marks one year since the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was murdered while doing what he loved: inviting people, including those who opposed him, into public conversation. His death is a sobering reminder of the ultimate cost of defending the truth with conviction and clarity. We pray that Charlie’s life and legacy will be long remembered.
Tomorrow, September 11, we will remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives taken in the terrorist attacks of 9/11. This was not only an immense loss of life; it was a deliberate attack on our nation, carried out on American soil and intended to terrorize the American people. We also honor the courageous first responders and public servants who ran toward danger to save others. We pray for the repose of their souls, for the families who still carry the grief of that day, and for the protection of our country.
Then, on September 12, we observe the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children, remembering the countless unborn babies whose lives have been taken by abortion. Although our culture denies their humanity and treats their deaths as unworthy of grief, their lives mattered. They must not be forgotten.
Please consider visiting one of the memorial sites where aborted babies have been laid to rest and taking time to pray for these children and all those affected by abortion. You can find a memorial site near you at NationalDayofRemembrance.org.
These are heavy days. There is profound sadness in contemplating so many innocent lives lost, and our Christian hope does not require us to minimize that grief or pretend that death does not wound us deeply. Christ Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus.
But we do not grieve without hope.
Our hope is in Jesus Christ, who has conquered sin and death.
Over the next few days, let us remember the dead, pray for those who mourn, and ask God for the courage to remain faithful witnesses to the truth.
May eternal rest be granted to those we remember, and may the Lord strengthen us to faithfully defend life, bear witness to truth, and never lose hope.