A Legacy of Liberty

Tensions were at an all-time high. Deep division had taken root and brought about two distinct parties – one of loyalty and one of rebellion.

Fed up with tyrannical intimidation and oppression, a group of men agreed to meet privately in an effort to find a resolution. However, most of them had never met before and were afraid to speak, as a haunting distrust and intense suspicion hung in the air. It was obvious that some favored reconciliation, yet others strongly advised retaliation. All 56 were well aware that their decisions in that moment could potentially lead to war or even charges of treason.

Despite their differences and their beliefs, they began that first meeting with a solemn prayer that moved many to tears and melted the wall of animosity that stood between them.

Yet, silence continued to fill the room. No one dared speak for fear that one wrong word could ignite a revolution.

Finally, the most unlikely man rose to speak. He was not as wealthy and dignified as the others were. He was young - a self-educated lawyer who had actually struggled with poverty for years. Dressed in plain, unimpressive clothing, he quickly gained their attention and respect as he calmly stated the reasons they were gathered together. As his speech lengthened, he captivated his audience with his boldness, deep belief in liberty, and electrifying eloquence.

In closing, Patrick Henry stated to the delegates at our country’s First Continental Congress meeting on September 5, 1774, “The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American!”

***

On September 10, 2025, I received a text saying, “Charlie Kirk’s been shot.”

I raced to find my teenage son, Aace, who had watched Charlie for years and was anxiously waiting to see him in person at a Turning Point event in Oxford, MS, in October. For years, Aace had been encouraged by Charlie’s love of liberty, amazed by his eloquence in speech, and inspired by the way he sought unity by patiently listening to those in opposition - never bullying or belittling.

By the time I reached Aace, he had not only heard the news but witnessed his hero’s murder through a screen. Devastated by the assassination of an innocent man, he finally asked, “But who will take his place and keep going?”

“You will, Aace. It’s your turn. Charlie taught you how,” I responded. “It’s up to all of us now to stand up and keep going.”

***

On October 29, in Oxford, MS, my sons and I were blessed to witness 10,000 Mississippians peacefully stand up in Charlie’s absence and stand for liberty. In a stadium filled to capacity primarily with students, Christ was proclaimed, our country was put first, and dignity was given to those in opposition. Not a hint of hatred could be found.

Two hundred and fifty-one years after that First Continental Congress meeting, tension, division, and discord couldn’t be more intense in this nation. Contrary to popular belief, we are not oppressed by a king, as was the case in Patrick Henry’s day. Our adversary is an ever-increasing Godless society that wishes to destroy the very principles upon which this country was founded and strip us of the freedoms we have held dear.

Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, took up his torch at this event and boldly stated, “We will not apologize for loving our country first. We will not be silent about our faith. We will not back down when the world tells us to kneel - because we bow only to the King of Kings.”

Patrick Henry used the power of wisdom and his voice to unite both parties and bring liberty to a divided nation at its birth. Charlie Kirk used the exact same tactic to bring salvation to the lost and liberty to those oppressed by the lies of darkness at our nation’s most pivotal point in history.

Charlie Kirk was young and self-educated. He wasn’t wealthy and prominent initially. He was the least likely person to make a difference. Typically, he didn’t wear an expensive suit, just a simple t-shirt. He never used force, only words. His example taught this generation more than they could have ever learned from a textbook. His boldness, love of liberty, and electrifying eloquence set him apart, as if he were following in Patrick Henry’s exact footsteps.

He could not be silenced, persuaded, bought, or conquered through debate. He may have been taken out, but his legacy lives on and shines brighter. Take heart, a revolution is coming!

Show Comments

Please Note: We moderate all reader comments, usually within 24 hours of posting (longer on weekends). Please limit your comment to 300 words or less and ensure it addresses the content. Comments that contain a link (URL), an inordinate number of words in ALL CAPS, rude remarks directed at the author or other readers, or profanity/vulgarity will not be approved.