Making the Most of Time

I want to be very honest.

When it comes to the Super Bowl, the halftime show, and Turning Point USA’s alternative called “The All-American Halftime Show,” there is a great deal I don’t know.

I don’t know much about the two teams that competed.
I don’t know who won.
I don’t know Bad Bunny or what he performed.

What I do know is that many past Super Bowl halftime shows have been vulgar and inappropriate, which is why I had no desire for my family to tune in.

After arriving home from church, however, we decided to give Turning Point USA’s option a chance. It was advertised as a one-of-a-kind alternative – one that would celebrate American culture, freedom, and faith. Like many families, we were curious and hopeful.

I don’t personally know much about the performers TPUSA selected, but I trusted they were chosen because of their professed love for America. Still, I found myself with questions.

I don’t understand how Gabby Barrett’s songs were meant to stir patriotism – particularly “I Hope,” which centers on karma against a cheating ex.

I also don’t understand why several song choices normalized drinking, especially considering Charlie Kirk’s public stance on alcohol.

In an episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, Kirk stated:

“I personally do not drink alcohol… but if you want to be a high performer – Donald Trump doesn’t drink alcohol, Tucker Carlson doesn’t drink alcohol, I don’t drink alcohol - it will set you back… Nothing good happens after midnight while both parties are drunk… Instead of drinking alcohol, I’m going to go to the gym, I’m going to hang out with friends and talk about deeper and more purposeful things. I’m going to go to a Bible study instead of a bar.”

Given that perspective, I wondered why more unifying and family-centered song selections weren’t chosen – songs that the whole family could have recognized and sung along with.

Although the event was never advertised as a Christian program, I also wondered why they didn’t make fuller use of their time mixing God-honoring and patriotic music, as was done so powerfully at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. That combination was received exceptionally well. They had both the freedom and the platform to unapologetically glorify God while showing pride in our nation and its heroes as millions of families were watching and hoping they would take that stand.

I don’t know why veterans were not honored in some way.

I don’t know Erika Kirk or the intentions of her heart.

But here is what I do know.

Gabby Barrett performed fully clothed, wearing a feminine suit, and looked absolutely stunning. We didn’t have to shield our son’s eyes. There was no explicit agenda pushed. The entire show was in English and filled with American imagery, including prominently displayed American flags.

And I know without a doubt that the crowd erupted when Rob Ritchie – not Kid Rock –performed an additional verse he had written for Cody Johnson’s hit song, “’Til You Can’t.”

Ritchie shared that he was awakened one night with the song in his head and felt there was still something missing. The verse he added included these words:

There’s a book sitting in your house somewhere that could use some dusting off.
There’s a man who died for all our sins hanging from the cross.
You can give your life to Jesus and He’ll give you a second chance -
’Til you can’t.

Initially, I didn’t understand why Kid Rock’s first song, “Bawitdaba,” was selected. However, based on comments and various explanations, it appears that song – and his high-energy performance – was chosen to represent his former life: a life marked by rebellion and sin. Though he experienced fame and success, it was ultimately empty and without hope.

As that performance ended, the tone shifted dramatically. A cellist and violinist performed a solemn, reflective segment. While the transition may have felt unexpected after the country and rock performances, it was to represent an emotional encounter with Christ – one that changed everything.

In that moment, Kid Rock symbolically “put off the old man” and returned as a new creation.

Regardless of Kid Rock’s past – or even his present struggles, as he is an imperfect human like the rest of us – this moment was undeniably powerful. In the final seconds of the show, he courageously and humbly proclaimed the name of Jesus and His mercy in offering second chances – something virtually unheard of in any halftime performance.

According to Barret Media, the show – featuring Kid Rock, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, and Gabby Barrett – drew more than five million simultaneous viewers on the TPUSA YouTube channel. Charlie Kirk’s YouTube channel peaked at over one million concurrent viewers, with an additional 225,000 viewers watching via TPUSA and Charlie Kirk’s Rumble channels.

There will be criticism of this event. Even Christians and conservatives will debate its merits and shortcomings. But one thing is clear: Americans wanted an alternative, and TPUSA provided that.

It is fitting that the show ended with a call to choose Jesus – before it’s too late – delivered by a man who had done that very thing himself. In those final moments, millions heard the powerful name of Jesus proclaimed boldly and witnessed a glimpse of the redemptive power of our Savior.

I don’t know whether Charlie Kirk would have approved of every aspect of the event.
But I do know that Charlie Kirk made the most of his time on this earth up to the very moment of his murder. Because he did, millions were able to hear the mighty name of Jesus, who otherwise may not have – and for that, I am deeply grateful.

So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).

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