Squatters rights.

In the past week our front porch has been taken over by an orb weaver spider. It took the sun shining out of the west for us to see his intricate web that spans the corner of the porch roof on a diagonal to a location on the storm door. In between suspension threads is his beautiful web where moths, flies, and other tiny insects have become trapped providing him with a country buffet. 

We didn’t know what kind of spider our new resident was until I snapped a picture of him and used an app on my phone to identify him. Sure enough, he’s an orb weaver. He’s rather scary in appearance with fuzzy legs and a large abdomen. His movements are graceful yet quick when dinner gets stuck to one of his strands. Curious to know more about our orb, I looked online to discover that an orb’s routine is leaving the web at dawn to hide close by during daylight hours to avoid being someone’s tasty meal, returning to his sticky home at dusk. Sure enough, I tested the science behind this fact and I’ve observed proof of his coming and going. Quite simply, our “Orbie” as I’ve christened him is living out his purpose.

Last week, a man I admired greatly was cut short of fulfilling his purpose. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, as I sat in our living room relaxing, a notification popped up on my phone that Charlie Kirk had been shot. I turned on live news and followed the next few hours up to our President announcing Charlie’s death. I felt like all the air had been sucked from my lungs as tears streamed down my cheeks. In the days of aftermath that have passed since his death, my emotions have been racing, sometimes with fear, anger, deep sorrow, and more anger. In the midst of all that I felt last week–and continue to experience–I have turned to the only source that never fails me–God and scripture. In Him and in the written word I have found renewed hope, peace, comfort, and an ability to begin comprehending again how evil fits into the world as I know it.

What I loved about Charlie was his keen ability to host events on large college campuses and converse with anyone, asking probing questions, giving his answers to a broad range of topics based on scripture and years of reading and understanding history. I’m not naive to believe everyone who challenged or conversed with Charlie liked him. On the contrary, he allowed opposers to speak their opinions, too, which is called “debate”. As much as I think Charlie was a good “debater” in essence he was more of an apologist for the gospel of Christ, quick and able to defend Judeo-Christian values that originated in the God of the Israelites, the One who created the world and made man in His own image and gave men and women purpose.

Charlie’s gone. His unique purpose has been killed with his unfortunate death at the age 31. Yet, his legacy continues and has ignited a passion in young people to pick up his torch to continue bringing Judeo-Christian values to all people, especially our younger generation. As a Christ follower, THIS is what also has helped my emotions and mournful spirit return to renewed hope for the future to come.

When I sat down to write, I wanted to know why three major universities in America were established. Using my search engine I typed “was Harvard established to train clergy?” “Was Yale established to train clergy?” “Was Princeton established to train clergy?” The answer is “yes”. Obviously–and I won’t take time to expand in this writing–all three universities have expanded their curriculum to produce other degrees, however, I wonder how many of us know the origin of their purpose? I’m certain Charlie knew, and I think that’s why he purposefully chose to host his events on college grounds, to engage and get young students to learn how to think, not fall into traps of being “told” what to think and what NOT to believe, especially in Judeo-Christian teachings or conservative values.

I really don’t want to compare Charlie with our orb weaver, but I think it’s fair to weigh in how God gives purpose to every person and every creature. I admired how Charlie emphasized that every person is created in God’s image regardless of male or female, color of skin, economic status etc. I am intrigued how God placed survival instinct in our “Orbie”. I embrace how God established marriage between a man and a woman, giving children as a blessing to the family home, creating a safe landing place at the end of a long day of work. 

Charlie will no longer return home after a week on the road doing what he believed was his purpose. His wife and children will no longer hug the man they looked to for protection, spiritual guidance, and love from husband and dad.  If his death isn’t enough for me to endure, the reality of his absence from their lives gives me deeper pain. I take comfort that he’s been united in heaven with our God whom he served well. I’m watching and listening now as more and more young people who loved Charlie and want balance in education, life, careers, and spiritual growth are speaking out in his defense and making plans to continue bringing the gospel of Christ to our nation and world. Once again, I’m not naive enough to comprehend that their efforts will  not be met with more evil threats, accusations, and violence. So, I think, too,  of Stephen, who’s considered as the first martyr for the Christian faith,  stoned to death when he stood up in opposition to the religious leaders of his day. You can read the account in Chapter 7 in the Book of Acts where he gave a detailed eloquent sermon spouting historical facts from Jewish history which invoked anger in the established teachers of the law. 

I don’t know what heaven is like. I have spent hours daydreaming about its majesty and Jesus being there as Light. I don’t know exactly how or what we look like when we get there, but if I were allowed to further imagine, I’d dare say that Stephen and Charlie have met. Both arrived at different times in history, together they are sharing in the glory of Christ’s presence and worshiping the One they loved, served and paid an ultimate price–preaching the truth of Who God is and what He desires and commands from mankind.

I know that Stephen and Charlie are at peace. I’m finding peace again and I pray that you reading my heartfelt thoughts about a great tragedy find peace, joy, and comfort, too. Though I would say that’s what I desire for you, my wish is that above anything I could say, please find hope, peace, and comfort from God. And, find your purpose. When you do, stay true to its course, and don’t let anything or anyone sway you from it.