I didn’t feel like writing a blog today, deeply disturbed, after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. Besides being only 31 years old, a husband, and father of two, he was a voice for reason and civil discourse. On social media, he’s being accused of hate speech, but I can’t access such proof on the news or social media. His movement engaged young citizens to have healthy political debates about conflicting thoughts and opinions. He was a force for effective and empowering communication. For this, he was murdered in front of thousands of followers.
As I watched the videos of everyone fleeing after the gunshot, I noticed some people who did not run away. At least they had that choice. I honestly don’t know what I would have done, but I hope terror would not be the controlling factor in my actions. No one is exempt from death, and when it’s time to go home, so be it. Seeing people hold their ground and not succumbing to panic gives me courage.
This tragedy makes it hard to understand how a loving God could allow such a thing to happen. The only comfort I find is that Charlie Kirk isn’t the only leader misunderstood, unfairly judged, and viciously sacrificed. These people choose their paths, fully aware of the risks, yet they move forward willingly without regard for themselves. They know their mission is bigger than their fear. They put the love of mankind above all else. They are never forgotten. Their messages become even stronger and more meaningful because of how they were sacrificed. Essentially, their words ensure they will be remembered forever.
Today is 9/11, and I’m on a plane. Naturally, there was some apprehension after yesterday’s national trauma. But I had a choice. If I surrender to fear, the choice to live fully is lost. Like most of us, when it’s time, I would prefer to die peacefully. But since I don’t have those guarantees, I’d rather live each day as if it were the last with loving faith and fearless joy.
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Donna Marks is an educator, licensed psychotherapist, and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. She has worked with over 6,000 clients. Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owns an outpatient treatment program and serves as a consultant to treatment centers. For 36 years, she has taught A Course in Miracles.
Donna is the author of three books: the multi-award-winning title Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and Learn, Grow, Forgive: A Path to Spiritual Success, The Healing Moment: Seven Paths to Turn Messes into Miracles of Love, and her latest fiction, Fortis & Sapiente – A Tale of Two Lovers Who Successfully Navigate the Murky Waters of Love. Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with millions of listeners on podcasts and radio shows.
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