God has a long history of bringing light out of darkness, turning moments of deep loss into testimonies of hope, faith and renewal. A recent revelation from Fox News anchor Jesse Watters offers a modern example of how tragedy can spark spiritual awakening and draw hearts back toward God.
Watters shared recently that he and fellow Fox News co-hosts Greg Gutfeld and Harold Ford Jr. have begun a daily Bible study together, an effort he says was directly inspired by the life and faith of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Speaking on The Five, Watters explained, “Every morning we wake up and we read a passage, and then we text about it. And it is because of Charlie.”
Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, was known for his outspoken Christian faith and his commitment to sharing Scripture with those around him. His widow, Erika Kirk, told the panel that her husband made Bible reading a daily priority. “Charlie, every single day on the way into work, would text people Bible verses,” she said. “And he just wanted to remind people this is what it’s all about.”
Order Jonathan Cahn’s Newest Book, “The Avatar” on Amazon.com!
Erika Kirk said she has heard numerous stories of people returning to church and buying Bibles since her husband’s death, a response she views as evidence that his faith continues to bear fruit. Reflecting on Charlie’s outlook, she added, “It’s about, your life here is so short. So are you going to use your short time here on earth to make this place better or worse?”
Perhaps the most powerful testimony to emerge from the tragedy came during Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, when Erika publicly forgave her husband’s killer. She later explained that decision at The New York Times’ DealBook Conference, emphasizing that forgiveness is rooted in Christian faith, not weakness. “[Forgiveness is] not because you’re weak, it’s not because you think what the assassin did was correct,” she said. “That’s the exact opposite.”
Describing the spiritual impact of forgiveness, Erika added, “Forgiveness is… for those of you who’ve been wronged, you know what it feels like to forgive someone. And in a way, where it frees you from a poison, and it frees you to be able to think clearly and have a moment where your heart is free and you’re not bound to evil.”
What began as a senseless act of violence has now become a testimony of faith in action. Through daily Scripture, renewed conversations about God and a powerful display of forgiveness, Charlie Kirk’s legacy continues to point people back to the hope and healing found in Christ.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
