Dear Mrs. Erika Kirk.

    Dear Mrs. Erika Kirk. I don't imagine that you will ever see this, but I wanted to write it anyway. First off, I'm so sorry for the loss of your hubby, Charlie. The night that I got the news that he had passed away, I was very upset and sad about the news. That night I went to bed, as I lay beside my hubby, I started to think about how thankful I was and still am that I get to sleep beside mine still, because you no longer could. Over the next few days, I began to think about how little our petty, silly arguments truly are and that I need to spend more time simply being thankful that my hubby is still with me. Most of our arguments are due to my being tired, hungry, or upset about something from my day. But still unnecessary. Hubby lovingly reminded me that all marriages have conflict, and it's all about how you deal with it. Which, of course, is true.

    I know you already knew that, as I expect many so as well, but you had and have a very special hubby. I have been following him casually on Instagram for a little while, and so far, everything he said I agreed with. I enjoyed listening to him talk about what a good godly man should look and act like, because he was describing my hubby in a nut shell. I already knew that my hubby is an incredible man of God, but hearing someone else describe those characteristics was so nice.

    My eyes were filled with tears as I listened to your first announcement after Charlie's death in his office and spoke of your grief, but also knew that God has a plan and that Charlie was now in Heaven with his Savior. What courage and faith it must have taken to say what you said. You beautifully reflected our shared faith. Our pastor shared a small part of that video in church. He mentioned that you had given that speech just two days after his assassination and said that you could have only done that with the help of the Holy Spirit. I agree. You allowed God to work through you, and it clearly showed. There was so much grace and love in your speech.

    I didn't watch the memorial service for him this past weekend, but I did watch a clip of you forgiving his murderer, and I cried again. Forgiveness is hard, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, you did it. I've been waiting to see video footage of you saying that you forgive his murderer, and knew that in time you would say it. And you did. I tear up every time I think about it. God has used you to encourage others to forgive those who have hurt them in various ways, and it is beautiful. You also challenged men and women respectively to fulfuill their God given roles as husbands and wives. So far, I have seen one video of a woman saying she has accepted your challenge. Although I expect that there are others. God is using you, Mrs. Kirk. God bless you.

Charlie wanted to be remembered for his courage and faith, and he was, and now you will be known for yours as well. You are a true believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and I praise God for that. It is only through the strength that comes from the Holy Spirit that we are able to do anything of use in this earth. It is evident that you rely on Him for your strength.

    I also respect your choice in having him embalmed for his funeral. I had to do some research because I couldn't remember what it meant, only that it is in the Bible. I respect that you wanted him to look his best/normal for your children at the funeral, and I would too. I know you received flak for it, and I'm sorry. Heck, over the last few weeks, you have received a lot of flak for how you are grieving and “moving on” after Charlie’s death. I’m so sorry that must be so difficult. When in reality, you have a job to do, and everyone grieves differently. Unfortunately, we all know that you would be criticized no matter what you do because everyone has their own opinion, to which they are entitled to. Unfortunately, we sometimes forget that the next part of that is to not tear each other down with our opinions, but that’s where God’s grace comes into play.

    You are an incredible woman of God and an amazing role model for this next generation. I praise God for you and all the other amazing role models for this next generation and for what God is doing through you.

God Bless

~Hannah