A pink blooming flower with a yellow center on a black background representing truth

Reflections on a Life Cut Short

By: Glenn Workman, Director of Life Temple

Pursuing Truth, Love, and Freedom in the Midst of Loss

My fellow Americans, in the spirit of humble inquiry that guides us all as seekers on this earthly path, I turn my thoughts to the recent passing of Charlie Kirk, a young man whose life ended so abruptly on September 10, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University. As one who has walked the roads of truth and self-examination, I see in this tragedy not merely the end of one man’s journey, but a mirror held up to our collective soul.

As a fellow traveler inspired by the universal quest for truth, love, and freedom- principles that bind humanity – I offer these reflections not as judgment, but as an invitation to introspection. In the face of such loss, we must ask: How do we honor the departed by living more fully ourselves?

Black and white image of a set of headphones hanging off a microphone

Black and white microphone representing the pursuit of truth, love, and meaningful dialogue.

Embracing Truth and Love Amid Loss

Charlie Kirk, at the tender age of 31, was a voice in the American landscape, driven by a passion to engage with ideas and rally others toward what he believed was right. His path, like that of many seekers, was marked by a fervent search for truth – a pursuit that often led him into the arenas of debate and public discourse. In my own life, I have known the power of truth as the foundation of all meaningful change.

Truth is not a weapon to wield against others, but a light to illuminate our own hearts. When a life like Kirk’s is silenced prematurely, it compels us to examine our own adherence to truth. Have we spoken with integrity, or allowed fear and division to cloud our words? In America, a land founded on the ideals of liberty and justice, this loss reminds us that the search for truth must be tempered with humility. It is not about being right, but about being open to the divine spark in every person. Let us, then, commit to dialogues that build bridges rather than walls, fostering understanding even amid disagreement.

Embracing Compassion to Bridge Divides

Yet truth alone is barren without love, that gentle force – the embrace of compassion. Love demands we see beyond labels, recognizing the inherent dignity in all. Kirk’s death, occurring in a moment of public gathering, underscores the vulnerability we share as humans. In my experiences advocating for freedom, I witnessed how harm begets only more suffering, while love transforms adversaries into allies.

As a fellow American, I mourn not just for Kirk, but for a society where such acts of harm disrupt the flow of communal life. Love calls us to respond not with anger, but with acts of service: reaching out to the grieving, supporting the broken-hearted, and working to heal the wounds that divide. Imagine a nation where love guides policy and personal conduct alike, where the loss of one inspires kindness toward many. This is the path to true unity, where freedom flourishes not in isolation, but in mutual care.

Freedom Begins Within

Freedom is the ultimate goal – a self-rule that begins within. Kirk, in his advocacy, sought to empower others to claim their voices, echoing the American dream of self-determination. His untimely end highlights the fragility of this pursuit; freedom is not guaranteed, but earned through daily choices. In my own struggle for independence, I learned that real freedom comes from mastering one’s passions and prejudices, not from external conquests.

As seekers of truth, love, and freedom, we must use this moment to liberate ourselves from chains of resentment or despair. What does freedom mean if not the ability to live without fear, to express one’s convictions while respecting others’? Kirk’s life, though brief, reminds us to cherish this gift, to advocate for justice without compromising our souls. Let us strive for a freedom that includes all, where every individual can pursue their path unhindered by hatred.

What Will We Leave Behind?

In contemplating this loss, I am reminded of the eternal cycles of life and death, as taught in the ancient scriptures. The body perishes, but the spirit endures, urging us onward. Kirk’s departure invites us to reflect on our legacies: What will we leave behind? A world more divided, or one enriched by empathy? As one who prayed for peace, I suggest simple practices to honor such reflections – moments of silence to connect with the inner self, acts of resistance against injustice, and communal gatherings to share stories of hope. These are not grand gestures, but quiet revolutions of the heart.

Coming Together to Uphold Truth and Compassion

America, with its vast landscapes and diverse peoples, holds immense potential for embodying truth, love, and freedom. Kirk’s passing, tragic as it is, can serve as a turning point if we choose wisdom over wrath. Let us walk together in this spirit, seeking not domination, but harmony with the divine order.

In closing, Charlie Kirk joins the ranks of many great Americans, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy, who were silenced because of their profound potential to inspire positive change and unite people toward a better future. May his legacy encourage us to carry forward the torch of truth, love, and freedom with renewed vigor.

For those drawn to deepen this journey, communities like LIFE TEMPLE at www.lifetemple.earth offer spaces for such exploration.

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