Rave On Charlie Kirk
Introduction
Over the last 24 hours I’ve been both saddened and inspired thinking about the life and sudden death of Charlie Kirk. He was Christ follower of extraordinary courage and conviction who was willing to engage anyone in respectful dialogue about their beliefs. Late this morning it struck me that the moving song by Van Morrison titled, Rave On John Donne, not only fittingly applies to Charlie but to thousands of other souls whose passionate words have inspired humanity throughout the ages.
A definition of “rave on” is “an expression that encourages someone to speak enthusiastically or passionately about something”. This epitomized Charlie who spoke with joy and enthusiam about his faith, his Christian values, and his vision for our country. I believe his example will inspire thousands of people in the coming days to no longer be silent but to pick up and carry Charlie’s torch and “rave on”. Jesus told His followers, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
This short post includes a eulogy from the staff at Turning Point USA, a short video tribute by Noah with the Charlie Kirk Show, and Van’s soulful song along with the lyrics from his 1983 live show in the Grand Opera House in Belfast, Ireland. A comment by Eric on this song reads, “This is Van's most poetically powerful song, if such can be spoken about his nearly 60 yrs of lyrics and poetry. I once listened to this song ten times in a row one long, lonely night during dark and struggling times, and the light infusing my soul from his words, the melody, his poetry and voice and phrasings and his band and Pee Wee Ellis' incredible sax illuminated me with hope and healing.” May Charlie’s legacy be a catalyst for each of us individually and for our country to find hope and healing in the days to come.
Eulogy from the Staff at Turning Point USA
Every one of us at Turning Point USA is crushed and devastated by the hateful murder of our founder and guiding light, Charlie Kirk. All of us have lost a leader, a mentor and a friend. Above all, our hearts are with Erika and their two children. Charlie was the ideal husband and the perfect father. Above all else, we ask you to pray for the Kirks after the incomprehensible loss they have suffered.
More than anyone, Charlie believed in the power of argument and good-faith debate to find the truth and lead people towards, if not agreement, then at least mutual understanding. Charli was no stranger to threats. He received thousands throughout his life. But he always prioritized reaching as many young Americans as possible over his own personal safety. Now, Charlie has become America’s greatest martyr to the freedom of speech he so adored.
In his 31 years, Charlie lived more than any of us will in a hundred. He had an overwhelming passion for life and a deep belief in his power as an individual to make a difference. With the spirit of a pioneer, Charlie launched Turing Point out of his parents’ garage as an 18-year-old with no money, no name recognition, only a dream. His energy and drive were awe-inspiring, without equal and deeply infectious. Charlie refused to squander a single day of his life. He was a natural builder and problem solver, who loved a challenge and saw every setback as a chance to learn, grow, pray and try again. He was fundamentally decent, always eager to make new friends and allies and to support and defend the ones he had already made. His values were timeless American ones: honesty, forthrightness, duty, loyalty and fair play.
Charlie loved America, its people, its Constitution, its freedom and the limitless good all of them have done for the world. But above all, Charlie lived every day with an overflowing love for Christ who he knew he would one day get to see. When asked, Charlie said that above all he wished to be remembered by his faith. Far more than any political victory, Charlie wanted to see a spiritual revival among America’s youth. He wanted a nation of happy, thriving families who loved God and each other. At his final public speech, just days before his murder, Charlie shared Christ with an audience of non-believers. Even in his very last moments, Charlie was professing the Gospel. He ran his race well all the way to the end. Now, he goes to his heavenly reward.
Although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure. He shall not grow old; age shall not weary him. For all time, he will remain the brave young man who inspired tens of millions of Americans to better themselves and take action to better America. All of us will miss Charlie. None of us will ever forget him.
Rave On John Donne, Live in Belfast Lyrics
Part One
[Verse 1]
Rave on John Donne, rave on thy holy fool
Down through the weeks of ages in the moss borne dark dank pools
Rave on down through the Industrial Revolution
Empiricism, the atomic and nuclear age
Rave on down through the corridors
Rave on words on printed page
[Verse 2]
Rave on, Walt Whitman, nose down in wet grass
Rave on, fill the senses on nature's bright green shady path
Rave on Omar Khayyam, rave on Kahlil Gibran
Oh, what wine— sweet wine we drink as the celebration will be held
We will drink the wine and break the holy bread
[Verse 3]
Rave on let a man come out of Ireland
Rave on, Mr. Yeats
Rave on down through thy Holy Rosy Cross
Rave on down through theosophy and the Golden Dawn
Rave on through the writing of a vision
Rave on, rave on, rave on, rave on, rave on, rave on, rave on
Part Two
[Verse 1]
Tonight
In the sitting room tonight
The light
In the sitting room tonight
After leaves shake out of the trees
In the cold summer breeze
When the people passing in the street
And everybody that you meet
[Verse 2]
Tonight
You will understand the oneness
Tonight
You will understand the one
The light
In the sitting room tonight
In the light
Let it obligate the night
You will understand the oneness, the oneness
The oneness, the oneness
The oneness, the oneness
[Verse 3]
Is it real
What you sang about in your song?
Is it real
What you sang about in your song?
I said come back, baby
Can we talk it over one more time?
Tonight, tonight
You will understand the oneness, the oneness
[Verse 4]
Tonight
Anything suitable tonight
Tonight
Let it all begin tonight
You will understand the oneness, the oneness
The oneness, the oneness inside
[Verse 5]
And the truth
What you sang about in your song
Oh baby, baby, and the truth
What you sang about in your song
I said, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. . .
[Verse 6]
Tonight
You will understand the one
Oh, tonight
You will under, understand the oneness
And the leaves shaking off the trees
In the cold evening breeze
And the people passing on the street
And everybody that you meet
Tonight, tonight
When your lover's gone
Tonight, tonight