How to Help Your Child Overcome Fear of Talking About Jesus After Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Dear Parents and Grandparents,

We are shocked and heartbroken over Charlie Kirk’s assassination.  Most of us have been talking about this with our spouses and friends. And many of our kids, whom we try to protect from witnessing or experiencing the world’s violence, have overheard us or perhaps even seen the murder on social media.

This was the case for one nine-year-old boy.

He overheard his parents discussing the tragic and brutal murder.

“Mom, I’m afraid to talk about Jesus to other people now.” 

“This is what the enemy (satan) wants. This is truly spiritual warfare.”  Yes, it is spiritual warfare, my friend Jane is right, the enemy would love to use this awfulness to silence our children and us.

Before I go on to provide practical ways to calm your child’s fears and nurture their ability to articulate their faith in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death I need to include some disclaimers:

3 Disclaimers

1. Acknowledge the Fear and Connect: “I can see why you are afraid. I feel upset about this too.” This will normalize your child’s feelings.

2. Admit Reality: “Sometimes talking about Jesus involves risk. Charlie Kirk knew it could be dangerous and did it anyway. He was courageous and he was an ADULT  (stress adult).  Say, “I can see why you are worried about this.”

With your older kids you can discuss fear the disciples had and still felt their faith was worth dying for. ( Peter’s denial is a good example of this. Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, and John 18:15-27) Include how brave John and the women were to be with Jesus at the cross (John 19:25–27). Christian tradition claims all the disciples with the exception of John were martyred. Only go into this if you feel you child is ready to hear this.

3. Ask: “When, where, or with whom would you feel comfortable sharing your faith?” That would be an interesting conversation.

4. Address how people come to faith. “People come to faith by hearing the word and when God has readied their heart.” (Psalm 10:17, Jeremiah 24:7, Ezekiel 36: 26, and Romans 10:17)

5. Pray: “Lord ready ___________ (friend’s name) heart so he can hear how much You love him. Give him the humility to repent and a soft heart to receive the good news we have in Jesus.” 

6. Practice or role play a witnessing opportunity with your child so your child is ready to talk about Jesus when the time seems right.

7. Provide “Seed Planting” conversation starters like, “I read the bible to get  to know Jesus better.” Or “I pray before my soccer game so I can do my best for God.”  Something easy to recall and relate too.

8. Remind your child that another’s salvation is not up to him but it is in God’s hands. Praying for that person is the best thing to do.

9. Point out times when your child has faced his fear in order to build up his courage (It is not brave if you are not afraid.) God gives us the feeling of fear to help and protect us–like fear of a hot stove, fear of falling– just be sure fear is in the “typical /expected” category and not the extreme fear and worry which results in anxiety.

10. Build up that confidence and courage. Read the strong and courageous verses from scripture ( Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 40:31,  Isaiah 41:10, 1 Chronicles 28:20, 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:13)  Talking about Jesus can be just a casual conversation (like #7) or it can be more formal. Remind your child that throughout scripture God tells us He is with us. “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Perhaps the more formal evangelizing feels scary right now. Given the recent events we can understand why. Now may be the time to focus on the informal approach (the planting). Once your child gains more confidence or his friends start to ask questions he will be ready to do more. Be sure to encourage your child and praise their efforts. “I’m so proud of you. You were so brave to share that.” 

A final note:

I know we feel like we want to grab our kids  and go to some deserted island, away from the cruelty and chaos. Parents, Grandparents, your child or grandchild was born on purpose for a purpose for these challenging times. They, like Esther, were born for such a time as this. I believe this generation of children will be strong and courageous warriors for Jesus.