The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
Location: A small, family-run diner tucked off the Highway. The names of the interviewees have been changed to protect their privacy. The mood is hushed, the coffee warm, and the air thick with reflection.
Interviewer’s Note: In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University—a moment that has ignited grief, fury, and confusion across the country—I sat down with five locals at a diner who asked to remain anonymous. They come from different walks of life: a retired nurse, a college student, a small business owner, a former pastor, and a single mother. What follows is not a debate, but a mosaic of quiet perspectives—each one raw, reflective, and deeply human.
1. “Miriam,” Retired Nurse – “I didn’t agree with Charlie Kirk’s politics, but I don’t celebrate his death. That’s not who we are. What scares me is how quickly people online turned it into a war cry. We’re losing the ability to mourn without weaponizing grief. I spent decades in hospice care—death should humble us, not harden us.”
2. “Jay,” College Student – “I’m scared. Not just of violence, but of how polarized everything’s become. I saw classmates reposting memes about the shooting like it was a punchline. Then others called it martyrdom. I don’t know where I fit anymore. I just want to learn, not pick a side in a culture war.”
3. “Rosa,” Small Business Owner – “I run a bakery. I serve people from all walks—Trump supporters, progressives, folks who don’t vote at all. What I see is exhaustion. People are tired of being told they’re either heroes or villains. Charlie Kirk’s death was tragic. But the way it’s being used to stir division? That’s a second tragedy.”
4. “Thomas,” Former Pastor –“I believe in redemption. I believe in truth. I didn’t follow Charlie Kirk closely, but I know he stirred strong feelings. What breaks my heart is the spiritual void this reveals. We’re not just politically fractured—we’re spiritually starved. We need more prayer, less posturing.”
5. “Elise,” Single Mother –“I have two kids. I don’t let them watch the news anymore. Not because I want to shield them from reality, but because I want to preserve their hope. When someone gets shot for speaking—whether you agree with them or not—that’s a sign we’ve lost something sacred. I’m trying to raise my kids to believe in dialogue, not destruction.”
Closing Reflection:
As the sun dipped behind the diner’s blinds, the voices faded into the clink of coffee cups and the hum of the kitchen. No one claimed to have the answers. But each offered something rare: a willingness to speak without shouting, to grieve without exploiting, and to hope without denying the pain. In a time of noise, these quiet voices matter.
Prayer:
LORD-We kneel before You in humility, seeking Your mercy and Your guidance. In this hour of unrest and sorrow, we ask You to pour out Your peace upon this land. Let Your Spirit move across every city, every home, every heart. Lord, we lift up our nation to You. Heal the wounds of division, soften hardened hearts, and restore the bonds of compassion. Let truth rise without hatred and let justice be tempered with grace. May leaders be led by wisdom, and citizens by love. We pray for humanity—for every soul walking in fear, grief, or confusion. Let Your light shine in the darkness. Let Your Word be a lamp unto our feet. Teach us to see one another not as enemies, but as brothers and sisters, made in Your image. We ask for healing where there is pain, reconciliation where there is strife, and revival where there is despair. Let the name of Jesus be lifted high—not in pride, but in peace. Let every tongue confess, and every heart be renewed. Make us peacemakers. Make us servants. Make us vessels of Your glory. In the mighty, merciful, and holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Malachi 2:10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?
Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth…
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
The only hope for mankind is found in Christ. As believers we know that truth.
As long as people choose their own way to view life outside of Christ, their vision is cloudy. Their minds and hearts are deceiving.them just as it began in the garden with Adam and Eve.
The people in this interview expressed some interesting thoughts and fears play a big factor. We have come to a point that has fractured not just our country but the world over.
All the more reason to be in prayer. We can’t fix this mess, only the intervention of the Lord for those who turn to Him.
Appreciated your message on this issue.
Dear Cora,
Thank you so much for your wisdom and input. Only ONE can fix or change anything at any time – and yes- that is our beautiful LORD! The One in control at all times.
Turn to Him for all things in all things – that’s the one and only answer.
God Bless you sister!
We need more prayer, less posturing.”