E

[Jessica O’Donnell 🏈 @heckyessica]

new goal in life: be this unbothered when stupid people give me advice

[Sana Ebrahimi Ledene @SanaELedene]

I listened to Erika Kirk’s full speech at the memorial, and I want to share a few thoughts that came to me while live streaming the event. This is not political.

First, I should say that I grew up as a Muslim in a Muslim country. I don’t know enough about Christianity to say if what I witnessed is rooted in faith or culture. But what struck me most was how, even though death is heavy and this was by nature a sad occasion, the entire event carried a celebratory spirit that honored life.

That contrast hit me deeply. In Islam, even though we believe that good people go to heaven, the relationship with God is taught through fear. Funerals are overwhelmingly sad, often filled with warnings of the terrifying first night in the grave. Growing up hearing that, and then witnessing people celebrate life, speak of God’s love, and remember someone through the impact he had on others; it felt so refreshing, so positive.

Second, I was profoundly moved by @MrsErikaKirk’s words. I cannot fathom the strength it takes to stand and deliver such a meaningful speech after losing the love of your life. But even more than that, the grace it takes to forgive the very person who destroyed your world. I cannot imagine myself standing on a stage, sending love to those who cheered your husband’s murder, or inviting others to spread God’s love in response because, as she said, “we do not respond to hate with hate.” That is powerful beyond words.

Again, I am ignorant when it comes to Christianity, but if this is what it truly embodies, then I am envious of those who get to experience that feeling.

[Riley Gaines @Riley_Gaines_]

Here's the Stone Ridge Christian High School girls' volleyball team. Show them some love for standing firm!

#BOYcott

[Riley Gaines @Riley_Gaines_]

The Stone Ridge Christian High School girls’ volleyball team forfeited their match today against SF Waldorf because their team includes a male player.

Here’s Henry during basketball season earlier this year, where he averaged over 20 pts a game #BOYcott

[E @ewing_em]

@morggaaaannn_ summer :(

[E @ewing_em]

@morggaaaannn_ ur girl's a dud dude

[E @ewing_em]

Oops that’s me https://t.co/KcvFWhe9fu

[E @ewing_em]

@morggaaaannn_ haha

[Christine Caine @ChristineCaine]

You are so loved...

[E @ewing_em]

@morggaaaannn_ Hey I see you. I love you.

[GRACE @graceswindell_]

please, don’t be harder on yourself than God ever intended for you to be

[Chrystal Evans Hurst @ChrystalHurst]

Stop letting where other people are in their run determine how you feel about your own. #shesstillthere

[Lysa TerKeurst @LysaTerKeurst]

Satan is a liar. God is a Redeemer. A Healer. The Author of hope. The great I AM. And I will trust Him.

[E @ewing_em]

@charlesbauer_ @cammurph_ @morggaaaannn_ @benji0003 @lemoon99 @NoahB9272 @paradise4life12 I forgave u a long time ago chill

[E @ewing_em]

@charlesbauer_ @cammurph_ @morggaaaannn_ @benji0003 @lemoon99 @NoahB9272 @paradise4life12 Pretty sure that’s a sin

[E @ewing_em]

@charlesbauer_ @cammurph_ @morggaaaannn_ @benji0003 @lemoon99 @NoahB9272 @paradise4life12 I’m gonna have to take back all my “the guys in our class should be more like u” comments

[E @ewing_em]

@charlesbauer_ @cammurph_ @morggaaaannn_ @benji0003 @lemoon99 @NoahB9272 @paradise4life12 You did not just

[E @ewing_em]

@charlesbauer_ @morggaaaannn_ @cammurph_ @benji0003 @lemoon99 @NoahB9272 @paradise4life12 That’s real promising