Editor’s Note: A guest post by Misti Smith Cordell.

Yesterday, Hatred ran rampant.

Voices were silenced.

Christian Conservative rights to assemble were stolen by an assassin.

A voice, that mentored a generation and invited healthy debate in a public space was taken.

What Charlie Kirk did was challenge a narrative and encourage critical thinking.

Students CHOSE to debate him.

He had packed crowds at most of his events because people believed in what he was doing and took advantage of the platform.

Even those wanting to debate attended in order to partake in the simplest right to assemble and speak up for their beliefs.

That’s true freedom.

Yesterday was a sad day. Today, it’s something different. I’m somewhere between sad, mad and determined.

I pray that Charlie Kirk’s legacy will live on.

I pray that Christian youth groups and young adult organizations burst at the seams and are supported.

I pray that the evil and fear meant to silence voices will be beaten back and that our eyes are opened to how detrimental staying silent can be.

I pray we seek to slow down and listen… REALLY listen to one another.

NOT just listen to respond… but listen to learn something new, see another point of view and acknowledge it…even if you don’t agree.

Also, walk away knowing that it’s OK to disagree and it’s ok to respectfully say so.

I pray that the hate speech and silencing of voices on campuses stops now, and I plan to do my part there.

Teachers need to stick to course content and encourage critical thinking.

Students and parents go into debt for an education.

If these teachers think that their opinions and actions don’t silent student voices…they are sadly mistaken.

Lastly, I pray for the Kirk family and for our nation.

I pray that this is a wake-up call for everyone that we’ve got to get back to the basics and realize that, as Americans, we are better together.