It doesn't "give martyr"
and more interesting takes from last week || In Case You're Curious #4
Read the full issue here.
I’m so excited to introduce a new type of journal called In Case You’re Curious.
While I love sharing all things homemaking, I’ve also felt called to talk about what’s happening outside our homes — the cultural shifts, the headlines, and the quiet trends that shape the way we think, live, and raise our families.
My hope is to offer you a daily dose of truth and perspective. You’ll see stories from culture paired with wisdom that can bless your home. Right now, I’ll plan to post these 1-2 times a week.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this new format. Do you love it? Hate it? Want more of it?
Today’s newsletter includes thoughts on the Forrest Frank situation, a response to Jackie Hill Perry’s “not giving martyr” statement, and more.
Grab your strongest mocktail and enjoy :)
Forrest Frank’s decision made me think…
Forrest Frank admits that the way he dresses looks similar to the world, his music kind of sounds like the world, but he wants to draw a line when it comes to receiving rewards from the world for something that he says is “from Jesus and for Jesus”—the music he creates. He then followed by stating that he will not be participating in The Grammys or Dove Awards because he wants God to receive all of the glory.
“As Christians, it’s hard to know where the line in the sand is between being in the world and not of the World…” - Forrest Frank
It made me reflect on the heart of working in our homes. We might not gain huge accolades by folding clothes, cooking meals, nurturing our children, or serving our husbands. There may be no awards or ceremonies celebrating us faithfully working with our hands each day behind closed doors. Yet, we can say that everything we are doing is “from Jesus and for Jesus.” Are we doing it for the recognition of social media, or even for the “thank yous” that we hope to get from our spouse and children? Or, are we doing it because it genuinely glorifies God to be a woman who is busy in her home and loves her husband and children (Titus 2:3-5)?
My response to a sister in Christ…
Jackie Hill Perry says that Charlie Kirk did not “give martyr” because of some of the things he said (I couldn’t find the original clip). Except for, she conveniently doesn’t give the examples of the things he said that, in her mind, excuses him from receiving the title of martyr. I think the only place to start on this topic is to define what a martyr actually is.
I did some research and found this:
“To call someone a martyr means they have suffered or died for a cause, belief, or principle. The term originated from the Greek word for “witness” and traditionally refers to someone killed for their religious faith, but it can also apply to anyone who sacrifices their life or endures great suffering for a principle, like social justice.”1
If we look at this definition and then look at who Charlie Kirk was as a man, what he said, how he was assassinated, and by whom, we can clearly see that he was martyred. There are tons of conspiracies, and it’s hard to know what to believe, but one thing that stuck out to me about the crime scene is what was carved on the bullets left at the scene: “Hey, Fascist. Catch!”
Do people actually believe that Charlie Kirk was just randomly killed? That it had nothing to do with the strong stances that he took on marriage, family, abortion, and other topics that branch from his Christian beliefs? He was a brother in Christ who boldly said things that people don’t agree with, and not always in the nicest of tones. Does that mean that he doesn’t “give martyr?”
As I was thinking about my response and researching, I came across Allie Beth Stuckey’s response video, and was impressed by her way of speaking about this topic. She brought up other martyr’s in the faith like John the Baptist. If you don’t know, John was beheaded because he boldly told King Herod that it was “not lawful to have your brother’s wife” (Mark 6:14-28). So, after some seductive dancing from his step-daughter, drinking, and Herodias (Herod’s brother’s wife who was now his wife) speaking to her daughter who spoke to Herod, he agreed to have John the Baptist beheaded because he didn’t want to look bad in front of the nobles around him. John the Baptist was “immediately” killed and his head was brought to Herodias on a platter not because he was preaching the gospel, but because he spoke boldly about marriage to Herod and how he wasn’t following God’s commands. He could have been nicer. He could have sugar-coated some things. But, in Allie’s own words, “Is it still giving martyr?”
Found on Pinterest I’m not trying to say that Charlie Kirk and John the Baptist are exactly the same, but it’s something interesting to think about.
I don’t know Jackie and don’t watch her frequently, but I do know about her great story of turning away from a life of homosexuality. I am inspired by her in many ways and what she has done. I just don’t appreciate how nonchalant and casually she and the men on the podcast are speaking about Charlie, a brother in Christ, so quickly after he is brutally assassinated in front of the world because she “heard what he said,” which made him not a martyr in her book. The last term I would use is “not giving.” Do definitions not matter any more?
As homemakers, we may never face persecution by being on a national stage like Charlie Kirk did, but we are still called to stand firm on biblical convictions. We are called to defend God’s design for marriage, family, and truth. And the beautiful thing about it is that it doesn’t have to look like having a huge podcast or going to college campuses. It’s doing things like teaching your children, speaking up when you have conversations with family and friends, and living out God’s design in our homes (a quiet way of standing for truth).
When we choose to uphold God’s Word above what culture says is good, we are bearing witness to the same truth martyrs of the past have lived and died for: that Christ is Lord over every aspect and part of our lives.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
— Romans 12:2
Prayer:
Lord, give me the courage to stand for truth, even when it costs me comfort. Help me to build a home that reflects Your Word, not the world. May my life, in both quiet obedience and bold conviction, bring glory to You. Amen.
What are your thoughts? Should Christians be involved in politics?
As women who love our homes and desire to honor God within them, may we remember that courage doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like choosing holiness in a culture that mocks it, loving our husbands when the world says not to, and raising children who know truth in a world that denies it. Every small act of faithfulness is a witness. May our homes be places where truth is not only spoken, but lived.
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This definition came from these three sources: Dictionary.com, Houston Christian University, and Britannica.
As the late great Voddie Baucham said, “Sometimes Christians think that ‘be nice’ is the 11th Commandment. It isn’t.” God fiercely hates sin. Jesus fiercely and not so nicely addressed the issues of His day in His time on earth. “You brood of vipers” comes to mind. 😳 Now that wasn’t very nice! That name calling! 😮
Of course, our tone should adjust for context and circumstance, but our position against sin should be a firm and unwavering stance, and some people find that offensive. So be it.
I think if we go through life with the attitude that what we say and do is only for an Audience of One … we’ll have all the bases covered. His thoughts are the only ones that matter.
Easier said than done, of course.