Kelly Konrad

I have believed in God in some way all my life, starting with my Catholic upbringing. But I was the kind of kid who asked hard questions and wrestled with the very faith I’d been handed. Only now do I truly grasp the cost of carrying the cross — and I’m finally ready to be open, bold, and expressive in my faith.

The sudden death of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point, has been all over the news. While I don’t align with everything he stood for politically — I’m neither Republican nor Democrat — I can respect certain things about his courage and conviction, and I want to share those reflections.

For too long, I stayed lukewarm, afraid of offending or alienating people. But God doesn’t call us to lukewarm faith (Revelation 3:16). He’s been nudging me, and now I know I can’t stay halfway. I have to be all in.

Carrying the cross is costly — it risks rejection, discomfort, even misunderstanding. But Jesus carried it first. So I choose to step out of my comfort zone, take the risk, and live boldly.

This is me, no longer lukewarm, no longer silent. I am stepping out in faith — for my family, for my daughters, and for anyone who needs to know that Jesus still changes lives.