Last week was heavy. Between another heartbreaking school shooting, the anniversary of September 11th, and the sudden loss of Charlie Kirk, it feels like our nation has been reminded once again of both the fragility of life and the weight of the freedoms we hold dear.
September 11th
We will never forget September 11, 2001. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost, families were forever changed and our country was shaken in a way many of us had never experienced before. Out of the rubble came stories of incredible bravery, sacrifice, and unity. Strangers became family, neighbors became friends, and patriotism meant more than just waving a flag, it meant standing together. On this anniversary, we honor those we lost and those who risked everything to help.
Another School Shooting
It is devastating that in 2025, we are still writing about the loss of innocent lives to school shootings. These tragedies should never feel normal, and yet they keep happening. Each headline represents grieving families, broken communities, and futures cut far too short. We must demand better for our kids, for our schools, and for our communities.
The Loss of Charlie Kirk
This week also brought the unexpected loss of Charlie Kirk. Regardless of how you felt about his politics or faith, Charlie was a strong advocate for free speech and respectful debate. He wasn’t afraid to engage with people who disagreed with him, and he gave space for opposing voices in a way that is increasingly rare. If you’ve only seen short, out-of-context clips online, I encourage you to watch full conversations, his willingness to listen and disagree respectfully was something our country desperately needs more of.
As someone who believes in the First Amendment without exception, I may not always agree with what’s being said, but I will always defend the right to say it. When we vilify those who think differently, when we celebrate the deaths of those we disagree with, we lose part of what makes America strong. Anyone who celebrated his death, I pray for you. We all need perspective, compassion, and maybe a little more Jesus in our lives.
If you’re looking for a place to start, I’d be glad to sit next to you at Beaverton Christian Church. Their services are Sunday mornings at 9:00 and 10:45, and they’re a welcoming community where you can connect, even if you’re not sure what you believe just yet.
Where I Stand
I know for some people, the beliefs and values of who they do business with, including their Realtor, matters. For others it doesn’t. Personally, I don’t think it should matter. My job is to advocate for you, to negotiate on your behalf, and to protect your best interests with everything I’ve got; regardless of your politics, religion, or anything else.
But if it does matter to you, here’s me being upfront: I am a Christian. I believe Jesus Christ died for our sins and loves us unconditionally. I aligned with Charlie Kirk on more issues than I didn’t, though I certainly didn’t agree with him on everything—because we’ll never agree with anyone on everything.
What I respected about Charlie was the way he stood firmly for what he believed, but still gave others the chance to speak and disagreed without being hateful (again, watch a full-length video to see this in action). That’s the example I want to follow.
So if we share faith, great. If we don’t, that’s ok too. I’ll be in your corner either way. The only time I’d ever ask someone to find another Realtor is if they choose to be disrespectful. Other than that, I don’t care where you stand. But if it matters to you, now you know where I stand.
A Call for Respect
We’re all more complex than who we voted for, what we believe, or where we come from. At the end of the day, we all want to live meaningful lives, to provide for our families, to feel safe, and to be respected. Those are the things we all share and those are the places where real conversations can start.
Charlie Kirk was killed for holding beliefs different than his shooter. September 11th was a horrific act meant to tear our country apart. Another school shooting has once again stolen the lives of young people far too soon. These are tragedies that break our hearts and test our resolve. But out of the ashes, we can choose to take something good: love, respect, and dialogue matter. Let these events be a reminder for us all to be better to one another.
Even if I don’t know you, I have love for you and I want the best for you. And if you ever need someone to talk to about life, family, faith, or yes even to help you find a home, I’d be honored to be that person.
