Matthew Wilson
Tim Allen is getting personal. The Hollywood actor took to social media to explain how Erika Kirk’s recent speech has affected him personally.
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What happened: Erika Kirk chose to forgive the alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, of her late husband Charlie Kirk. Robinson is accused of assassinating Kirk during the middle of a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University.
Allen says the speech affected him personally. When the actor was just 11, his father died in a traffic accident caused by a drunk driver. Now, Allen is ready to forgive:
- “When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband: ‘That man… that young man… I forgive him.’ That moment deeply affected me. I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad. I will say those words now as I type: ‘I forgive the man who killed my father.’ Peace be with you all.”
Tim Allen Forgives
Erika speaks out: Allen’s ability to turn the other cheek comes after Erika made an impassioned speech at her husband’s memorial. She wanted to not hold onto hate in her heart.
- “Charlie passionately wanted to reach and save the lost boys of the West. The young men who feel like they have no direction, no purpose, no faith, and no reason to live. The men wasting their lives on distractions and the men consume with resentment, anger and hate,” she said. “Charlie wanted to help them. He wanted them to have a home with Turning Point USA. And when he went on to campus, he was looking to show them a better path and a better life. That was right there for the taking. He wanted to show them that.
- “My husband, Charlie. He wanted to save. Young men, just like the one who took his life. That young man. That young man on the cross. Our Savior said that. Father. Forgive them, for they not know what they do,” she continued. “You, that man. That young man. I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did. And is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
However, not everyone is so forgiving. Some expressed that they struggle with foregiveness. One person wrote about their own experiences.
- “I wish I could forgive the man that killed my brother, so tragically, at only 42yrs old, single father to a 9yr old son, and my best friend. You’re a better person than me, Tim, because I’m not there yet. Maybe one day I can be.”
