When Division Escalates: How Faith and Mindset Can Anchor Us in Turbulent Times
In recent days, America has been shaken by the news of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist who was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. (AP News) Experts warn his death is part of a growing pattern of political violence that threatens to tip us into deeper division. (Reuters)
It’s easy, when the headlines grow darker, to feel powerless. We may wonder: What can I do? Where do I place my heart when fear feels louder than hope?
I believe there are three things that remind us: faith, mindset, and wellness. They don’t erase our reality, but they anchor us, they empower us to respond rather than react.
Recognizing the Internal Storm
When violence enters public life — whether through news, social media, or conversations — we carry a ripple effect inside: anxiety, anger, grief.
These emotions are valid. It’s okay to acknowledge feeling unsafe or overwhelmed. Too often, in wanting to be strong, we silence the storm instead of letting it speak.
Faith as Grounding
Faith can remind us of truths that outlast headlines: love, compassion, reconciling, hope beyond fear.
Whether through prayer, scripture, meditation, or communal worship, these practices are not passive—they shape how we move through fear.
When Psalm 46 says “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble,” that means there is a shelter, even amid chaos.
Renewing Mindset: Choosing What to Feed
Consider what you consume. Media that amplifies fear, rage, victim vs. villain stories—these can be spiritual toxins. It’s okay to step back.
Reframe what feels threatening: sometimes what looks like chaos is an invitation to see what matters more clearly.
Cultivate gratitude—not as a denial of pain, but as a counterbalance. Even one moment of peace, one person showing kindness, one breath of stillness—these count.
Prioritizing Wellness as Resistance
Physical wellness: sleep, movement, proper nourishment. These are not indulgences—they give your body and mind strength.
Emotional wellness: setting boundaries (with social media, conversations, news consumption), allowing yourself rest.
Spiritual wellness: rituals, quiet time, listening for stillness.
Small Actions That Restore Power
Speak peace in your circles. Sometimes refusing to belittle someone for their views, choosing compassion over winning, creates ripples.
Acts of kindness, generosity, hospitality—even small—remind us of our agency.
Community involvement: volunteering, supporting groups that promote unity or reconciliation.
Shared prayer or meditation for peace, whether publicly or privately.
Takeaway
We are living in a time when the external world feels broken in many places. But our internal world—shaped by faith, choice, and self-care—is not helpless. In fact, it’s the launching pad for change.
When we anchor ourselves in faith, renew our mindset, and actively care for our wellness, we reclaim power: the power to love, the power to hope, the power to act with integrity and courage.
If you feel burdened by fear, overwhelmed by the noise, I invite you to lean into tools that help you reclaim peace.
Download The New Beginnings Mindset Journal to begin shifting what fills your thoughts.
Download Faith over Fear Journal to strengthen faith in action when fear whispers loudly.
You don’t have to wait for perfect circumstances to start. Choose one step today.
References
“The Latest: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk is shot and killed while speaking at a Utah college.” AP News. https://apnews.com/article/5e36353d08fdcc5e8edce6e5ec92bc61?utm_source=chatgpt.com
“‘Rough road ahead’: Charlie Kirk’s assassination highlights the rise in US political violence.” PolitiFact. https://www.politifact.com/article/2025/sep/11/Charlie-Kirk-Trump-political-violence-guns/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
“Addressing political violence to protect American democracy.” Brookings.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/political-violence-in-the-us/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
“Are political assassinations on the rise? A criminologist weighs in on the shooting death of Charlie Kirk.” Northeastern University. https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/09/11/charlie-kirk-political-violence-rise/?utm_source=chatgpt.com