Bold as Lions: Christian Courage in the Face of Tragedy and Fear
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." - Proverbs 28:1
As we mark the 24th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, and mourn the assassination of Charlie Kirk, this ancient proverb rings with fresh urgency. Both moments cut deep into the American heart. The attacks that forever changed our nation's skyline and the loss of a bold Christian voice remind us that in our darkest hours we discover whether we are ruled by fear or faith.
Today we remember the courage of 9/11, and we honor the legacy Charlie leaves behind as a champion for faith, truth, and the next generation. In the face of terror and targeted hatred, we must ask ourselves: Are we living as the righteous who are bold as lions, or are we among those who flee when no one pursues?
The Tale of Two Spirits
Twenty-four years ago, evil struck our homeland with unprecedented force. The Twin Towers fell, the Pentagon burned, and Flight 93 crashed into a Pennsylvania field. In those moments of terror, we witnessed both sides of Proverbs 28:1 in action.
Some fled in panic, overwhelmed by fear and chaos. But others ran toward the danger. Firefighters climbed those burning towers. Police officers charged into the debris. Ordinary citizens like Todd Beamer declared "Let's roll" and fought back against hijackers. Flight attendants comforted passengers. EMTs worked tirelessly in the rubble.
What made the difference? Those who acted with courage were not necessarily the strongest or the bravest by nature. They were people who understood something greater than themselves was at stake. They had righteousness that gave them boldness like lions.
In our day, Charlie Kirk modeled that same resolve by urging students and families to stand for faith and freedom in the public square. He invested in young leaders, defended free speech on campuses, and pointed many to Jesus as the source of true courage. His voice has been silenced, but his witness lives on as a reminder that righteous conviction produces lion hearted action.
The Source of Christian Courage
The courage we need today doesn't come from within ourselves. It flows from our position in Christ. When we truly grasp that we are righteous not because of our own goodness, but because of Jesus' sacrifice, fear loses its grip on our hearts.
This is what the apostle Paul meant when he wrote, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). It is not that we will avoid opposition, persecution, or even physical harm. It is that we know our ultimate victory is secure in Christ. That confidence sustained heroes on 9/11 and it anchors us now as we grieve the assassination of Charlie Kirk. As Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Consider the early church. They faced imprisonment, beatings, and death for proclaiming the gospel. Yet they continued to preach boldly because they understood their righteousness in Christ made them as bold as lions. When Peter and John were threatened by the religious authorities, they responded, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).
American Courage Rooted in Faith
Our nation's history is filled with examples of Christians who lived out this lion-like boldness. From the Pilgrims who crossed a dangerous ocean to worship freely, to the abolitionists who risked everything to end slavery, to the civil rights leaders who stood against injustice, American courage has often been rooted in biblical conviction.
Consider Harriet Tubman, who led enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She said, "I always told God, I'm going to hold steady on to you, and you've got to see me through." Her faith made her bold as a lion, leading over 300 people to freedom without losing a single soul.
Or think about the American soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D Day. Many carried pocket Bibles and prayed before battle. Their courage was not based on superior firepower but on the conviction that they were fighting for something righteous and true. In the same spirit, modern leaders like Charlie Kirk called a generation to love God, cherish America, and stand for truth with courage and compassion.
The Modern Challenge
Today, the battlefield looks different, but the need for Christian courage remains urgent. We see Christian businesses sued for living by their convictions. Pastors threatened for preaching biblical truth. Students ridiculed on college campuses for their faith. Conservative voices silenced or attacked for standing against the cultural tide.
Recent events have shown us how quickly those who speak truth can become targets. The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a sobering reminder that courageous speech can carry a cost. We grieve with his family and friends, and we resolve to keep speaking the truth in love.
But this is exactly when we need to remember Proverbs 28:1. The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as lions.
Living Bold as Lions Today
So how do we cultivate this lion-like boldness in our daily lives? Here are four practical steps:
1. Root Yourself in Scripture Lions are confident because they know their strength. Christians are bold when they know their identity in Christ. Spend time daily in God's Word, reminding yourself of who you are in Him. You are chosen, beloved, righteous, and equipped for every good work.
2. Speak Truth in Love Boldness doesn't mean being harsh or unloving. Jesus was the perfect example of bold compassion. He spoke hard truths but always with love for those He addressed. When we engage on social media, in our workplaces, or in our communities, let our words be seasoned with grace while remaining uncompromisingly true.
3. Stand Firm in Small Things Like David facing the lion before he faced Goliath, we prepare for big battles by being faithful in small ones. When the cashier asks if you want to round up for a charity that goes against your beliefs, politely decline. When coworkers use God's name in vain, don't join in. When friends share posts that contradict biblical truth, speak up lovingly.
4. Find Your Tribe Lions hunt in prides, not alone. Surround yourself with other believers who will encourage your faith and hold you accountable. Join a small group, attend church regularly, and build friendships with people who share your convictions.
Wearing Your Faith Boldly
Sometimes courage starts with something as simple as what we wear. When you put on a shirt that declares your faith, you're making a statement that you're not ashamed of the gospel. You're inviting conversations and showing the world where you stand.
Our Bold As A Lion T-Shirt isn't just apparel – it's a declaration. Every time you wear it, you're reminding yourself and others of the truth from Proverbs 28:1. You're saying, "I am righteous in Christ, and that makes me bold as a lion."
The shirt features powerful imagery that captures the essence of Christian courage. It's a conversation starter, a faith builder, and a daily reminder that we don't have to live in fear. When people ask about it, you have an opportunity to share why your faith gives you boldness.
The Urgency of Our Times
We live in a moment that demands Christian courage. Truth is under assault, freedom of religion is threatened, and many believers are choosing silence over boldness. But this is not the time to retreat. This is the time to remember that we serve the Lion of Judah, and His righteousness makes us bold as lions.
The anniversary of 9/11 reminds us that evil is real and it often seems overwhelming. The assassination of Charlie Kirk reminds us that bold witness can be costly. Yet both call us to the same response. Courage is contagious. Ordinary people do extraordinary things when they are moved by love for God and neighbor. As Joshua heard long ago, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid... for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).
Your Call to Boldness
As you go about your week, remember the heroes of 9/11 and honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk by asking yourself: Am I living like someone who is righteous in Christ? Am I bold as a lion, or am I fleeing when no one pursues?
The world needs Christians who will speak truth in love, who will stand for righteousness regardless of the cost, who will demonstrate the courage that comes from knowing their identity in Christ.
Don't let fear dictate your choices. Don't let the culture silence your voice. Don't let persecution intimidate you into compromise.
Instead, remember that you are righteous in Christ Jesus. Let that truth sink deep into your heart. Let it transform how you walk, how you talk, and how you face each challenge.
Be bold as a lion. Our nation, our families, and our churches are counting on it.
Ready to wear your boldness? Check out our Bold As A Lion T-Shirt and other faith-declaring apparel at Faith and Freedom Shop. Let your clothing be a declaration of your courage and a conversation starter for the gospel.
Stand firm. Speak truth. Be bold. The righteous are as bold as lions, and in Christ, that's exactly who you are.