Books in Review: Rachel's Tears

1/4/2018

I don’t know if I will ever forget hearing Beth and Darrell share Rachel’s testimony. I was in 8th grade at a private Christian school and our school was invited to a special chapel service at another local Christian school. Most of us didn’t even know what it was about until we got there. At this point, it would have been almost 6 years after the tragedy of Columbine, but most of us remembered that day even if we were just kids. I’d heard stories about a few of the victims dying after they were asked if they believed in God, but I had a hard time telling them apart from each other. But after hearing Beth and Darrell, Rachel’s story will forever stick out in my mind. We all left that service so moved and challenged by what we heard. Rachel was beautiful young woman with a beautiful heart devoted to living for Christ. The more I learn of her story, the more I am inspired to live my life fully for Him. I believe everyone else that reads this book will be inspired to do the same. ~ Bethel

April 20, 1999 was one the defining tragic moments of my generation. On that day, two teen boys entered their school in Littleton, CO with weapons, including guns and bombs. When most of their bombs didn’t go off, they resorted to shooting their fellow students, especially those of a minority or those that profess to be Christians. In the end, 12 students and one teachers died before the shooters took their own lives. Some of the students were reportedly asked if they believed in God, and those that answered ‘yes’ were shot. But one victim’s response stood out above the rest. Rachel Joy Scott, after having been shot three times, was picked up by the hair and asked “Do you still believe in God?” She answered, “You know I do.” Her shooter than told her, “Then go be with him.” Her answer has left her a powerful legacy that has endured for years after her death, but also continued to unfold for years after she passed away.

In the book Rachel’s Tears, Rachel Scott’s parents Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott share more than just the story of her death, but share about how she inspired and cared for others while she was still alive. They take turns sharing stories of the ups and downs of Rachel’s life, including the struggles their family faced when they divorced, the experiences surrounding the shooting, and many of the good things that have come from the experience of losing their daughter. You also hear stories that others told about her, including part of a chapter written by her youth pastor Lori Johnson. You also get to see some of her writings and drawings from her private journals. The result is that you are given a picture of young woman who truly hungered for a deeper relationship with the Lord, who wanted to live out her faith, and wasn’t afraid to live out her faith, even when it eventually cost Rachel her life. Through this book, you come to understand that enduring this tragedy was not easy, for Rachel’s brother Craig was also at the school and continues to heal from everything he witnessed that day. But you also come to realize that Rachel’s death was not in vain, that God has made something beautiful out of the ashes of grief and tragedy. God made something beautiful out of Rachel’s Tears. This book is powerful and moving, and one that I highly recommend. Get your copy today!