Written by Vickie Stone, from the Village Church.
Columbine High School, Colorado. Reading that can conjure up a horrific day, 25 years ago this April when tragically 13 lives were lost violently by two high school shooters. Rachel Scott was the first person to be shot that day. 3 weeks prior, she had witnessed personally of her faith, to the two shooters. They had been bullied and their hate kept them blinded. Rachel’s backpack from that day was returned to her parents and her diary inside revealed a sketch she had made of 13 tears coming from her eyes, down onto a single rose and turning to blood. On the Columbine campus, a rose plant is now there, with a Bible verse underneath it that says, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man would lay his life down for his friends.” Many of her classmates would come forward to her parents and tell them of Rachel’s kindness toward them… Although her diary also contained how she had been bullied for her faith. Rachel’s life is a powerful testimony to the ways that God uses those who love Him. Her life was brief, but Rachel’s legacy touched millions. “I want you to use me to reach the unreached,” Rachel wrote to God in her diary. I sometimes wonder if I would have the faith, courage, and conviction Rachel had? When asked “do you still believe in your God?” and she replied, “you know that I do”, she lost her life for it. John 11:25-26 – Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die…” This Lenten season, may we all be grateful for The Promise of life eternal with our Savior.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. [1 Peter 3:15].
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