Mar 19, 2009

Book Review: Rachel's Tears

"What if you were to die today? What would happen to you? Where would you go? Tomorrow is not a promise, but a chance. It may not be there for you. After death then what? Where will you spend your eternity? Will you have an eternal life with our loving Father, or will you be ripped from the arms of your Savior Jesus Christ? ETERNITY IS IN YOUR HANDS...CHANGE IT!"
~from the journal of Rachel Joy Scott


I can clearly remember when the tragedy at Columbine High School in Colorado touched my life. I was just finishing my first year of college, when the news spread through the dormitories and classrooms. I was shocked. Having grown up in the public school system, I had seen the hate that could boil over into revenge. But even in my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined the extreme hate that became a living nightmare. Thirteen people (twelve students and one teacher) lost their lives that day. Among those shot down by two of their classmates was a young girl by the name of Rachel Joy Scott. Rachel's Tears is written by Rachel's parents Beth Nimmo and Darrall Scott. This book takes us through the horrible events of that fateful day in April of 1999, and the healing that came after. Through excerpts from Rachel's journals we are given a glimpse into the short life of a remarkable young woman.

This book shows the heart of a girl who wanted to serve God with everything in her. In her journal, she pours her heart out to the Lord. We are given an intimate look into her motivations and desires. Rachel's parents share with us the precious memories that they have of Rachel, and how her faith has touched them, even from the grave. This compelling book challenges us to "walk our talk," as Rachel would say.

I did enjoy this book, but I am concerned about the way that Rachel is portrayed as a martyr for the faith. Though it is clear that Rachel lived an openly Christian life, it is not clear that she was targeted and murdered for that stand. Even in the sketchy account that was given, Rachel had already been shot three times before the killer asked her if she believed in God.

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