Rachel’s Tears - A Review

Rachel Scott was a student at Columbine High School in 1999, on that infamous day when two young men went on a violent rampage. Rachel was one of the thirteen victims whose lives were taken, but her faith lives on today in the pages of her journals and this book. The book, Rachel’s Tears, is written by her parents and is a record of Rachel’s faith and the impact of her life.

My family members are extremely dear to my heart, so I was very moved through the opening of the book as Rachel’s parents pour out their love for her and their sorrow at her death. I am unable to fully consider what it would be like to lose someone I love without breaking down in tears, and I have the greatest sympathy for Rachel’s parents after hearing their story. Her mother and father each write sections of the book, and they each offer a unique glimpse into the emotions behind the story.

Rachel was gone from this earth, but in a way her memory was brought back to her loved ones through her writings. Rachel was a prolific journaler, and this book is largely a compilation of her own words. Several pages include copies of her journal entries, both written and drawn.

Looking at her old journal entries offers startling examples of the great faith of this young woman. She wrote openly and honestly about her doubts and temptations, but through it all you can see her great love for her Savior, Jesus.

Rachel’s parents, the authors of this book, hope that this record of a young woman’s faith will inspire young people everywhere to seek to embrace a deeper trust in Jesus Christ. Ultimately, Rachel was murdered for her faith in Christ (The killers’ list of targets was composed primarily of a combination of Christians and athletes - the two groups they despised.), and I was touched by the joy with which she embraced death (Recorded in her journals - when she had no knowledge that such a massacre would occur in her school). I appreciated the honesty of the parents in revealing both the faith and the doubt of their daughter. It would do everyone well to be more authentic about faith, revealing both the ups and downs. In her journals and her relationships, Rachel Scott was both authentic and passionate, and her example is one deserving of imitation.

Tags: Columbine, reviews