This week at work, we had a presentation that I have been waiting to hear for over a year: Rachel's Challenge. I am so excited about it! It's not just a presentation; it's a committment to start our own Friends of Rachel/Chain Links club. 
Do you know who Rachel was? Rachel Joy Scott was the first victim in the Columbine school shooting in April of 1999, the worst school shooting in our country's history. I had already been teaching 11 years at that point, and my own children were in pre-school, so I will never forget that tragic event.But this is not merely a sad story. Rachel is a hero! After she died, her family found her journals and school essays, and the kindness and humanity of this 17 year old high school junior were incredible! She had insight beyond her years as well as a strong faith. Meet Rachel.
Some of her writing includes these quotes.
"I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same."
"These hands belong to Rachel Joy Scott and will some day touch millions of people's hearts." (written on the back of her dresser next to a tracing of her hands.)
"My definition of compassion is forgiving, loving, helping, leading, and showing mercy for others."
"... how do you know that trust, compassion, and beauty will not make this world a better place to be in and this life a better one to live?"
Rachel's words inspire me. I've written about this because it is meaningful to me, but also because this reminds me so much of another Rachel. Our Rachel. Home Sanctuary Rachel. She is also an inspiration, encouraging each one of her Company Girls to create peace and harmony, not only in our own lives, but in the lives of others. Thanks, Rachel, for being an inspiration.
It is so good to be reminded that each small thing that we do in kindness,love, compassion, and mercy does count. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWow. Beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing today!
ReplyDeleteHer story touched me, too. Thank you for sharing the quotes!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said. I totally agree. Since reading the book Radical, our family has begun some dramatic changes that involve the ideas in this challenge. Just to start giving of ourselves, sacrificing for others, making sure that people see Jesus in us and that we speak His name to as many people as possible. I heard a neat thing this weekend, originally from Louis Giglio, I think, that our lives are our obituary...how I live is what will be preached about at my funeral, oh, how I hope it is that people saw Jesus through me!
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