The Spiritual Journey of Columbine Martyr Rachel Scott

In sharing their story, Rachel Scott's mom and dad each tell of hearing about the school shooting, arriving at the designated meeting place where parents were to be reconnected to the children who were being bussed away from the school, and of the terrible sinking feeling that washed over them as the last bus rolled away and their daughter had not been delivered to them. My heart was torn as I imagined the sorrow they must have felt that day, but the focus of the book quickly turns to the beauty of Rachel's life ... beauty that was seen in the details, many of which had been written down by Rachel herself.

In the days following her death, family and friends began to tell of how they were encouraged or challenged or comforted by Rachel in some way, and a beautiful picture of one with uncommon "faith in action" began to emerge. Rachel had been a note writer. One who had written many, many notes to friends and often even wrote notes to God in her journal. Her parents have included copies of a good number of her handwritten notes which were often more like her side of a chat session with God. Through her notes, it is easy to see that Rachel understood that God has set a higher standard for His people. Time and again she poured out her heart concerns to God through her written words as she worked through typical teenage situations. Often she received God's direction before she finished writing, and in those cases, she recorded her answer and a commitment to follow through in obedience.

In describing Rachel's personality, her mother said, "Rachel was very committed to Christ. She wasn't a middle-of-the-road person. She wasn't apathetic. She had a vitality for life and an all-out devotion to what she considered important, and that devotion seemed to come through in even the smallest things that she did."

I hope this can be said about me when I'm gone. What about you?

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I enjoy reviewing books as a member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program: [...]

Rachel's Tears: 10 Years After Columbine... Rachel Scott's Faith Lives On
By willsari

This Book was written by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott with Steve Rabey and Published by Thomas Nelson.

This is the true story of a teenage girl named Rachel Scott, a Christian, who was one of 13 victims killed on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School, for affirming her faith. This book was originally released in 2000 and has recently been released as a 10th Anniversary Edition.

This book is hard to put down once you start reading it. The Publisher uses two quotes from Rachel Scott's Journal that best describes this book.

" I am not going to apoligize for speaking the name of Jesus. I am not going to justify my faith to them, and I am not going to hide the light that God has put in me. If I have to sacrifice everything...I will."

" This will be my last year Lord. I have gotten what I can. Thank You."

The true story is both about Faith and Tragedy. Reading this book you feel like you come close to knowing the heart of Rachel Scott as she shares insights into her relationship with Jesus Christ in her Daily Christian Walk. The writings in her journal are very deep, transparent and beyond her years. The authors do a great job at sharing insights that help the reader to better understand Rachel Scott.

The first half of the book is very inspirational, then from then on it becomes a little bit of over kill. While it is clear that the her parents, family and friends were extremely touched with both the life and death of this young christian girl they tend to over state her testimony without dedicating a chapter to The Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. The authors do a great job at setting up the story line of a young christian girl who was beyond her years in her relationship with Jesus Christ.

The writings in Rachel Scott's personal Journal is absolutely motivation for our youth of today, as well as, adults. This young girl expressed a great desire to know God. She came across very open and honest in her journals. She clearly expressed her heart in a way that you cant help, but want to know more about. After reading this book you actually feel like you knew Rachel Scott.

The authors also did a great job at bringing her testimony of faith to the reader in a way that was both captivating, encouraging and in a way that young people will be able to relate to. However, they clearly missed huge opportunites to spend some serious time directing her testimony to the message of the heart of the gospel which is Jesus Christ. There is just not a lot of time spent on explaining and describing the heart of gospel according to Jesus Christ. This was by far the book's biggest missed opportunity.

While I highly recommend this book because of the intent and encouragement of the testimony of Rachel Scott, I also want to caution the reader to read it with a grain of salt as it relates to it's content. Let me just add one more thought. I wrestled with a lot of the content of this book, not so much as it relates to Rachel Scott's testimony or journal writing, but more in how at times the authors expressed a Man Centered Feel Good type of Christianity, while at other times expressing the importance of a Christ centered Christianity.

At times it felt like the authors were heading in the direction of expounding of the Gospel Message in more in depth terms and then the flow of the message becomes pragmatic and even experiential in its theological content. While this book is very encouraging in it's testimony, it has a great deal of areas of opportunity on the lack of presenting a clear, complete and accurate account of what the heart of the gospel message of Jesus Christ is all about. Overall, the testimony of this young christian girl Rachel Scott is extremely a heartfelt and encouraging testimony in the midst of such a great tragedy.

What an amazing young woman. I felt privileged to share in her young life and in her family's grief at her brutal murder - along with the murder of 12 other people on April 20, 1999 - and in their ongoing attempts to heal and to spread her message of faith and hope.

Her story - as she had hoped when she was alive - is inspiring and uplifting, and can make a difference in those that read this book.

We all our hope that our lives will make a difference. That when we pass from this world something about us will live on in the people that knew us and perhaps in people that we don't know we've touched.

Pick up this book and discover a young girl's spiritual life that challenges even those who have been Christians all their lives. And for those who don't know Christ, yet, can help show the difference He made in her life.

While I have never met Rachel (I know I will when I get to heaven), I have no doubt that she was as "real" a Christian as one could ever hope to meet. When I pass on, I can only hope people remember me as a person who "walked the talk", started a "chain reaction" and showed Jesus' love and compassion to others.

Thank you, Rachel. You have done more in your short life than many Christians have done in a lifetime!

When I first purchased my copy of Rachel's Tears, I was not able to put it down - it was THAT good! While this book is targeted for a youth to young adult audience, I believe that there are main ideals in this book that appeal to any age group.
Rachel's Tears is a moving portrayal of the life of Columbine Martyr Rachel Joy Scott. There are excerpts from Rachel's own private journals and both Darrell Scott and Beth Nimmo (Rachel's Parents) provide their own commentaries on various aspects of Rachel's life throughout the book.
This book will truly open your eyes to the incredibly mature relationship that Rachel had with God and will encourage those who are Christians to pursue a more intimate relationship with their Heavenly Father.
Rachel's Tears shows that Rachel, although having a relationship with God that displayed an obvious level of maturity beyond her years, was a normal teenager and dealt with the various issues that all teenagers face at one point or another.
After reading this book, I was truly motivated to pick up the torch and continue on where Rachel left off. I am encouraged to start off a "Chain Reaction" of my own where I live.
I want to personally thank both Darrell and Beth for writing this book and giving us an insight into the inspiring life of their daughter. It must have been an incredibly hard book to write, but I am truly grateful that it was written. We will never forget Rachel Joy Scott!

I have read the reviews for this book, some people gush and rave about it and others bash it. The people who feel so strongly that Rachel was not a martyr and that this whole book was a bunch of lies, quite frankly, need to find something worthwhile to be cranky about. I should think, since they go on and on about respect for the other victims, that they would have the decency of giving her parents a little break. I hardly think they wrote it to make a few bucks.
For those of you who haven't read this book, it is very inspiring and quite refreshing to know that people still hold God close to their hearts, even in today's world. I was deeply affected by the Columbine Massacre and Rachel has inspired me to grow in my faith and my own relationship with God. The point of this book was not to discuss whether Rachel was a martyr or not, it was to show everyone who Rachel truly was and that she had a very unique relationship with Jesus Christ and that she felt one of her responsibilities was to share God's love with the world. Personally, I think she did a wonderful job.

I was actually watching CNN when the news broke that there had been shots fired at Columbine. Has it really been ten years? With the news media referring to it every time a school shooting occurs, it does not seem that long ago.

One of the victims of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold's rampage was Rachel Scott. Like most girls, she struggled with issues like smoking, drinking, and sexual purity. But unlike many, Rachel had an amazing faith in God that brought her through it all.

The first part of the book recounts how the Columbine tragedy unfolded from the perspective of Rachel's parents. For the remainder of the book, they trade off stories, discussing how much they learned of their daughter's spiritual depth by the journals she left behind.

It's a great inspirational read. But was she a martyr? I would say no. Does that discount the depth of her faith and what we can take from it? No.

This book makes you realize how precious life is. Rachel Scott, as well as her family faced so much, and while with her death her family could have been left with nothing except for grief, they were instead left with a tremendous hope. The hope that they have is a result of the person that Rachel was, and the faith that she had. Through the writings of people who were close to Rachel, it is obvious that there is more to the outcome of the Columbine shootings than what first meets the eye. Although there was tradgedy, death, and mourning, there is also perseverence, hope, and triumph.
The excerpts from Rachel's diary are motivational to those who are seeking to know God's love more. Her entries show an amazing faith in the God who is in control of every circumstance of her life as well as every circumstance of her death.
Rachel's Tears is a book that relates to many different people on many diferent levels. Because the book is written by her mother and father who are divorced, it relates to those from broken homes. The contributions of her brother and sister make a connection for those who have lost either siblings or friends. The person that Rachel has shown herself to be through her journal entries touches those who are struggling to grow closer to God and to find themselves in Him.
If you are in a place in your life where you are comfortable, this is not the book for you. It will challenge your views of what life should look like, and you will come to realize that there is a much bigger plan than our own.

Like most high school students I was very moved by the Columbine Tragedy last year. But I never fully understood God's hand in this horrible tragedy until May 20, 2000. That day was my high school graduation. Graduation day is memorable for everyone, but it became extra special to me. To my surpirse Beth Nimmo, Rachel Scott's mother, was one of our speakers. As we, the graduates, marched down to "Pomp and Circumstance", Beth Nimmo was so overcome with emotion that she had to excuse herself. I later found out that Rachel would have graduated May 20, 2000 also, from Columbine High School. As Mrs. Nimmo spoke to us about her daughter's life and faith in God, my heart was touched and filled with emotion. I looked back on my own life and remembered times that I didn't always show God's love nor stood up for my faith. Listening to Beth Nimmo's words and love for her daughtor, I decided that on this monumental day in my life, as I recieved my diploma, I was going to take a deeper and stronger stand for Christ than I ever have before. After finishing the book, "Rachel's Tears" I feel such a connection to Rachel and her desire to want to be fully filled with God and His love. Rachel's life is an encouragement and example of going against the crowd and standing up for God. Rachel's martyrdom is just the begining of a new generation, a generation of standing up against Satan and the evil that is so evident and strong in this world as demonstrated on April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School.

Rachel's Tears was an excellent book that appealed to many emotions at once. A book like that is hard to find. There was happiness, times that made me cry, when i was confused or I was amazed by her strength and faith. Rachel's Tears has changed some of my views on life. She is one that any true Christian should follow. Through the hard times at Columbine, even before the shootings, her light was always seen throughout the halls in Littleton, CO. This book was very successful in trying to allow people to understand that you don't have to be like everyone else and allow yourself to follow others. Rachel was unique in everything she did and that's why she had so many loved ones. This book does appeal to only some minds that don't mind reading very faithful stories of others but even if you don't like reading, this will be the book that changes your life after its read. Rachel's Tears definately has a long-standing value especially considering the Columbine murders have effected so many people and people will be curious throughout the time. All in all this was an excellent book that you can't put down.

Rachel's Tears was an excellent book that appealed to many emotions at once. A book like that is hard to find. There was happiness, times that made me cry, when i was confused or I was amazed by her strength and faith. Rachel's Tears has changed some of my views on life. She is one that any true Christian should follow. Through the hard times at Columbine, even before the shootings, her light was always seen throughout the halls in Littleton, CO. This book was very successful in trying to allow people to understand that you don't have to be like everyone else and allow yourself to follow others. Rachel was unique in everything she did and that's why she had so many loved ones. This book does appeal to only some minds that don't mind reading very faithful stories of others but even if you don't like reading, this will be the book that changes your life after its read. Rachel's Tears definately has a long-standing value especially considering the Columbine murders have effected so many people and people will be curious throughout the time. All in all this was an excellent book that you can't put down.

Rachel's Tears by Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott with Steve Rabey is a very touching account of the life of an incredible teenage girl, Rachel Scott, who was killed in the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. Written by her parents, this book is much more than just a blow-by-blow account of the days leading up to and including the shooting. It is a very personal account of Rachel's life and faith. Although Rachel was a typical teenage girl, she was also a girl with a remarkably deep faith and spiritual maturity beyond her years. She was a devoted follower of Christ and millions of lives are impacted each year as her family continues to share her story to students all over the country. I was inspired by Rachel's courage and convictions as well as her family's response to the tragedy. Instead of reacting with bitterness, they are an encouraging example of forgiveness and peace amidst trials. The book includes a lot of excerpts from Rachel's journals and drawings and it is fascinating to see that she seemed to sense that her time was short and she wanted to make the most of it. I expected the book to be sad and depressing but instead found it to be uplifting and hopeful.

Rachel's Tears: 10th Anniversary Edition
The Spiritual Journey of Columbine Martyr Rachel Scott

By Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott

Shots rang out on the campus of Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado the morning of April 20, 1999. Rachel Joy Scott was eating lunch with a friend, Richard Castaldo, just outside the school. She was shot and injured. The gunman, a fellow student, asked her if she still believed in God. She answered "You know I do." She was shot again, at point blank range to her head. Fatal.

After her death, journals Rachel had kept were found both in her home and in the backpack she had been wearing that fatal morning now bearing the scar of a bullet hole. These journals are the basis for Rachel's Tears: The Spiritual Journey of Columbine Martyr Rachel Scott, 10th Anniversary Edition.

Rachel's Tears will take you on an utterly fascinating journey into the life, love, heart and soul of Rachel Joy Scott. You will become Rachel's friend and confidant as you read actual excerpts from her journal in her handwriting. You will feel excitement. You will feel pain. You will feel confusion. You will feel peer pressure. You will feel love. And above all, you will feel faith. Rachel's faith. And passion for Jesus Christ. It will blow you away. It will move you, especially when you learn how faith prepared her for martyrdom.

A must read.

I accepted this book with reservations. Some might ask why I would have reservations with respect to someones experiences at Columbine. Well, it is easy for me to answer that question: Because it scared the living daylights out of me! I have children, and when this happened, I felt that their innocence was marred. I kept imagining myself in these kids parents' place. It made me cry! I still to this day remember Columbine and pray that kids that suffer from the issues that the two murderers had will seek help before they take it out on innocent peers.

But, I went against my reservations about the book, and I am glad I did. While it is essentially written for younger adults, I enjoyed reading it. Right from the first chapter, I was getting tears in my eyes as I read the parents' perspective, and I was gripped by the words they said. As I read, I put myself in their shoes, and it made me cry.

This is a really great book for teenagers to read. If nothing else, I think it would give them insight as to why parents act like they do sometimes. Our reactions to things are primarily driven by our love for our children! I still drop my daughter off at school with a nagging fear that someone will do the same sort of thing at her school. I suppose most parents that know of the Columbine tragedy would feel the same.

By saying this is a great book for teens to read, that does not mean older adults and parents should not read it. You know, this really put words to the absolute adoration I have for my kids! I really think parents would do well to read this book, especially those dealing with tragedy with their children.

One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book were the excerpts from Rachel's own diaries. While this seems to be very personal information, it gives the reader an in-depth look into the heart of Rachel. I really do believe that these writings are very sincere because one never expects folks to read your diary entries; they typically are very private.

Some of the drawings were rather gripping as well. This young lady had a heart for the Lord that was truly amazing. As her parents state many times in the book, she had a relationship with the Lord that was beyond her years.

I would very much recommend this book to folks at any age, starting with the teenage years (because I think it may be a little too much for younger folks). I did enjoy this book, and both my wife and youngest daughter are really wanting to read it!

As a student who is a Biblical Studies and Theology major I can honestly say that reading Rachel's Tears has greatly enhanced my faith and walk with Jesus Christ as no other book has. The testimonies found in the writings of this profoundly spiritual young girl is breath taking to read and I would encourage anyone who is struggling with their Christian walk to read the writings of Rachel Joy Scott. I am thankful that Rachel's parents have helped this nation take a more spiritual look into the tragedy at Columbine. This book has helped me to see that the martyrdoms of Rachel Joy Scott and Cassie Bernall were not merely empty deaths, but rather, God's way of reaching out to a spiritually dying nation. There is an old Christian saying, that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church", and Rachel's parents have truly helped me understand the truth of this statement. I highly encourage everyone to read this book, as well as the books "She Said Yes" by Cassie Bernall's mother, "Columbine Courage" by Ron Luce, and the "Martyr's Torch" by Pastor Bruce Porter. I have been greatly blessed by reading these books and I hope that you will be blessed as well.

Some people have objected to calling Rachel Scott a martyr and to the idea that she was killed explicitly for her Christianity. These are reasonable objections to matters that may never be actually proved. But they are also irrelevant in light of the verifiable facts: that Rachel Scott, as her journals reflect, was a true believer, filled with the Holy Spirit, who listened when she was called by God, and dedicated her whole being to God's service and to following the words of Jesus. After she was murdered, some of her writings became public so that all could see her testimony of faith. It should be based on those two facts alone that anyone decides to accept or reject the assertion that God was at work there, and anything else is missing the point. Personally this book struck me like a arrow through the heart and convicted me of my shortcomings in serving God. I believe God set it in my path for that purpose and that He used Rachel Scott (and Rachel's parents) to show me an example of the kind of faith and courage that He would have me live in my daily life. With immense grief and renewed commitment, I felt as if Rachel's tears came through my own eyes. In all eternity, what matters most is not how Rachel or anyone else died, but how they lived. I believe Rachel lived as God would have all of us live, depending on His grace and gifts and power every day, every moment. Go for it!

I was deeply affected by the Columbine tragedy for several reasons. After the one year aniversary, I wanted to read a book about it so I could better understand what happened and the grief that the community of Littleton, CO went through. I wanted to read a book that had a real message behind it, and that is exactly what Rachel's Tears contains. Rachel comes across as a beautiful and enthusiastic but otherwise average teen who struggled with the same problems that every boy or girl her age must face. The two things that helped her cope are her never ending faith in God and her ability to relate to those who were different from her. These two wonderful and rare qualities allowed Rachel to face her killers with the same courage that won her all of her friends and admirers during her special but brief life. Rachel died so God could share this message with you.

This book touched me like no other. 'Rachel's Tears' detail's Rachel Joy Scott's faith in God despite peer pressure and struggles in life. Rachel's closeness and passion for God was amazing. This book is based on Rachel's journal entries, letters to God, and the testimony of her friends and loved ones. It also has a few pictures of her and many images of Rachel's actual journal entries. If you're mostly interested in Rachel's journal entries also consider buying 'The Journals Of Rachel Scott: A Journey Of Faith At Columbine High'. 'Rachel's Tears' not only provides a lot of info about Rachel, but it gives a lot of life lessons from a Christian point of view. This book may not be well suited for non-christians or anyone that dislikes touchy feely books.
While reading the book two main debates arise as you read.
Was Rachel acurately potrayed in this book, or did her family exaggerate or try to make her seem like a saint? Yes, the authors (Her family) noted that Rachel was not perfect, but she had a great deal of faith and commitment in God and desire to help people. She had a walk with God that most of us could only hope for.
Was Rachel in fact a modern day Martyr for the Christian faith? I honestly believe she was. I feel God works in misterious ways.

i really enjoyed Rechel's Tears and am now reading it for a second time, i found it very inspiring, it gave me many new ideas of how to show my love for the lord and how to tell other people about the christian faith.i could read this book over and over and never get bord of it! i would recommend it to anyone, young or old to read it, it can take a lot of understanding at some points but that give's you a good excuse to read it again and again.

"These hands belong to Rachel Joy Scott and will someday touch millions of people's hearts"
(in one of Rachel's drawings)

Interestingly, I got to know about the Columbine Massacre when I was in the polytechnic (in Singapore). In a particular lecture, a friend of mine beside me was reading FHM and I noticed to my surprise, there was a feature about it.

Fast forward to end-2005. I don't remember exactly how, but I bumped into an article on Wikipedia about that fatal event. It piqued my interest and soon I was visiting every outgoing link from that encyclopedia entry. It was then that I found out who Rachel Joy Scott was.

She was the first victim of the shooting.

A beautiful, 17-year-old with a bright future ahead of her was slain as a result of two boys' murderous rage. A pity it seems; on the contrary, her kin and close friends, who should be the most shaken from the disaster, claimed otherwise.

It tickled my curiosity and fired up my research into her intriguing life story--one of faith, hope and love--one of inspiration and vision--even one exemplary to the awesome greatness of God. These things were evident in her intimate writings--she recorded volumes in her diary, and if you don't know what that is, it's a private and retrogressive version of what we call a "blog" today.

The sequence of events leading up to her death and her amazing testimony was compiled by her parents into this book. And I highly recommend it because it will change your perception of Christianity. Hers is a modern day example of what a true saint is.

What inspired me the most was how mature her thoughts and faith was for her age. Her genuine heart of wanting to help others and be a blessing unto them radiates in her actions.

The book also mentions the uncertainties and difficulties she faced--the things we all meet and can relate to--and how she submitted them to God. I remember an account of a lesson she learned while working in Subway, where she passed an opportunity to help a poor person. She eventually realized every failure to exercise the divine appointment God has given her will simply be given to another who is willing, and the heavenly reward will be theirs. This instantly changed my approach towards serving others.

She even convinced me to start writing a journal.

I lent my copy of the book to a friend, and I never saw it again. The book was passed on and around. I guess that shows how good the book was.

Rachel's legacy lives on, not through her life, but her death. She had a vision to touch millions of lives and I am one of them. God bless her soul, and glory be to God!

After hearing Darrell Scott speak at a youth event at a local collage, I was filled with awe of the life of Rachel Scott, as well as that of her parents who have dropped everything to tell the world of the great faith of their daughter. The book was fascinating to me, that one could be so deep at such an age. I was very pleased with the fact that her parents are not holding her up as a saint but as some one who stuggled just like the rest of us but in the end was faithful to her Lord, and whose prayers were answered ,she is being used for a mighty mission, a vision bigger than her life or the life of anyone else, If her story never touches another person she will not have died in vain, for her story changed my life and the lives of many who were at the youth convention in Boaz, Alabama.We will pick up the torch, the acts of kindness, we are filled with a sense of urgency now that the days are short and evil , We will claim our community for Jesus Christ. One day I will walk right up to "Queen Rachel" in heaven and thank her for listening and obeying the Lord and thank her for the souls I will touch because she has touched me.

Rachel's tears is a fantastic book that illustrates the passionate faith of a bold young Christian. Not only do we see how that passionate faith stood in the face of death, but we get a glimpse of the spiritual warfare waged both during and after the Columbine tragedy. This book is an inspiration to the youth of our nation, the Revival Generation, who are fed up with the tired, failed, values and ideas of the boomer generation and want to live for God, have normal families, and see a sweeping change in the morality of our nation. An excellent companion to this book is a Video called Untold Stories of Colombine by Darrell Scott.

Although we do not wish to relive a terrible tragedy, I belive that sometimes we need to, to really learn from our mistakes.....and Rachel's Tears does just that. It shows us the worst..and very BEST with teenagers today..... This book will move you...no matter what religion you are...no matter where you are from........reading the excerpts from Rachel's journals is really inspiring. I could not put it down. May God Bless you Rachel.

Having three daughters and working in the public school system drew me to the book "Rachel's Tears" which recounts the life and death of Rachel Joy Scott who died in the massacre at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.

I found the book very honest and open. Rachel's parents, Darrell and Beth as well as Rachel's siblings shared openly the life and death of their dear daughter and sister. Through these stories, journal entries and pictures, a clear picture of Rachel's commitment to living the Christian life emerges. Even when persecuted and scorned by her friends (even church friends), Rachel remains true to her Savior. Though not "perfect" by any means, Rachel exemplifies what is so lacking in today's world - to love everyone - no matter who they are.

Rachel stayed true to her beliefs even when the cost was friendship or comfort. In the book, the comparison is made that Rachel and the killers each shared a similar "goal" in life . . . to begin a "chain reaction". Rachel, a chain reaction of good as stated in a paper entitled "My Ethics, My Codes of Life" while the killers desired a chain reaction of chaos and terror. What shines through in this book is the great hope that exists for all who love the Lord and have accepted Him as their SAVIOR! This is a book that can be life-changing! I have already used many of the illustrations in my teen girls Sunday School class.

What a beautiful testimony of a lovely young girl who lived her life of faith out loud.

Pros: A loving tribute to their daughter, Rachel. Seeing this tragedy through her parents and friends' eyes brings the tragedy to a new perspective - a closeness that does not penetrate our mind through just the media coverage of the events. I appreciate their willingness to share through their pain and through their brokenness. Rachel's life and testimony is one that we can all learn from - to walk a clearer path following Jesus, as He intended. I found the insights that God had given to Rachel very interesting - insights into her death and into her reaching others for Christ.

Cons: The book is divided into separate sections - those where Darrell "speaks" and then where Beth "speaks" (and occasional others). For me personally, it was more difficult to keep the story on track. With this approach, some information is repeated from each of their voices. There was also the constant reminder of division in their family.

Overall, I would recommend this book and want to express my condolences to them for their loss of a beautiful daughter. May God continue to use her story for His glory.

Ever since her funeral was broadcast on CNN I have been captured by Rachel. It is so inspiring to find someone who was so "in tune" with God. Rachel moved in her life like she knew her ultimate purpose or at least had an awareness within her about her own fate. Her faith is not only something to marvel at, but be challenged by. Yes, she struggled in her relationship with God and even revealed her own doubts, but Rachel worked through it by seeking God through her journal writings and God did answer back, confirming the truth she held deep within her. The most amazing part about Rachel's journal, though, is the drawings. Her premonitions are astounding and are without question from the Lord Himself. I feel that Rachel's purpose is being fulfilled, not only by the CNN broadcast, but also by her journal writings and drawings being revealed in this book. I highly recommend it to both young and old. May we all have Rachel's faith and courage.

Rachel Scott's story is beautifully told by her family, her friends, and Rachel herself. Rachel was mature beyond her years, and it's that very quality that challenges us to draw closer to God as she did. The hand of God is clearly seen in Rachel's life as there are many incidents in her story which cannot be explained away and could not have happened by mere chance. Rachel truly displayed God's love for us towards those with whom she came into contact. She looked for ways to connect with everyone, regardless of their status. During her brief life there were many, friends and strangers alike, who were touched by this special person, a person who wanted to be used by God. Those close to her won't soon forget her; neither will those of us who have just made her acquaintance. I urge you to read this book. It is unforgettable. You will often find yourself thinking about it and you may come to agree that, indeed, the things which are not seen are more real than the things which are seen.

I could not read Rachel's Tears without crying. This book just touched my heart so deeply and inspired me so much. Rachel Scott was a victim of the Columbine Tragedy, on April 20, 1999 many of us watched or listened to the events that unfolded that day, for those who did not know these students personally they were names and victims who our hearts ached for. After reading this book Rachel was more then a name she was someone who was in my heart. Her journal entries which are shared through the book showed her profound relationship with God and I feel through this relationship she was able to overcome a lot of struggles teenagers face. Rachel had such compassion for people of all types, in this day and age I find this to be a rarity, as a society I feel this is something we have all lost. I am thankful that her parents have shared her with the world and feel that Rachel's life will help many. Young or old religious or not I think everyone will be able to bring something from the book into their own life.

This book is more than just another book about Columbine. This book is a book about a remarkable young lady who was an amazing example of how Christ wants us to be. This book touched me and gave me a new hope and desire to live my life for God by watching out for the forgotten ones. Rachel made it a goal to help others who were forgotten by the more "popular" crowds. She left some very inspiring writings in journals that she kept. These journals inspired her parents to write this book. I am so grateful that they did. I believe this book will bless both the young and the old.

Whether you are a new Christian, an old Christian, or just want to learn more about Christians, you can't do better than this book. Rachel Scott is a modern day example of what it is like to follow Jesus Christ that I would rate up there with Bible stories of old. I purchased this book after seeing the presentation Rachel's father, Darrell gives. What an uplifting story! It really puts to rest the arguement that todays teens are somehow less than those before. A greater testimony I honestly can't remember. In the face of her greatest adversity Rachel Scott stands tall, then and now. And forever.

Very emotional christian book that teach us how to forgive others. I cannot imagine all the pain that this family have to endure during these tragic events, but I know that they were blessed having her on their lives.

As a member of the Columbine community and a student at a near by High School this tragedy had a great impact on me. I read She Said Yes and then I heard of Rachel's Tears. My boyfriend knew Rachel and talks about what a wonderful person she was and I have many friends that knew Cassie as well and through these books I can see what my friends saw in their friends who were taken from us April 20, 1999. Rachel's Tears has helped me to further cope and to get some insight into this tragedy. The journal entries are all so encouraging and she lived a life that shall never be forgotten. Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]

Rachal Scotts sister was at our school, and It reall touched me a lot, about 2 years ago my cousin killed her self, and this story has really helped with that, I want to give thanks to her family for sharing her story!!! One of my friends was getting made fun of becouse of her teeth, and all this boy was doing was making fun of her really bad, well after Rachal's sister came to our school, and told us her story, The boy THE NEXT DAY apoliged to her and said in these words "I was just doing it for a good laugh and I am really sorry"! My friend and the boy are friends now,
IT JUST SHOWS WHAT A STORY LIKE THIS CAN DO TO OTHER PEOPLE TO MAKE THEM REALISE WHAT THEY DID
RACHAL SCOTT, WE ALL LOVE YOU

This is a very emotional book, especially since it is a true story. I think this is a really good way to make teens aware of what kind of society we live in. It gives them the opportunity to look for some of the signs before something can go terrilby wrong. Make your children aware of their surroundings, educate them.

I cannot too highly recommend this book! Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott have written a heartfelt, enthralling tribute to their daughter Rachel Joy, as only a loving parent could inscribe! The lesson of Columbine is really quite simple. Excellent children come forth from excellent parenting! It's no accident that Rachel was such a wonderful person. Her bravery, her determination to love and serve God no matter what the cost, will stand for all time as an inspiration to us all. Rachel's mom and dad gave her the most significant gift of all; an awareness of God's love and destiny for her life, which gave her the courage to face down a hate-filled killer with her integrity and faith intact. Read this book! It will change your life! As the author of another book about Columbine and Rachel Scott, The Martyrs' Torch, I can only humbly ennoble and pay homage to this monumental literary tour de force!

Perhaps the most infamous day in American Public School history came in April 1999. Two outcasts, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, sat out to make their infamous mark on history by targeting their classmates, specifically those who were Christ followers, in a plan devised to send many to their death. The event is one that made all parents in America hug their kids a little tighter before sending them off to school.

"Rachel's Tears," written by Rachel Scott's mom and dad, Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott, with some help by Steve Rabey, is a very touching book from the heart of two parents that loved their little girl. They are honest in their portrayal of the horror they experienced in loosing Rachel, but most of the book shares about Rachel's profound faith in her Savior. They describe Rachel as a daughter that wasn't perfect, but really strived to live her faith. Insights from Rachel's diary are included, showing a spiritual depth in the teenager that her parents were even surprised to see after her death.

It's hard to know how you would react to someone pointing a gun at your head and asking, "Do you believe in God?" Rachel had that very experience. She gave her life after replying, "Yes, I believe in God." She had counted the cost of following Jesus and had written in her diary "I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus...If I have to sacrifice everything....I will." Rachel did sacrifice EVERYTHING as the gun was pointed at her head.

"Rachel's Tears" is a touching story to read. It will challenge you to examine your own faith and priorities.

Young or old, anyone who struggles with their relationship with God should read this book. It will challenge your understanding of the true depths of God's grace and love. Thank God Rachel's parents have shared this story with the world.
Rachel's honest and straight forward relationship with God during her life is something we all should strive to achieve. Her story is humbling and will have you crying tears of sadness and joy. Her testimony for God in her journals has ignited the chain reaction she wanted.
This book is thought provoking and it will change your life.

Such a sad subject, but a very inspirational book. Rachel's love for the Lord God is an example of how God can turn a person's heart when they are willing to let Him. She truly had a desire to serve Him and said so with her last breath.
Darrell and Beth, her parents, tell her story and theirs in a
very readable way. ......Excellent

The book is incredible! It's moving, heartwrenching, inspiring, enlighting and awesome. Rachel proved to be a Saint & Martyr, through her generosity, helpfulness, faith and her many acts of kindness. This book is one of the best I have read. I recommend it to everyone. Anyone can benefit from it. I couldn't put it down. It inspires me to spread even more acts of kindness to people. Her parents did a great job on the book and raising her. It was a very tragic event & touched everyone's heart. The book helps somewhat ease the grief. I know writing it probabily helped her parents. My heart goes out to them & her family.

I read this book several weeks ago but struggled to write a review after I did some internet research on the Columbine trajedy itself.

I would love to give this is a 5-star review. It's obvious that this young lady was a deeply devoted child of God and wasn't afraid to tell others what she lived and believed in. The parents did a remarkable job in bringing this book to life, especially by including excerpts of Rachel's diary...lends itself to crediblity. The parents also do a wonderful job of stressing that although their daughter was a devoted Christian, she was not above temptation and definitely not above most human tendancies of "falling." She was by no means perfect! Such a refreshing read -- to know that the parents did not try to put their martyred daughter on a pedastal.

Rachel's life is battle-cry for the Body of Christ -- she should defintely be seen as a role model for many of today's teens (and most adults). A true Christian, true to her beliefs, with very human struggles. Again, she was by no means perfect, but "real."

What bothered me was the entries in reference to Cassie Bernal. Maybe I read too much into the book but the first time Ms. Bernall is mentioned, the sentence that follows is "which was later discounted" -- in reference to whether or not she actually admitted to believing in God. Later on, there is an (almost) 2 page spread on whether or not "she said yes" -- with the obvious conclusion (although not implicity stated) that Ms. Bernall wasn't even asked if she believed in God but that the conversation took place with another student & one of the killers.

This prompted me (out of morbid curiousity, admittedly) to do some research on the trajedy itself...and I found that not only was Cassie Bernall's statement proven false, so was Rachel Scott's of "you know I do" when she was asked if she believed in God.

Maybe when the book was first released (in 2000), all of the facts weren't available as far as what was said and done that horrible day. But 10 years later, new information has definitely been released. Whether either one said yes or no, whether or not they would've admitted, is not really the issue (by the entries in her journal, I truly belive Ms. Scott would've admitted it). What I find troubling is that the parents updated their book, adding the doubt of Cassie Bernall's statement, but cast no doubt on their own daughter's statement.

I doubt anyone will ever know for sure whether either one "said yes" -- but SAY THAT -- discounting one statement as "possibly" and another statement as "for sure" (implicit or otherwise) just does not sit right (with me).

Had it not been for those few statements, I would've definitely given this a 5-star review. In my opinion, those entries referencing Cassie Bernall did not add to the story and somewhat marred the book for me.

Sorry if I rambled.

I just finished reading "RACHEL"S TEARS" and have been deeply moved by this book. I am a 37 year old mother of two, and this 17 year old girls faith was far above any I have known as yet. If you need something to renew your faith in God, or to inspire you to know the Lord personally READ THIS BOOK. It also gives spiritual insight into the tragedy at Columbine that I would have never considered.There is a message from God in everything that happens on this earth today. People just need to realize it, and start living his way. An excellent source of reading for youth groups and ALL teens.

Rachel is my role model. She stuck with Jesus ubtil the end and I am really happy that she did. The Lord has plans for us all, and by that I mean everyone. I think that if Rachel was here now she would amazed on the impact she has had on the world.

The book Rachels Tears is about the Columbine shooting. The author is Best Nimmo. Its a very good book. Ive read other book on the shooting and for some reason this one stood out.In the book it shows Rachel had a good life and a bunch of friends. Its tells what her family whent through and her friends after the shooting. She was a church girl and she loved writing to Jesus in her journal. She would also write poems, I liked reading this book because it was about kids my age. It will make you laugh and cry. You can really think you know the girl in this book., I recommend this book because it tells a goof story on a sad day. If you are into ture life, then this is a book for you.

Terrific book! I would not consider myself an avid reader; however, read this book in three hours, never putting it down. I believe Rachel knew her time was limited and indicated accordingly in her journal. A real inspiration! I wish I were able to initiate and maintain such a relationship with the Lord Jesus. May I suggest allowing Rachel's prophetic insights to touch your heart by reading this delightful and eloquent journal of a 17 year girl desperately desiring to serve the Lord!

Some Christians live their entire lives and never become as close to God as Rachel did in her short 17 years on this planet. Rachel is truly an inspiration to everyone who aspires to grow closer to God. This book details Rachel's struggles with her faith and her walk with God here on earth. Excerpts from her private journals (some of which are in this book)demonstrate Rachel's love for Jesus and helps us to better understand the plan God had for her life! When I get to heaven, I'll be looking for Rachel!