Thirteen tears: A Columbine legacy
April 19th, 2009 | 
Author: 
Rachel Joy Scott was the first of 13 victims killed at Columbine High School 10 years ago on April 20.
In death, Rachel Scott
was a witness for faith
By Randy Patrick
Rachel Scott was having lunch with a friend outside when the horror began to unfold at Columbine High School near Denver on April 20, 1999.
Two of their classmates, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, approached with guns and fired several shots, wounding both.
As the boy lay stunned and Rachel tried to crawl away, Harris lifted Rachel by her hair and asked, “Do you believe in God?”
“You know I do,” she answered.
“Then go be with him,” Harris said, and shot her in the head.
She was the first to die that morning.
Rachel was 17, and in the year before her murder she had grown more committed in her relationship with God.
Like most teenagers, she struggled with things like sexual temptation and alcohol abuse. She was no perfect saint, but something had changed. She had become kinder to others, including those like Dylan and Eric, who were part of the “trench coat mafia” — teens who dressed in black, listened to nihilistic music, played violent video games and hated Christ and Christians.
In an Internet video, Klebold said, “Thank God they crucified that a______.”
Rachel counted the cost of her decision to follow Christ and suffered the deep pain of loneliness when her friends at Columbine turned away from her because of her faith. But she would not go back.
In one of her journal entries, dated April 20, 1998 — exactly one year to the day before she died — she wrote: “I am not going to apologize 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 into me. If I have to sacrifice everything … I will.”
A few days later, she wrote: “This will be my last year, Lord. I have gotten what I can. Thank you.”
She often told friends she believed she would die young and wouldn’t live long enough to marry or have children.
Sometime after she died, her father, Darrell Scott, received a telephone call from a stranger in Ohio. The man told Darrell “you’ll probably think I’m crazy when I tell you why I called, but I have had a recurring dream about your daughter. …”
In his dream, the man said, he had seen a stream of tears flowing from Rachel’s eyes, and they were watering something, but he couldn’t see what it was.
Would that mean anything to him or his family, the man asked.
No, Darrell said, it didn’t mean a thing. But he took down the man’s number and promised to call if it ever did mean anything.
Darrell had forgotten about the strange message until seven days later when he got a call from the sheriff’s office telling him he could pick up the contents of his daughter’s school backpack, which had been riddled by bullets.
Sitting in his truck, Darrell sorted through Rachel’s belongings and read through her final diary. When he got to the last page, there was a picture Rachel had drawn the morning she was murdered. It was of a pair of eyes crying, and the 13 tears turned to drops of blood as they watered a rose that grew out of a Columbine plant.
Thirteen was the number of victims that Harris and Klebold killed that day before taking their own lives.
I heard Darrell Scott tell this story to a crowd of thousands of teenagers at Ichthus in Wilmore, Ky., in April 2002 — days after a similar deadly rampage at a secondary school in Germany.
He believed his daughter knew she would be used by God for something good. She had said she would touch millions of lives around the world. On the day of her funeral, which was a tribute to her faith, CNN had its largest audience ever.
Rachel believed little acts of kindness could make a big difference as others paid them forward.
“I have a theory that if one person will go out of their way to show compassion, it will start a chain reaction of the same,” she wrote.
Ironically, at almost the same time, Eric Harris had also used the phrase “chain reaction” in one of his hate-filled messages: “We need to start a revolution,” he said. “We need to get a chain reaction going here.”
Some would say these things are coincidences and that it’s naive to think tragedies like Columbine have any meaning. There was a time I would have thought so too. I’m a journalist with a liberal arts education and therefore prone to skepticism. At times, I have doubted that God exists. But I’ve come to believe there is a struggle going on in our world between the spiritual forces of darkness and light.
What other explanation could there be for the Holocaust or the horror of Rwanda in 1994, when nearly a million people were butchered by their neighbors? How else could one account for the incredible stories of forgiveness, redemption and grace that followed those tragedies? And how else could the death of a 17-year-old girl in Colorado lead hundreds of young people at a rock music festival in Wilmore to come forward to repent of their sins and choose to be reborn into a more abundant life?
I believe that at the end of this spiritual conflict, Christ will be the victor and will make all things new, as he promised. It is a struggle in which no one can remain neutral. Rachel Scott learned that at a tender age and chose a side.
Which side are you on?
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I believe that, like Rachel, each of us should make a decision for Christ now, because, like Rachel, we never know how much time we have left on Earth.
Randy, Thanks for sharing that, I had never heard this story before about Rachel. God Bless!
this article is ridiculous. it has been proven that eric harris and dylan klebold were not members of the so called “trench coat mafia”. oh and im sure that her funeral had “cnn’s largest audience ever” even more than the 911 terrorist attacks right?. she was a beautiful person but its a shame that you try to honor her with misinformation.
The funeral for the 13 victims, including Rachel Scott, was the largest CNN audience up until that time, which was in April 1999. The tragedy of 9/11 happened two years later.
While it’s true that Klebold and Harris didn’t walk through Columbine High School with a list of names of people to target, it was evident, according to the Washington Post and other news sources, that they did have particular enmity for certain kinds of students: those who were popular, athletes, and especially, devout Christians.
At least two students, Rachel Scott, and Cassie Bernall, were asked by the killers if they were Christians and then when they answered affirmatively, were executed.
As for the killers being part of the “trench coat mafia,” I haven’t heard any news reports that they were not. Their hateful videos slandering Christ and Christians, calling Rachel Scott a “godly whore,” praising Adolf Hitler, and calling for a revolution of hate are a matter of record.
Since “Eric” mentions 9/11, I should point out that there is evidence that the killers planned to end their massacre that day by hijacking a jetliner and flyiing it into — you guessed it — the World Trade Center.
Read more about this & see pictures of Rachel’s journalings & drawings in “Rachel’s Tears” by Beth Nimmo & Darrell Scott. God has been speaking to us for a long time. We need to listen to the Truth.
[...] shot and killed in cold blood. Cassie was not the only young woman asked that Question on That Day. Rachel Scott, 17 was the first to hear those words, “Do You Believe in God?” just before she became [...]
I’ve been reading this book called Rachel’s Tears… A sister from my Father’s church gave it to me… And She wrote inside it and said, “I pray this book will encourage you in the Lord and for you to SEE what a difference you can MAKE wherever you go, and whatever you do!” -I Timothy 4:10 I just want to say that this book has really touched my heart. I’m 17 In High School and it is hard going to school and and being Christ like… But Rachel has encouraged me to be who I really am… And I want to thank Her and Her family… And I am truly sorry for you guys lost… I just pray many other teens of this WORLD open up their eyes…
ahm ?? .. 1st of ol .. i want 2 say thank you ..
for posting this ..
its very inspiring 2 us ..
hope that some people too will ..(2 be continued)
goodbye ..
P.S.
pls. visit our website ..
)
aralmuna4truth@ning.com
tenkzs !! ..
Great column! So eery all of the things leading up to her death.
Thanks, Abby. Much of the material came from three books by Darrell Scott, his talk that I covered at Ichthus, as well as some articles. His first book which he co-authored with his ex-wife (Rachel’s mother) Beth Nimmo, and Steve Rabey, is called “Rachel’s Tears.” You can usually find a copy in the religious biography section at Half Price Books. You won’t be able to read it without crying.
I am Jewish
so i dont believe that jesus is my savior,however,this story touches me too the bone.
I do believe that there is an almighty and only one almighty power.
the power of god. this story is similar to a dream i had when i was two.
i only know that because i asked my dad to “journal” it for me because it really bothered me and “journaling ” seemed to help, even though i was only two.
however, i just found that journal enttry and realized that at the end of my dream it was discovered that the true lesson isnt that we all need to fallow in the path of christ
but that we all need to fallow in the path of love and acceptance and compassion
I can’t believe someone could die this young she could have done a whole lot more til her death
its not fair that she gets to die just because she belives in god ……she died for god…that shows alot
2day @ school(chapparal middle school),we had an assembaly…..about rachel joy scott.her name says it all. right before the assembaly ended the speaker told us to close r eyes and think of 6 or 7 people we admire most.my friend who was sitting next 2 me started 2 cry,i put my hand on her wishing i could do something..to make her happier,i knew some1 in her family died. the first person i thought of was my aunt brittany. she reminds me alot of rachel,from what i heard. she has like 7 journals and tries to get me to write in them..i try to. and every time she sends me journal it has writing in it that tells me to beleive,make wishes,& set goals. and that i will acomplish so much.mor than i can amagine. they r very similar to rachels writing in her journal. i have always wanted 2 make a change,an impact. but i never thought i could do that.until the assembaly 2day.. that assembaly changed my mind.i can do that,make a change or impact.like rachel. i wonder if rachel is my aunts inspiration…i know rachel is 1 of mine,following my aunt.i really wanted 2 be a part of rachels challenge, but i was not selected:( i thought that was my chhanse to make my impact. but i know i can still do that,from rachels inspiration.
The thing i think about most now is that,when rachel drew those tears,there were 13 and 13 people died.i think how did she know? and how did she know she was going to die young?and i wonder when will i die? its not something i would normally think about. i mean,seriosly,i am only in 6th grade.
i really want u to email me back.i also want to know were can i get a picture of the eyes w/the tears and the growing rose. it was beatiful. Also how did the guy dream of rachels drawing?and again,how did rachel know that 13 people would die.she probably did not know, her heart told her without her thinking it? it is comfusing.but i like mysteries. not mystery books though.
i think that if the mystery is there,the magic is there.if there is no more mystery,the magic is gone.
I have 1 more question. do u know why the 2 boys (who killed rachel) chose to start the shooting on 1 of the days of world war 2?april 20. she died the day my friend was born. it kinda creeps her out…i think.not because of rachels death but cause of the whole war thing.
i wish i could fix rachels death, but i cant. i dream and think i can but it is 1 of the impossible things i cant do, she is deade,i cant fix that….but i know i can do other “impossible” wonderful things…like rachel.
rachel is oh so pretty. inside and out.
i know i alredy told u i was in 6th grade.do u think it is good to set my goals now? what if they change?
what is that song called @ the end of the video i saw at the assembaly? can ya tell me? my aunts play it all the time. i think it is a very pretty song
This is sad what happened to Rachel and the rest of the students that was killed but let me tell you if you go to school and you have a club called rachel’s challenge join it is one of the best clubs to be in and it is all for Rachel Joy Scott
Thanks for sharing this great inspiring story I believe that god used her to prove that we are not just people.if you walk your life by god and believe 100%with all your hearts got and look for the signs I’m sure you’ll know what will happen next but you have to pay attention .get out of your bad troubled life insprire others that you’d never think you could reach it’s amazing I am trading my sorrows for god and to save myself from what I was in gods givin me the signs .and I’m listening to every 1 of them and trading my sorrows not signs about when I will die but just signs about thing unexplain ble my hands are shaking as I’m writing this
Trade your sorrow walk with god look for sighns
If I’m only 12 I know you all can do it to
Sierraraythunder@gmail.com
Speak to all from yourself no eles
Sometimes people ask, “Where is God?” when something like this happens. In one of Elie Wiesel’s stories about the hanging of a Jewish boy at a German concentration camp, someone asked that question. And another man spoke up and said, “He’s right there on that scaffold.”
I believe that when we suffer, God suffers with us. He gives us free will to choose whether to do what is good and right, and he doesn’t always intervene when people don’t. But he is with us, and comforts us, and the Scriptures tell us that nothing — not even demons or death — can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ.
Death isn’t our end. And it isn’t the end of God’s story.
by having a daughter, my mind is a blurr as to what these parents go through every day.. She was a lovely young lady, well grounged and strong in faith.. i have no resason to believe that she is where she wanted to be and is full of joy and is awaiting when she could meet her family again and never have to say goodbye all though I dont know you.. i was one of the millions hearts you have touched.. i am 44 years old and I will never forget u .. I purchased you book for my daughter and hope she turns out half the strong young woman you had turned out to be.. you parents should be very proud.. i truley believe you were just on loan to try and get us on the right track.. youu did a great job young lady, a tear falls for you every chanch i remember you ..I love you just as my own The world misses you RIP angel you were a great asset to this world
im not a christian or neither do i have any interest in the christian beliefs but this doesnt mean that what rachel doesnt apply to me, because what she has done has been compassionate and it touched my heart, i cant stop thinkin about her, that shows me how much she is influencing me, rachel is God’s gift to humanity
your chain reaction has touched me i am so sorry about your death and if i had one wish in the world and that was the only wish i could have it would be for you to come back to life so you can start your chain reaction back up and you could live a better life with your family and friends. and even though i don’t know you i love you.
I definitely believe in God and I feel so sorry for Rachel Scott’s father. My prayers go out to him and his family.
I read the first few sentences of this article and stopped and sped down to the bottom to leave a word of advice. For one thing, Dylan and Eric were NOT in the Trench Coat Mafia, and I know there have been rumors, but it is totally untrue. I admit, this story is touching, but there is a similar story that says Cassie Bernall expressed her faith in God before she was killed, which also happened to be false. Thank you for your time.
Annabeth, I appreciate your feedback, but rather than read only the lead and then comment, I would encourage you to read the entire column, and if you are interested, read her parents’ book, “Rachel’s Tears.” According to Rachel’s companion, who survived the shooting, Eric Harris asked her if she were a Christian a moment before he killed her, and witnesses say the two ridiculed her for her faith.
I don’t know whether the Cassie Bernall story is credible or not, but from everything I’ve read, this one is.
When I first heard this story. it touched me . Its amazing how nice she was to people. what really amazed me was..she knew she was gonna die young. oh god bless rachel scott
Eric harris did not ask rachel scott if she believed in god. He asked Val that.
Look up the info
The “Do you believe in God” question was asked of Valeen Schnurr (who survived). Hell, you couldn’t even get the wrong name right: Most people incorrectly attribute it to Cassie Bernall (who, sadly, did not).
You desperately need to read more: How do you know that they only asked Valeen Scnurr and not also Rachel Scott and Cassie Bernall. My source on Rachel Scott is the first book by her parents, Darrell Scott and Beth Nimmo, who got the information from Rachel’s companion at lunch that day, who was also shot, but survived. He gave a direct, word-for-word quote of what Eric Harris said and what Rachel Scott’s response was. What credible source do you have that refutes this eyewitness account, which has also been published in newspapers?
I believe that at least half of this story is crap, and im a 12 year old athiest. but i do think that rachel is one of the most inspirational people ever and i had to hold back tears when a guy came to our school to talk about rachels challenge. i dont care if people hate me because im an athiest, but i accept rachel’s challenge.