While I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, I think it's important we remember the events that happened in Columbine Colorado on April 20th, 1999. A horrific tragedy occurred, in which 12 students and one teacher were killed by two student gunmen {who then took their own lives}
I don't want to simply dwell on the tragedy of the event, because, it is after all 12 years in the past, but that doesn't mean we should forget either. From the tragedy, a wonderful organization was born: Rachel's Challenge.Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine tragedy and following her death, her father began speaking around the nation. I've had the honor of listening to a speaker from the organization, which was created by her parents in an effort to prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again, but also to remind people of the hurt than many suffer through in silence.
The message they spread is a simple one, but one we often forget. An act of kindness, no matter how small, has the possibility to enact great change. They urge you to remember that your actions start a chain reaction and we should all strive to make those actions positive.
I encourage you to check out the organization, read some of the stories, see the lives that have been changed for the better. They bring a journal filled with letters from people who have had their lives changed by simple acts of kindness; people who had reached the last straw and were contemplating ending it all. You never know when something as simple as a kind word or a smile can bring some light into a black hole of sadness. Rachel Scott lived her life with compassion and kindness and even though it was cut short, she is still reaching out and touching people's hearts. {mine included}
