Can you believe it has been 10yrs since the Columbine shooting?! I realize it has been a few days past the anniversary but I have been computerless. But I must write an entry about this date. I was only in the 2nd grade, but I remember so well the images on the news. What I remember the best is when I heard the song written about one of those killed. I was riding in the car with my mom to her eye doctor appointment when my favorite singer Michael W. Smith came on with his new song "This is your time". I heard him sing about a girl being faced with life or death and I asked my mom what he was talking about. She told me the story of a young high school student who struggled like every one else to live her life the best she could for God until the day she was killed after being told she would die if she was a Christian and having to answer yes or no. As my mom finished telling me the story, I heard the lyrics "What if tomorrow and what if today, you're faced with the question, what would you say?" I gasped! That statement would forever change my life. Cassie Bernall forever changed my life. People tried to teach me to appreciate every moment like it is my last, by giving examples of car accident or things like that, things more common. But it wasn't until I heard this story that it really hit me. This was just a normal girl in a school library catching up on schoolwork, when in a minute people started screaming, the next there was a gun in her face. I realized just how easy, how quickly, I could lose my life. This is what forever gave me my pro active personality. I remember being a little 8yr old, thinking to myself, I am gonna laugh like it's my last chance, I am gonna go on that ride like it's my last chance. When I was in 5th grade I ran a class fundraiser for the Red Cross, with the mentality, what if this is the last chance I ever have to do good. Even as the years came and went that I knew I would say no if faced with the question, I still knew people besides Christians died in shootings. Now I know shootings are on the rare side, but just think about it, if it did, are you ready? Would you go to heaven? Would you be pleased with the life you lived? Would you have the faith to say yes? So I will leave you with the words of MWS, and challenge you with what has been my life's motivation the last 10yrs. This is your time, this is your dance, live every moment, leave nothing to chance. Swim in the sea, drink of the deep, embrace the mystery of all you can be,THIS IS YOUR TIME.
