Yesterday I came across an article in the New York Times written by Kirk Johnson about a non-profit organization called “Rachel’s Challenge“.
Rachel Scott’s life was tragically cut short 10 years ago tomorrow at Columbine High School, but she left something very special behind.
It was an essay she wrote a month before her death entitled “My Ethics, My Codes of Life“. In it she spoke about being “honest, compassionate, and looking for the best and beauty in everyone“.
And she had a theory- that “if one person could go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same“.
This message has been taken up by her father, Darell Scott, and has grown into an organization of 50 people and a mission to reach as many people as possible with Rachel’s message.
At first, the organization had focused on spreading the message to other high school students, but now has begun to focus too on the corporate workplace.
That was the focus of the NY Times article- Mr. Scott making his presentation to a group of workers at a carpet and upholstery cleaning shop.
Is there a place for Rachel’s story and her beliefs in the workplace?
Heck yes!
Rachel believed that she could make a difference with her positive actions towards her fellow man- as the piece notes, someone of any age or in any setting can understand that part of the message – that “actions, for good or ill, ripple out into the world with consequences that cannot be contained or maybe even known”
It’s a message that’s all the more compelling because of who delivers it – a spirit who’s life ended way too soon, in a random and senseless way.
In touring the Rachel’s Challenge web site you’ll find more reasons to admire and embrace the efforts of this organization, but there was one thing in particular that struck me – it was a note she wrote on the back of an old piece of furniture, along with the trace of her hands:
“These hands belong to Rachel Joy Scott and will some day touch millions of people’s hearts.”
Yes you have Rachel, and you have touched another one today. In your honor I continue this chain reaction and hope that others do the same.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you keeping the Chain Reaction going:) Great story!
Rachel’s Challenge is the single most powerful program I have ever seen, and it’s changing the hearts of people all over the country. Every school, company, and person should have Rachel’s Challenge come to their area. Everyone should live their lives like Rachel Scott, and the world would be a better place.
Doing a research assignment on “Etiquette” I came across your article.
After reading it and learning more about Rachel Scott and her mission, one can’t help but become inspired, on many levels, to take up this challenge and spread her powerful and much needed message across generations and social/work environments.
I hope Rachel’s Challenge doesn’t just become another legacy, but a spark that ignites something in each one who hears her story and acts on it in everyday situations, no matter where we are on this planet.
For me, it is no longer a research assignment, but a personal challenge. So thank you for publishing this article!
My pleasure Grace – this is such a worthwhile cause, and I wish you all the best as you take on Rachel’s challenge. Keep me posted on your successes!
Regards,
Terry