Tuesday April 20, 1999

It was a normal Tuesday afternoon when the news of Columbine High School was shot at by two teenage boys. I was 5 years of age when it became a hot topic at WOCC's "Kids Church" (3-5 Grade). I wasn't suppose to be in that class at that time, but I wanted to stay with my parents (who, at that time, were teaching the class).

The kids were asked numerous questions but one stood out for me. The teacher asked, "If you were in Cassie's spot and was asked 'Do you believe in God?' with a gun at your head what would you do?" That didn't strike my attention as much as the answer from a 3rd grade girl. "I would lie," she said. "And when they left I would turn around and ask God for forgiveness."

That striked enough attention to me to start asking questions to my parents. "What are they talking about?", "Who died?", "Why did they kill her?", and so on.

My parents told me the truth, that a girl named Cassie was shot in a school shooting in Colorado for Jesus. I didn't put much thought into it at the time (but of course, I was 5).

Now that think about it, a few years ago I would have been like Peter, one of Jesus's Disciples, and denied Christ. Now, I would do anything for him! At CIY one of my friends told me that he didn't understand why I was so into the persecuted church until he saw a video at CIY that they showed about the persecuted church.

So here is my question. What would you do if someone asked you "Do you believe in God" and has a gun pointed at your head? Would you be like Peter and deny Him? Or would you be like Cassie and say "Yes"?

Lyrics to Flyleaf's "Cassie" Acoustic:

The question asked in order to save her life or take it
The answer no avoided death and yes would make it
'Do you believe in God?' written on the bullet
Say yes to pull the trigger, and my Sister Cassie pulled it

They didn't love their live so much as to shrink from death
Inspired in their footsteps we will march ahead
Don't be shocked that people die
Be surprised you're still alive

All heads are bowed in silent reverence
The floor is wet with tears of sorrowful remembrance
The alter is filled with hearts of repentance
Perfect love kills all fear, rejoice in this deliverance

They didn't love their live so much as to shrink from death
Inspired in their footsteps we will march ahead
Don't be shocked that people die
Be surprised you're still alive