September 2, 2008
Welcome back to Part II of my interview with Crystal Miller, author and speaker. Crystal has traveled around the world, sharing her message of hope. Crystal is a Columbine survivor and she has written an amazing book called, Marked For Life.
Let’s continue the interview. Welcome back Crystal!
Suzie: You wrote a chapter called Heroes of Hope. How would you define a hero of hope?
Crystal: I believe that a hero of hope is someone who chooses hope over chaos- hope over suffering and hardships- hope over bitterness and anger - hope over death- hope over circumstances- hope over situations beyond control and hope over despair. All people who choose hope, even when things don’t make sense or add up- even when things still hurt- they are choosing Jesus Christ- the Hope-giver himself. The only one capable of bringing good from the bad.
I think the epitome of a biblical Hope hero is the apostle Paul. Paul is the one who was whipped, received lashes, beaten with a rod, was stoned and shipwrecked and never gave up hope! In fact, he viewed the difficulties as an opportunity to rise up and become stronger and even boast about the suffering, because of God’s strength was made perfect through His weakness.
However, I don’t just believe that heroes of hope are found in the Bible, but we are surrounded by them every single day. They are common people who go through everyday suffering. Maybe that suffering looks like, an illness, change, a move, loss of a job, loss of a pet, or loss of a loved one- regardless, the faces of suffering are many, and it’s the people who choose hope and choose life despite the pain.
Suzie: You are still traveling and writing. What’s next for you?
Crystal: I never would have imagined that my full time job would be traveling and speaking and writing, but I couldn’t be more grateful for what the Lord has done and what He continues to do. I never believed myself to be a good speaker, or writer for that matter. However, that is how the Lord works, He uses the things we don’t believe we are capable of doing, and gives us the power, and authority to do them with excellence.
I absolutely love what I do, and would love to continue in this direction- however, I also want to be willing and available for whatever he has planned. Therefore, I do not know what is in store for me, but I can’t wait to see where He will lead me!
Suzie: If you could share one message with teens, what would that be?
Crystal: I absolutely love the youth of our nation, I believe in them, I see such immense value and worth in their lives to make a difference in the world. I am sad that they are constantly inundated with a hollow message, one that tells them they will never amount to anything unless they make a certain amount of money, own certain possessions, or hold a certain title. I want students to be able to think for themselves, to make a stand for what they believe in and find their true identity in Christ. More than anything, I want teens to live with passion and intention. I pray that the thing that drives them is knowing Christ and making Him known.
They wouldn’t be concerned with what others think- that they wouldn’t wait a single moment to share the love of Christ through action and word! There are no certainties in this life from one moment to the next, so it must be lived well. We each have one life we have been given- what matters is what we choose to do with the one life we have been given. Above all else, I pray that the teens would choose Christ and let Him direct their every step!
Suzie: Thank you so much, Crystal, for taking time out of your busy travel schedule to answer these questions. May we pray for you?
Father, we come together today to pray for Crystal. We ask that you give her what she needs as she travels, as she ministers to others. Thank you that you equip each of us. Thank you that you show us where to go, and where not to go, as you lead us step by step on the journey. Thank you for giving Crystal the direction she seeks. Last, Father, we thank you for bringing something beautiful out of something so difficult. Continue to touch others through Crystal. Protect her, keep her, and walk with her through the beautiful and challenging moments as she listens to your voice.
