Surviving What Could Have Been: When the world falls apart, faith is the only thing that can hold us together.

Gary Paul Gates’ testimony, “Surviving What Could Have Been,” is a personal reflection on his childhood leading into his high school years, drawing parallels to the tragic events at Columbine High School and the impact they had on him. The book is inspired by the story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first student killed at Columbine, and the author’s realization that his own experiences were not as unique as he once believed.Gates recounts his personal journey, sharing stories and thoughts that have never been publicly disclosed before. He explores the challenges and anxieties he faced as a teenager, including a sense of foreboding about the future. The book serves as a testament to the guidance and presence of God in his life, even during the darkest of times.