Shattered Mask

TheChristianIt-Girls

Spotlights hummed softly above the stage of Gracewood Christian

Academy's chapel, casting long shadows across rows of velvet seats.

Glittering fairy lights wrapped around banisters, dripping like starlight

down into the crowd of perfectly postured teenagers. It was Youth Revival

Night-a weekly spectacle of fog machines, acoustic guitars, and scripted

authenticity. And at the center of it all stood four girls who didn't need a

spotlight to shine.

Olivia Bennett, front-row royalty. Her father was Pastor Malcolm Bennett-

head of Gracewood Church and a weekly guest on the local Christian radio

network. Olivia wore confidence like couture. Her Bible matched her nail

polish. Her Instagram, a grid of filtered devotionals and Bible study notes,

read more like a digital altar than a teen girl's life.

Rachel Sinclair, the quiet flame. President of the purity pledge club. Known

for leading worship with eyes closed and arms lifted just enough to look

reverent, not dramatic. Her mom ran the Women of Worth Conference.

Rachel's voice could break hearts and soften sermons-but lately, her smile

had started to look tired at the edges.