Several days have now passed since the horrific flooding in the Texas Hill Country. My heart has been so broken at the loss of life and devastation that sitting down to write about it has been difficult. But now, let me tell you what the Hill Country – particularly along the Guadalupe River – means to me and so many other Texans.
For over twenty years, my husband and I have been spending time in this area on a regular basis. Since before we even got our first RV in 2011, we made an annual trek down to a family & friends reunion at Canyon Lake, usually staying right along the banks of the Guadalupe just below Canyon Lake Dam. If you are not familiar with the area, let me just tell you that it has its own unique vibe, unlike any other place I have been. The river life is worlds away from the ordinary.
This is a part of the river where we visit nearly every year, situated along the river banks below Canyon River Dam. The peace and beauty of mornings is unsurpassed and unique. This is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with Nature in an almost spiritual way. It holds such a special place in our hearts.
The Guadalupe River is where you float down the river in a tube, your bottom going numb in the freezing water while the front side of your body literally roasts. When you come off the river, you’re ready for snacks and plenty of cold drinks – then, you’re ready to jump back in and do it again. You sit outside and look at the stars and listen to music in the evenings. I remember the first time my boys experienced this and fell in love with it! I can’t even tell you how joyful it was for me, as a mother, to watch them float down the river, just taking it all in with their youthful enthusiasm.
We have stayed many places along the Guadalupe, including the HTR TX Hill Country Campground in Kerrville where so much of the devastation occurred. It was a beautiful place, then known as By the River RV Park, with the luckiest of RVers getting those coveted places right along the banks of the river. We have also camped further east on the Guadalupe (near Seguin) and below the dam of Canyon Lake. This is what we have always considered “home base” in our Hill Country travels. In addition to staying along the Guadalupe, we have visited other areas nearby along the Blanco River and the Pedernales. I dare say that the whole of the Hill Country could simply be called “God’s Country”!
While the Guadalupe was still and calm on the day I snapped this photo, one can never underestimate the power of water. What happened in the early hours of July 4, 2025 was tragic. It was not just a flood, but a flash flood, the result of a perfect storm of weather related conditions, unimaginable in its fury. The water rose so quickly that it was impossible to get everyone out of harm’s way and structures were washed away in minutes.
Considering the loss of so many lives, including all those precious little girls at Camp Mystic, it is beyond my comprehension how some people have taken to social media in an attempt to politicize this tragedy. Finger pointing and laying blame should not be top of mind at this point in time. The main goal right now is to recover all those lost so their families can have some sort of sense of closure. Additionally, providing help and support to those who have lost so much – and the first responders and volunteers with boots on the ground – is the top priority.
I sit here, a couple of hundred miles away, watching news coverage for updates and wiping away tears for those hurting families whose lives are forever changed. The death toll keeps climbing as the water recedes and as each hour goes by, the odds of finding any more survivors drops. Rescue has morphed into recovery for the searchers.
Searching for answers – which may never come with our limited earthly understanding – leads me into the Scriptures for comfort and encouragement. Without my faith, a tragedy such as this is unbearable. Even though I am not personally affected, these sort of events can weigh so heavily on the hearts of those who experience them from afar. Let me share with you some of the verses that I am finding helpful and encouraging when I have no words…
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalms 34:18
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” – Isaiah 43:2
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalms 23:4
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
While most of us struggle to comprehend this tragedy, I think we can agree that any decent human being feels compassion for those impacted and wants to “do something” in the face of overwhelming grief. But, what can be done when you are far away? Pray, my friend, PRAY! Unfortunately, many people view prayer as the last resort or the weakest offering. In truth, it is the exact opposite. It should be the first and most common course if your faith and hope are in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Please join me in lifting up our brothers and sisters of the Texas Hill Country…
Father, I lift up the many who have lost so much in our beloved Texas Hill Country. Be with the families of those whose lives were lost and those who are yet unfound. Wrap them in Your divine arms of comfort, giving them unexplainable peace and strength to endure their loss. Be with the first responders who are still searching – send your angels to guide them and protect them in their mission of love. For those who have lost homes and livelihoods, provide a way for them to rebuild and begin anew. Help all of us to step up and assist the flood victims by whatever means we are able, to keep them all in our prayers in the coming days.
Our tomorrows are unknown, Lord, but You assure us that You are with us even in the worst of circumstances. Thank You for being with those who are grieving today and let this be a reminder to all of us to love our people well and look to You for strength and comfort.
All these things we ask boldly and confidently in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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