As the waters of the Guadalupe River surged over 20 feet in just two hours, central Texas found itself in the grips of a catastrophic flood. This tragic event left devastation in its wake, claiming the lives of many innocent people, including campers from Mystic Camp, the camp director, a family camping, and a Walmart employee. The sheer force of the flood overwhelmed the innocent, reminding us of our vulnerability and the power of divine forces.
This tragedy stirred a deep reflection in a pastor, as he looked at the faces of the victims and found solace in hymns that speak of peace and suffering as part of God’s will. The song ‘When Peace, Like a River’ reminded him of the strength found in faith, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. As the survivor girls of Mystic Camp sung their religious songs on a bus ride, their voices echoed the peace of Christ, offering a sense of comfort and hope to those mourning their loss.
Yet, the tragedy also sparked divisive political responses, as some individuals, like Sade Perkins, a resident of Houston, expressed opinions on the camp’s demographic composition, calling it a ‘white-only’ Christian camp and accusing it of racism and white supremacy. Similarly, Dr. Christina B. Propst, a pediatrician, took to TikTok to condemn the MAGA voters who had denied climate change and voted to gut FEMA, hoping they would suffer the consequences of their actions.
These comments highlighted the polarized perspectives surrounding the flood, contrasting the spiritual reassurance found in Christ’s sacrifice with the political fervor and division that followed. As the pastor reflected on the tragedy, he returned to the hymn, finding his own peace in the words that spoke of the redemptive power of Christ’s crucifixion. This belief in spiritual conviction offered a sense of hope and liberation from the guilt and suffering that comes with such tragedies.
The pastor emphasized that regardless of what the future holds, the power of faith in Christ remains a source of strength and peace. As the song concluded with the repeated refrain of ‘It is well with my soul,’ it became a testament to his unwavering belief in divine providence. The tragedy, while devastating, reminded everyone of the necessity to nurture peace within, no matter the external circumstances that may arise.