Last week, a heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Texas.
After days of relentless rain, devastating floods led to hundreds of missing individuals and claimed the lives of more than 100 people, including children. Some young girls who died were attending a Christian camp known as Camp Mystic when the floodwaters came.
There is no greater pain than for a parent to lose a child. That’s not a theory for me—it’s personal. Our son Christopher was unexpectedly called home to Heaven 16 years ago, and the grief still runs deep. What can you say in a moment like this? Sometimes the most honest and comforting thing you can say is simply, “I’m so sorry. There are no words.”
As Christians, we can be quick to try to explain the unexplainable. But I’ve learned that when I don’t know “why,” I should pivot back to “Who”—Who do we turn to in moments like this? We must turn to God. He is our ultimate source of strength. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18).
To those grieving parents, I would say this: Your child is safely in the arms of Jesus in Heaven. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).
And if you have put your faith in Christ, you will see them again. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them… And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Your children are not only part of your past—they are also part of your future.
So yes, mourn. Grieve. Cry your heart out. And cry out to God—He will be there for you. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Let’s continue to pray for the first responders still searching for the missing—and for the families facing unthinkable sorrow.
Lord, be near.
