When the Waters Rise: Holding On to Faith Through the Heartbreak in Kerr County

This past week, Kerr County has been shaken by devastating flooding that has taken far too many lives. As someone who lives in this state, my heart aches for every family affected. But one piece of this tragedy hit home in a way I never expected—an all-girls Christian camp, Camp Mystic, was caught in the rising waters. In the early hours of the morning, little girls—many around the same age as my own two daughters—were swept into a storm they never saw coming.

Some were rescued. Others weren’t.

As a mother, it’s a pain too deep to name. The thought of young girls, asleep in the safety of a place meant to pour faith and fun into them, being woken to chaos and fear—it breaks me. And then, the unimaginable reality for the parents who received the news no parent should ever have to face.

It is heavy. It is hard. And it’s in these moments we’re reminded of a truth we often tuck away: we are never promised tomorrow.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

As a Christian woman, I cling to the only hope that remains unshaken—Jesus. I will never understand why things like this happen, and maybe we’re not meant to. But I can’t stop thinking… I pray those precious girls, in their final moments, saw the face of Jesus. That as the waters raged, He wrapped them in His arms. That He whispered, “Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23).

That image is the only peace I can find in something so senseless.

In this space—Her Hudl—I often write as a coach’s wife, a woman of faith, and a mama who loves deeply. And this week, I write simply as a mother with a broken heart. A mother who knows how fragile life really is. One who is reminded that all the things we chase in this life pale in comparison to the one thing that truly matters: our relationship with Christ.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

We cannot control tomorrow. We cannot protect our children from every storm. But we can prepare them for eternity. We can teach them to trust God, to walk in His light, to know His voice. I want to raise my daughters to love Jesus deeply—to be the light in a dark and broken world. Because one day, when they are called home (or when I am), I want us to see the face of Christ. Together.

So today, I’m holding my babies a little tighter. I’m putting down the distractions. I’m choosing what matters most.

Because life is short, but eternity is forever.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” – Revelation 21:4

To the families grieving the loss of their daughters, I’m praying for you with everything in me. And to the mamas reading this—may we never forget what a gift it is to hold our children close.