Inspiring a Decade More
It’s been about 6 weeks since the flooding disaster along the Guadalupe River in Texas claimed so many lives on July 4, 2025. Just long enough for the story to drop from the headlines.
It brings back to mind the destructive path of Hurricane Helene which tore through Georgia and North Carolina in September 2024. Atlanta experienced downed trees, power outages, and flash flooding. The Buckhead community flooded when Peachtree Creek overflowed its banks causing the need for 21 water rescues. Augusta, Georgia also suffered flooding and power outages. And no one can forget the devastation across Western North Carolina where this deadly storm caused over 100 fatalities. North Carolina is still trying to recover.
But for the families in Texas, as well as North Carolina and here in Georgia, who lost loved ones and all the people who lost their homes and belongings, the heartbreaking devastation continues.
It saddens me for all the people in Texas who have had to deal with such loss. My heart breaks for all the families and for everyone who died in the floods and for everyone who lives in Texas Hill Country.
When the news broke, the focus was mainly on the tragedy at Camp Mystic. This is a camp for young girls, so many who have been impacted are elementary aged children and their teenage camp counselors. Our hearts continue to ache for the kids who passed away and their families who must try to find a way forward without their precious children.
We also need to remember that tragedy struck so many more. This area is full of camps up and down the Guadalupe River. Many return year after year to enjoy summer camp or family camping. Many were vacationing, sleeping in RVs or rental homes, and others were residents who live in the tight-knit community. So many people’s lives have been forever changed.
We are grateful for the good news that came out of this terrible event. There are many survival stories coming out of this disaster. And thank goodness the number of missing has decreased dramatically as some on the list of missing turned out to be alive and well.
In response to this catastrophe, there have been countless demonstrations of compassion. You can go to YouTube and you will find new voices telling the stories of survival. You can turn on the TV, and you will find stories of heroism. Thousands of volunteers searched for the missing, served food to rescue workers, and cleared debris. These people are heroes themselves for giving their time, their energy, and their sweat to help in this time of need. They are willing to give of themselves because they love helping people and the people need to be helped. These heroes step in and serve because there is such great need.
Now is the time for the rest of us to find a way to step up and show our compassion to the folks in this region. The needs are still enormous and will continue for months or longer. Just because the news cameras are not broadcasting the story constantly any more does not mean that people’s lives have been put back together. Since most of us cannot physically go to help with the relief efforts, we can consider donating to one of the many legitimate agencies who have boots on the ground in Texas. I have included links at the end of this article to several organizations where you can continue to donate to help spread compassion through those who are able to be physically there.
America should continue to keep all the people who have died and for all the people whose lives have been impacted by this horrific disaster in our thoughts and hearts. We can choose to put our differences aside and choose to work together for communities in need in Texas as well as here at home in the Atlanta area.
This situation in Texas is bigger than a camp. It’s bigger than a river. It’s bigger than a flood. We all mourn the loss of life in Texas. Texas will mourn greatly, and Texas will eventually move forward from this tragedy, but they will never forget the ones who are no longer with them.
There is a saying in Texas that the people are Texas Strong because Texas will come back from this disaster. Texas will indeed come back from this time. We can all offer condolences, but we can also do so much more. If you live in Texas or can travel to Texas, find a group to support with your hands and your time. If you don’t live in Texas,
find a group online to support. And remember to be grateful for your family and your safety. Let us hug our loved ones and hold on to them.
Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country
Right here at home, one of Compassionate Atlanta’s initiatives is compassionate place making. We all want and need access to places and spaces where we are safe, accepted, and can flourish. When a person’s wellbeing is threatened by extreme environmental events, they can lose that feeling of security. How do people rebuild, regain, restore their sense of place and belonging? How can we be compassionate place makers for our neighbors in need? Stay connected and we’ll show you how we are making space to heal and to build community.
And remember to be grateful for your family and your safety. Let us hug our loved ones and hold on to them.
Jimmy Freels
Community Outreach Associate
Compassionate Atlanta
http://jimmyfreels.com
