A flash flood swept through Camp Mystic in Central Texas over the weekend, killing at least 27 children and counselors. The tragedy struck when the nearby Guadalupe River surged over 26 feet in less than an hour. Photos and videos show soaked bedding, shattered buildings, and stuffed animals left behind. As campers evacuated, some sang hymns to stay calm. One video of girls singing a Christian song has gone viral, garnering over 700,000 views. Camp Mystic, a 99-year-old Christian summer camp for girls, is now at the center of a national conversation on disaster response and emotional resilience.
Viral Video Sparks Conversations About Faith and Resilience
The haunting video sparked thousands of comments. Many viewers expressed admiration for the girls’ poise and faith. Some who don’t identify as religious still find strength in their spiritual response. Experts say these reactions reflect how religion can offer structure during trauma. Prayer as a coping mechanism is really useful,” said Mary Beth Werdel, a Fordham University professor studying trauma and religion. Singing, she noted, is a ritual that provides emotional grounding in chaotic situations, especially when more formal support systems are unavailable or overwhelmed.
Faith Helps Some, While Others Seek Accountability
While many online reactions celebrated prayer, others criticized delayed flood warnings and questioned climate preparedness. Werdel emphasized that faith and systemic accountability can coexist. “Religion’s not going to stop the floodwaters,” she noted. The emotional toll of the flood leaves room for grief, doubt, and spiritual questioning. “Allow that question to stay with us,” Werdel advised, referring to people wondering why a higher power would allow such devastation. She encouraged seeking professional support alongside spiritual reflection to work through trauma and loss.
Grieving Families Lean on Prayer and Community
For families like Lorynn Divita’s, faith has been a source of strength. Her 17-year-old daughter narrowly avoided the flood while working at a nearby camp. Divita says these camps are deeply rooted in spiritual values and community. Prayer has helped,” she said. She believes the collective experience of grief and support is a powerful force in healing, even when answers are lacking. Parents send children to these camps hoping for joy and growth, making the sudden loss especially painful and disorienting.
Experts Urge Action Alongside Prayer
Jamie Aten, head of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute, encouraged people to support victims through tangible action. While prayer is meaningful, he said, donating, volunteering, and showing up for others is vital too. Aten recommends reaching out locally and considering ways to help beyond just spiritual expressions. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America also advises practical steps for coping with disaster, such as preparing emergency plans, staying informed, and talking openly about trauma. As Central Texas mourns, experts stress the importance of both emotional and practical responses to disaster.
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Camp Mystic, those devastating videos and the role of faith during disasters
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