Transcript adapted from the Faith & Soul Care podcast episode by Sherry Elaine
Like many of you, I’m deeply grieved by the tragedy in the Texas Hill Country, especially the heartbreaking scenes and loss at the girls’ camp in Hunt, Texas. These are the kinds of
events that leave us without words, leave us numb, and leave us in despair. And if we’re honest, we don’t even know how to pray.And for many who love and trust in God, this kind of grief can shake your faith. I know that personally. During a period of tragedy in my own life, I remember being in such shock that I started to let the thought loop run wild in my mind: Maybe I’ve been wrong my whole life. There can’t be a God who would allow this. Maybe I’ve been wrong. There’s no God.
I entered a very dark place. For me, it only lasted a day. But I know it lasts longer for some.
But I also know what helped me come out of that dark night of the soul more quickly. And it was advice that was given to me—something I now pass along to you. I had to take a stand and verbally declare that which I could not yet feel. I had to say: “God, I don’t understand, but I still choose to believe You. I still choose to believe You are good.”
I wasn’t feeling it. And making that statement did not make the grief go away. But it kept me from slipping into a lengthy time of despair. And it taught me something powerful:
When tragedy comes, we have to choose to process it through the lens of God’s truth, not through the darkness of our pain.
And it is a choice. It doesn’t come naturally, always - but that is how the enemy is defeated in those moments.
[You may also listen to posts from this blog on the Faith & Soul Care podcast here or at your preferred podplayer platform]:
For me, it felt like a test. Afterwards, I thought of Job. Of course, mine wasn’t nearly as bad as Job’s. But for some of you, yours may feel that bad. And to you, I say gently - hold on. You’re not alone.
It also reminds us of a truth we often tuck away in our hearts and try not to think about too often: that we are not in control. We are vulnerable. We are fragile. We’re human. We wake up and assume the day will go as planned, but we truly have no assurance of even the next hour, or even the coming afternoon.
James 4:14 tells us plainly:
“You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”That verse isn’t meant to make us afraid. It’s meant to remind us of what’s real, what’s eternal, what’s unshakable.
When I hear stories like this, I also hear the voices of people I’ve known who have experienced devastating grief. And I often ask them, “How do you still trust God—even after this?” I don’t ask in an accusatory way, but in a curious way. Because honestly, it doesn’t make sense.
Why would we still believe in God even after this?
And you know what they say? “Because God showed up.”
He showed up and proved Himself in ways they couldn’t explain.
He was there for them in ways they could not describe.
And many say, “My faith is stronger now because of the tragedy, because He was the only one who could comfort me at all.”
So I don’t pretend to understand suffering. I cannot explain why the rain fell so much harder than expected, or why the waters rose so fast, or why that dam had to break, or why beautiful lives were lost.
But I do know this: God shows up in our heartbreak—if we let Him. He is strong. He is faithful.
Psalm 34:18 says,
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
And that is not just a nice poem tucked into the Psalms. It is a truth that many have lived when they had no strength to stand on their own.
And that’s why I want to say this. And I say it gently. I say it with the utmost care:
Now is the time to stay close to God.
Now is the time to seek His presence.
To seek His voice.
To seek and to trust His heart.
Because when heartbreak comes - and it will come to us all - those who have already been walking with Him will readily find that He is already near.
See, God doesn’t wait for the tragedy to arrive before He draws close.
We might wait for the tragedy to arrive before we draw close to Him.
But He’s already here.
He’s there now. Right now - in your ordinary day, in your questions. He’s even there in your doubts. He’s there in your tears.
I am praying for every family affected.
I’m praying for comfort that surpasses understanding.
I’m praying that even in this very dark time, they will know that Jesus is the light that the darkness cannot overcome. And that He has a deep and steady presence.
You all—life is fragile. But God is strong.
So hold your loved ones close.
Take time to cherish what matters.
Draw near to God—because He never leaves.
And when the world turns upside down—or your day turns upside down—may you find that He’s already holding you upright.
Bye for now.
Gratefully,
Sherry
_______________________________
Resources from Gospel Life Learning | Faith & Soul Care Ministries:
Information Request for FREE Faith & Soul Care Cohort Starting July 14 and September 8, 2025. Submit your email here : https://www.gospellifelearning.com/p/free-book.html
July Faith & Soul Care Cohort - Enroll Now -$0 FREE! (But please read the fine print on the form for required participation components.) https://sherryelaine.com/cohorts
Sherry Elaine's Books:: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0073HVSD6
About Sherry Elaine: https://sherryelaine.com/about
__________________________________________