Rising Waters, Rising Resolve: Recovering from Texas’ Deadly Flood

By Darryl Thomas

Texas is reeling. Over 100 lives were lost during the catastrophic flash floods that ravaged the Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. Kerr County bore the brunt — 96 confirmed deaths and more than 160 still missing, including dozens of children who vanished at Camp Mystic.(MySA) The tragedy galvanized the state, but the path to healing and rebuilding is just beginning.

A Devastating Wake-Up Call for Community

Torrential rain transformed the Guadalupe River into a surge of destruction, with water levels rising over 26 feet in under an hour at Camp Mystic. Homes disintegrated, families were displaced, and countless memories washed away. In a disaster of this scale, it’s clear: recovery is not just an individual act, it’s a collective responsibility.

Five Practical Ways to Recover From Traumatic Loss

1. Acknowledge the Grief. Don’t rush past loss. Cry, remember, and honor what—or who—is missing. Emotional wounds demand time to breathe.

2. Stay Connected Through Community. Together, we heal better. That loss is softened when neighbors cook meals, donate clothes, or listen—without expecting answers.

3. Access Mental Health Support. Resources are active now: Kerr County’s 24/7 crisis hotline (1-877-466-0660) and Hill Country Mental Health Centers are offering free trauma counseling.(NAMI)

4. Rebuild With Purpose. Whether helping clear debris, preventing mold, or documenting losses for recovery aid—action is healing, and purpose is restorative.

5. Tell Your Story When You’re Ready. If safe, write or speak about what happened. Sharing your truth is an act of release—for you, and for others waiting for hope.

The Power of Coming Together

This tragedy reminds us that freedom from emotional imprisonment isn’t granted; it’s earned through collective care. Communities have raised funds, offered homes, and provided comfort. Heavy equipment from local wrecker services recovered personal belongings and remains; local restaurants, nonprofits, and places of worship mobilized resources to meet immediate needs. When devastation hits, togetherness isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Hope for the Underdogs and Emotional Freedom

Many young Texans, especially youth in detention, face floods of a different kind: emotional and psychological. Trauma floods their minds through neglect, abuse, or instability. Hope for the Underdogs offers more than literacy — it’s a roadmap to emotional freedom and trauma recovery.

We use TODAY… I WIN and TODAY WE WIN (Volumes 1&2) to foster self-expression, build confidence, and offer young people mental escape routes from their own storms. Your support helps us bring the healing power of story and community to youth who are both physically and emotionally captive.

How Can You Make a Difference? Here’s how:

• Sponsor a youth’s participation in our summer program so that more vulnerable young people gain access to recovery through narrative and leadership.
• Share our message through your networks. Awareness fuels resources.
• Volunteer or donate directly to support survivors in Kerr County and other impacted communities.
• Engage in community restoration: help clean up, provide shelter, or pray with families seeking closure.

In the aftermath of loss, our actions reveal who we really are. Recovery isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Texas is depending on its citizens to lead not just with resources, but with compassion, presence, and steady love.

Stay Connected: Connect with me on social media for updates and inspiration:📺 YouTube Live, Tuesdays @ 6 pm CST: @1DarrylWThomas🔗 LinkedIn & Instagram: follow @1DarrylWThomas