The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:5
This verse highlights the website of Camp Mystic for Girls in Hunt, a community in west central Texas in the United States, which was at the center of media attention following a devastating flood in the area that claimed more than 120 lives and at least 160 others missing.
Twenty-seven campers and counselors perished in the 4th of July tragedy.
Mystic is a private Christian summer camp for girls. It has been operating for almost 100 years – since 1926 – with the mission of providing campers “with a wholesome Christian atmosphere in which they can develop outstanding personal qualities and self-esteem.”
The camp is asking “for continued prayers, respect and privacy for each of our families affected” as it expressed the hope for “the Lord to continue to wrap His presence around all of us.”
Watching the various video clips of the Texas tragedy online, we can just imagine the horrors and anguish felt by the victims and their families as the torrents surged in quick minutes.
The inundation scenes are touching a familiar chord as we realize something similar can happen in our communities here, especially with the onset of the rainy season which ushers in the devastating effects of the vagaries of nature.
With the rainy days here, the concern becomes exigent, too. Just last week, a number of Facebook posts showed various parts of the city being flooded due to downpours.
This week, the Department of Science and Technology issued an advisory on possible flooding due to persistent rains in Oriental and Occidental Mindoro and Palawan.
The advisory cautioned residents near mountain slopes and low-lying areas to take precautions and for local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils to be on constant guard.
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Ironically, while raging torrents destroys lives and property in central Texas, a deadly heat wave was spreading across Europe.
Reports indicated that about 2,300 died mostly in heat-related incidents across 12 cities in Europe just in 10 days recently. That’s almost 200 persons per city. Scientific studies attribute the heat wave to issues related to global climate change.
The deaths were reported between June 23 and July 2 in Madrid, Barcelona, London, Rome, Milan, Sassari, Frankfurt, Paris, Lisbon, Zagreb, Athens and Budapest where temperatures reached over 40 degrees Celsius, or 104 degrees Fahrenheit – an increase of at least 4°C.
We surmise the toll may have been great, too, beyond the borders of the key cities covered by the study.
Scientists have warned that, in a warming world, the heat waves across Europe “are likely to become more frequent, intense and impact more people”.
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One global event worth observing this month is Cheer Up the Lonely Day. It is observed on July 11.
The day is an occasion for people who care for others to spend some quality time with those who are absorbed in sadness.
We need to realize that there are countless of people around us who are suffering from emotional pain caused by, among others, loss of loved ones, isolation, transitions in life, personality traits and even mental health issues. In many instances, they endure the burden alone.
On this special day (and on other times of the year), it will not cost much of our resources, time and effort to give a neighbor, friend, an acquaintance or anyone some quality company – talking, laughing and sharing with them or just being caringly quiet. It is one way to help address the social isolation experienced by lonely people.
It is noble to be there for someone when he or she needs some company.
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God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. (Psalm 46:1-2) | NWI
