You stop. You kneel. You pray.

It’s what a mother does in the news of great tragedy.

I got a call from my Gracie yesterday about 4:00 pm, who left for church camp on Sunday with our youth group.  Her voice was quivering, but the first thing she made sure to say was that she was ok.

Then, followed the news.

“Mom, two people from camp drowned today.”

This hit too close to home.  Six local churches in our area gather together every year for a youth camp called ETV (Experience the Valley).  Both Julia and Grace have gone to this camp for the last couple years. (Julia stayed home this summer though).

Steve (my hubby), and his mom drove up to camp yesterday after the news.  His mom is a counselor, and Steve has a great gift in moments like these because he seems to have the ability to bring a sense of calm in the storm.

The local news is swarming the area as the story unfolds.  I watch all the reports with a sick stomach.  An accident.  A boy slips at the foot of the waterfall and the counselor jumps to rescue.

My heart breaks for the families, the moms and dads, brothers and sisters who hurt, my church family who mourns, the other churches with loss, friends, community, kids, and others who heroically tried to rescue them.  Yet, the current of the water was too strong, and the day ended with great tragedy.  We can’t control death.

The question we all ask is, “Why God?”

My last words to Grace (the lifeguard in me), I said, “Be careful at the water.”

Crazy to think it could have been any kid. It could have been mine.  Yet, two other moms cry tonight.  Tragedy ties the community when we all recognize we are not immune to death.  A mama’s worst nightmare, it’s hard to imagine.

God provides comfort but …uggg… I still am in shock.

Please pray for the two families who lost loved ones, and all the staff and counselors who are left to deal with such a loss.