I will not relate my own personal trial (10 yrs ago) here for it is minute to what is happening to the masses today, but I will say that the song "It is well" as sung by Kristene Dimarco gave me such calm and peace during that time. I would literally sit and bask in it on repeat for unknown lengths of time.
The song is an adaptation of the original hymn written by Horatio Spafford. Horatio Spafford's story is not unlike that which many face now. His story below is better than I could summarize.
Horatio Spafford knew something about life's unexpected challenges. He was a successful attorney and real estate investor who lost a fortune in the great Chicago fire of 1871. Around the same time, his beloved four-year-old son died of scarlet fever.
Thinking a vacation would do his family some good, he sent his wife and four daughters on a ship to England, planning to join them after he finished some pressing business at home. However, while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship was involved in a terrible collision and sunk. More than 200 people lost their lives, including all four of Horatio Spafford's precious daughters. His wife, Anna, survived the tragedy. Upon arriving in England, she sent a telegram to her husband that began: "Saved alone. What shall I do?"
Horatio immediately set sail for England. At one point during his voyage, the captain of the ship, aware of the tragedy that had struck the Spafford family, summoned Horatio to tell him that they were now passing over the spot where the shipwreck had occurred.1
As Horatio thought about his daughters, words of comfort and hope filled his heart and mind. He wrote them down, and they have since become a well-beloved hymn:
When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know It is well, it is well with my soul.2
I don't know if this will impress upon anyone, but if it hits one heart in the way it hit mine, it's worth my time to post. When a man can be stricken of all on Earth that is worthwhile to him, yet still turn praise to the Lord it lifts my heart. It means that those who are suffering the same now are not alone. God has not turned His back on you, He too suffered the loss of His child.
CAMP Camp is an incredible org and certainly a good place to support as they are attempting to re-open for special needs campers in a few days. I will be heading out there.
Probably already posted that James Avery is donating 100% of the proceeds for the Deep in the Heart of Texas charm to help those impacted by the floods.
The charm is completely sold out and is back ordered by 6+weeks. Americans are the most generous people on earth!
For all who are bereft in loss, unceasing and loving prayers come from our home to you. May He bless your faith and strength. And hold you up.
I've never posted all these years but am compelled to let you know that i share your burden. I only wish it helped. I'm a Mystic girl who left part of her soul in that river so long ago. ...
I don't know the man, but get a bit leery with the money request.
I 100% would not send any money directly to an individual. There are too many legit avenues to donate to that don't require an individual zelle transfer.
I don't know the man, but get a bit leery with the money request.
I feel the same and will plan to donate only to local nonprofits. Although in browsing through his comments section noticed this:
"Hi Cord Shiflet! You are doing such needed work. Thank you, truly. I spent a lot of time in Kerrville as a child and our family participate in another (unaffected) camp nearby.
I have a *bit* of professional experience reading non-profit tax returns, so I have a habit of pulling them up for any non-profit on my radar. I've probably looked at hundreds in the last decade.
Your foundation's tax return (990-PF) is honestly one of best! Super clear, all funds going exactly where they should, excellent transparency with expenses and donors/trustees. Just wanted to say you're doing a great job and folks can trust the funds will be spent wisely."
I don't know Cord, but here is what Camp Camp's statement is directly from there website. Also, I have included a link to their website in case you want to donate directly to them.
Gosh there are some heart breaking items being posted in there.
Damn, I told myself I needed to be stronger, but this made me tear up again, hard.
When we are weak, Jesus is strong. Give it to Him.
Doc, your resolve and demeanor throughout this whole ordeal has really been inspiring. I know we only see a small side of it but I have to commend you for everything you have said and done. I am a man of faith but I wish I could have a fraction of what you have because I just tear up every time I read this thread and think how I would respond is not how we should as believers.
Praying for you and your family, as well as everyone else having to deal with the pain of this situation. God is good
I don't know the man, but get a bit leery with the money request.
I know Cord, and he can be trusted. He is old money Westlake and the biggest realtor in Central Texas, I'm not surprised in the least he's leading this charge. I guarantee he will donate more than everyone else combined. Just a good dude that helps people in need all year long, not just when it makes headlines. I reached out to him to go out there today with skid steers, chainsaws and muscle. We are on the way.
I don't know the man, but get a bit leery with the money request.
I know Cord, and he can be trusted. He is old money Westlake and the biggest realtor in Central Texas, I'm not surprised in the least he's leading this charge. I guarantee he will donate more than everyone else combined. Just a good dude that helps people in need all year long, not just when it makes headlines. I reached out to him to go out there today with skid steers, chainsaws and muscle. We are on the way.
I don't know Cord, but here is what Camp Camp's statement is directly from there website. Also, I have included a link to their website in case you want to donate directly to them.
I don't know Cord, but here is what Camp Camp's statement is directly from there website. Also, I have included a link to their website in case you want to donate directly to them.
I don't know the man, but get a bit leery with the money request.
I know Cord, and he can be trusted. He is old money Westlake and the biggest realtor in Central Texas, I'm not surprised in the least he's leading this charge. I guarantee he will donate more than everyone else combined. Just a good dude that helps people in need all year long, not just when it makes headlines. I reached out to him to go out there today with skid steers, chainsaws and muscle. We are on the way.
Username Checks Out
I know Credible Source and can vouch for him personally. He is indeed a credible source.
I will say this... you would have to be the total scum of the Earth requesting $ to get a special needs camp open for the next campers. My sense is the guy is legit and desperate to make it happen. He just didn't request $, he specifically requested an excavator, skid steers, and able bodied workers. Maybe cut the guy a break.
Derm, I have never met you in person, but I see you all the time at games. My son had pitching camp at Olsen on Sunday. Almost the entire time I was sitting in the stands, I was thinking about your family. It has been a wonderful thing witnessing how the Aggie family cares for each other in all circumstances. I am truly sorry for your family's loss and all of those who have lost loved ones.
Was Cord the guy who put out the info about two girls being found that got picked up by the local newspaper or was that someone else?
That's my recollection but I could be wrong.
He just passed the news along like others is what I recall.
Edit: I'm trying to find his feed to verify the facts, but I recall him saying he was getting word of 2 girls 6 miles away. Just want to be sure we are using facts.
When I was walking the dogs earlier I saw pink when I looked up.
Back when I use to coach one of my colleagues lost their daughter and we all wore pink for her, at her funeral her mother mentioned to think of her whenever we see pink skies, to this day I still do. Looks like she has some new friends to play with and be remembered by in those beautiful pink skies
Derm and all of those missing their little angels are in my families prayers.