The timing of our trip has been truly divine. When God gave Amy and I our dates, we had no idea that two very important events would be taking place at the Empty Cross while we’re here. On our first night was a vigil for the flood victims, and on our second night a memorial for one of the girls lost at Camp Mystic.
As you enter the grounds, small white crosses line the walkway with names of each of the flood victims. It’s beautiful. Along the back on the sanctuary, a permanent stone wall is being erected with the names of victims and first responders. By it will be a sculpture of Jesus walking on water holding the hands of two little girls.
During the memorial for the little girl, I asked the Lord, “How could you let this happen? Didn’t it pain you to let her drown?” And He so lovingly answered, “It wasn’t like that.” In that moment, I saw the little girl underwater, and Jesus right there with her. Her face locked on His, and His on her, with so much peace. I saw glory light shoot from behind Him, and knew this wasn’t a traumatic event. She was in the glory of Heaven instantly.
Confirmation came to me the following morning when the Lord reminded me about a drowning event I had when I was three. I was lost in the ocean, and when my father found me, I came up laughing. After that, anytime I saw deep water, I had to jump in. My dad told me he lost so many pairs of glasses diving in after me! But what the Lord showed me years later, is that when I was underwater that first time, I was with Him. And all the times after that, I had to get back to Him! This, I know, is what many who drowned also experienced. God’s hand was in every bit of it. He never leaves the ones He loves.
But even still, I have to admit, we didn’t get to pray for as many people as we had hoped. We were looking forward to being with many, and though they were coming in masses after the flood, the numbers have dwindled. Which, I guess is a good thing. Amy was able to minister to a family our first night, and I spent that evening singing and praising God from the Cross after the crowds had gone. I didn’t realize it at the moment, but God was preparing the ground for what He would do this Saturday. Before uprooting strongholds, He often takes me to a high place to praise Him and declare life over the land. Then, when we go in to redeem it, it all comes out, roots and all.
