The deadly flash floods that tore through Kerr County, including the Hunt and Kerrville areas, have claimed the lives of more than 80 Texans and left many still missing.
It Hits Close to Home
This is more than a headline. For me and my family, it’s personal.
My wife’s family ranch — nestled on the South Fork of the Guadalupe River, less than two miles from Camp Mystic — has been in her family since 1913. It’s a place of heritage and memory, where we’ve celebrated holidays and built traditions.
We were supposed to be there this weekend. But at the last minute, my wife and I canceled our plans. That decision may have saved our lives.
Four of our family members were there: my wife’s cousin, his pregnant wife, and their two-year-old daughter.
By the grace of God, they woke around 2am as water began entering their cabin — just hours before the flood waters consumed all of our cabins. The river peaked around 4 a.m., rising nearly 30 feet above its normal level. Ten hours later, our family was airlifted to safety.
While the ranch was severely devastated — and irreplaceable pieces of our family’s history were lost — we are unspeakably grateful that no lives were.
Now, I’m here at the ranch helping with cleanup. The destruction is immense. But we are alive — and we wish every family affected could be celebrating that same blessing.
Texas Gun Rights stands in full support of our members and fellow Texans across the Hill Country who are facing unthinkable loss and hardship.
As an organization rooted in the defense of life and liberty, we mourn with those who mourn, and we offer our deepest gratitude to the heroic first responders who have braved treacherous conditions to save others.
Over 850 people have been rescued. Many more remain missing. And while possessions can be replaced — people cannot.
So we pray.
We pray for the families of the victims. We pray for those still unaccounted for. And we pray for those wading through floodwaters — literally and figuratively — as they begin the long road to healing and rebuilding.
When we’re standing in the mud, looking at everything we’ve lost, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But we know where our strength comes from — and it isn’t Washington, D.C. or Austin.
It’s from the Lord.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
— Isaiah 40:31
To everyone across Texas: hold fast. Keep the faith. And know that in the hardest of times, we do not stand alone.
In liberty and with a heavy heart,
Chris McNutt
President, Texas Gun Rights
