I still shudder when I recall to my mind Memorial Weekend five years ago in nearby Wimberley, Texas. The story of Jonathan McCombs and his wife, Laura, Leighton and Andrew still lives in my heart.
The McCombs were enjoying Memorial Day weekend with friends when a Cypress tree fell, knocking the house off the foundation and into the Blanco River. Twelve people died that day in the Wimberley floods, eight from that vacation house.
At one point, McCombs knew he had lost his family and friends and recalled “At this point, I know that I’ve lost my friends and my family. I’m underwater. I’m tired. I don’t want to live anymore.” He hit a rock underwater that appeared to jar him back to reality. He renewed his attempts to keep afloat and eventually was able to reach an embankment, climbed up a cliff and reached a house where residents called for help.
Five years later, Jonathan is remarried and a new father again. In more recent years, he has shared publicly about life after this trauma “The further I got away from God, the harder it was. The closer I would get to God, the better I could understand, deal with, cope and share my story to help somebody else. We serve a great God.” He also said in a recent interview “Live like it might be your last day. Laugh until it hurts and don’t be afraid to love or to be loved but love uncontrollably and without any remorse.” (Jonathan also shares his story in Max Lucado’s book “Unshakable Hope.”)
I just can’t read about this story without some emotion as I picture what it must have been like to see and hear the torrent of water rushing into the house. Fathers trying to figure out what to do. Mommas scooping up their children. Jonathan’s wife calling her sister several times asking for help. People clinging to anything they could as the house sailed down the fast moving river.
How is McCombs able to speak about such hope after this? Wouldn’t you be angry at God or just want to give in to the pain that encompassed him? I’m sure it's not easy, but McCombs already had a personal relationship with God. In his struggle in the days and years ahead, he came to really see that drawing near to God was the best way to go. God has and will continue to sustain him.
Today, we remember. We remember our national veterans and give thanks. At this unique time in our country, we remember our first responders and give thanks. We remember all those who are no longer with us and give thanks for their lives.
Most of all, we remember a sovereign God of the universe who is in control even when it doesn’t sometimes feel like it. We remember that it is God who gives us a future and a hope and a reason to live, even when we may not feel like it.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10
“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
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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