Record-breaking floods have devastated Texas, leading to submerged homes, the evacuation of families, and at least 100 fatalities.
Such natural disasters often challenge our core beliefs. It’s a perplexing situation where people question why a loving God would permit such intense suffering, especially when it stems from natural forces rather than human actions.
Interestingly, after these events, the very faith that prompts such questions can also become a source of strength. For many, rather than being a weak spot, faith is essential for coping, recovery, and rebuilding lives.
Online discussions reflected a shift of responsibility towards politics. During the floods, for example, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot criticized budget cuts affecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and some blamed Texas energy policies or described the floods as “revenge of Mother Nature.”
These reactions hint at an age-old religious obligation, echoing themes of judgement and fire but lacking in comfort. While they might evoke anger, they seldom provide solace or a haven.
Research supports this notion. A study in 2004 involving survivors of the Indian Ocean tsunami revealed that “religious faith and practice,” along with “cultural traditions,” significantly aided emotional recovery. The loss of faith, on the other hand, worsened trauma.
As researchers noted, stripping individuals of their spiritual frameworks only amplified their suffering instead of helping them cope with misfortune.
Personally, I’ve witnessed this firsthand. My brother, Asher, a Chabad Rabbi from St. Thomas, took shelter with his children during Hurricane Irma. As they rode out 185 mph winds, witnessing the destruction of the landscape, it was nothing short of apocalyptic.
Yet they survived, although the island’s infrastructure largely did not. For days, he provided food, generators, and emotional support to those displaced, repeatedly witnessing the power of faith—not just as belief, but as a driving force. It allowed people to keep going even when everything seemed lost.
This isn’t isolated to just one event. After hurricanes like Harvey, Irma, Maria, Dorian, Ida, and the recent floods in Texas, faith-based organizations are often the first to respond. Groups such as the United Methodist Church, Southern Baptist Convention, various Catholic charities in southeastern Texas, and the Chabad Disaster Relief Fund not only offer prayers but also mobilize resources and support.
As USA Today aptly put it, these religious organizations are “essential partners in state and federal disaster relief efforts.”
However, it doesn’t mean that only the religious can cope with trauma. Many find solace in community, love, and meaning outside of faith. But faith provides a structured framework, serving as a spiritual guide that helps people navigate when everything around them crumbles. For some, believing in a higher purpose can be crucial to shifting from despair to resilience.
As Texans face this catastrophe, many lean into their faith rather than anger or blame. We may struggle to understand why such tragedies occur, but faith can equip us to endure them. While politics often shifts blame, faith offers a hand to hold on to.
