Stand in the Gaps

What a week it’s been.

On July 3rd,  Congress passed the H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act which:

• funds the border wall, deportations, and a missile shield

• Includes deep cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in order to fund the bill’s tax breaks and spending

• slashes clean energy tax credits

• could add $3.3 trillion to deficit

On July 4th, deadly flash flooding began in Texas. The losses across the Texas Hill Country and at Camp Mystic are making so many of us feel helpless. As of Sunday, July 6th, the death toll has risen to 82 people and 8 campers are still missing. 

I grew up in church, so I’m used to people praying before meals and praying for those who are going through tough times. However, to be honest, prayer doesn’t always seem like enough to me, so what are we supposed to do when disaster happens? When so many are hurting? When the world seems to be falling apart?

I feel powerless right now, and I have to admit that I didn’t make it to church this morning. However, I’m so thankful that I watched today’s service online because Pastor Billy’s sermon was exactly what I needed to hear. It really helped me get some clarity on what it means to be the "hands and feet of Christ” during times of conflict, destruction, and loss.

During his sermon, Pastor Billy said, “When there’s brokenness in the world, God calls upon the servants to stand in the gaps, and that’s how healing is accomplished.” What does the term stand in the gaps mean? How do we stand in the gaps? According to Pastor Billy, there are some concrete ways to stand in the gaps for others:

• Pray for others. 

• Advocate for justice for the vulnerable

• Offer our presence and support for those in difficult situations

• Be a bridge between those who are broken and those who need to experience real hope in their lives

Of course, Pastor Billy’s sermon went much more spiritually in-depth than this blog, but I’m so thankful that I watched the service today because it encouraged me to continue advocating for the vulnerable, to look for ways to support those who are in difficult situations, and to always try to be a bridge so the broken can find real hope. 

In order to advocate for justice for the vulnerable, I will continue to protest, continue to march, continue to vote, continue to contact my politicians, continue to make my voice heard. I’m, also, working with a local group to try and get like-minded people to run for office. Protesting and marching are fun, but there’s work to be done, so please see what you can do to help out. 

One of the ways to offer our presence and support for those in difficult situations right now is by donating to support those who are dealing with the devastating floods. Info and links are below. 

1) The Community Foundation of the TX Hill Country's Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/.../create/fund...

2) The Central & South Texas chapter of the American Red Cross is offering disaster relief including financial assistance, shelter, and support. Put "Guadalupe River/Kerr County Flood" or "TX Hill Country Chapter” in the memo/designation field.

https://www.redcross.org/.../central-and-south-texas.html

3) Where to donate near Austin:

https://www.statesman.com/.../how-to-help.../84479206007/

The first week of July 2025 will definitely go down in history. As you look back a year from now, hopefully, you’ll be able to say that you helped make a difference during a time when many were giving up. Please allow yourself to be an advocate for the marginalized, a support for those who are suffering, and help build a bridge between those who are broken and those who need to experience real hope in their lives.