When the Waters Rise: What Floods Teach Us About Home, Hope, and Being Prepared

Written by Gillian Gooch • July 17, 2025

Over the last few weeks, we’ve witnessed heartbreaking images and stories from across the country — devastating flooding in Texas, flash floods in New York and New Jersey, families displaced, homes ruined, and lives turned upside down in a matter of hours.

As I scrolled through the news and saw the rising waters swallow up neighborhoods, I couldn’t help but think about how fragile the idea of “home” can feel. We work so hard to build it — financially, emotionally, spiritually — and yet nature reminds us that nothing in this life is guaranteed.

But even in the devastation, I’ve also seen something else: resilience. Compassion. Strangers becoming neighbors. Communities rising together. And it’s reminded me that while we may never be able to control the storms, we can choose how we prepare and how we respond.

A Practical Wake-Up Call

For homeowners, these floods serve as a sobering reminder to be proactive about protection. Do you know your flood zone? Have you talked to your insurance provider about flood coverage? Are your important documents stored safely or digitized?

You don’t have to live on a coast to experience flood risk — many of the hardest-hit areas weren’t even in FEMA flood zones. And unfortunately, that means many people are now navigating both physical loss and financial hardship.

Being prepared isn’t about fear — it’s about stewardship. It’s one way we honor the home God has blessed us with.

The True Foundation

If you’re anything like me, watching disasters like this unfold can stir up anxiety. What if that were my family? What if we had to evacuate with just the clothes on our backs?

But Scripture reminds us:

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." — Isaiah 43:2

The house may shake. The flood may rise. But our foundation — our faith, our family, and our trust in God — will hold firm.

How We Can Help

While we may not be able to physically show up in Texas or New York, we can show up through prayer, donations, and compassion for those facing loss. And if you or someone you love has been impacted, please know I’m lifting you up in prayer.

In uncertain times, it’s our responsibility to prepare — and our privilege to stand in faith.

If you have questions about flood insurance, emergency preparedness, or what steps you can take as a homeowner, I’d love to connect. We’re all in this together.

In faith and service,
Gillian Gooch, Realtor®
Gillian Gooch Properties