A 12-year-old girl who survived deadly floods at a Texas summer camp rewrote ‘Hallelujah‘ to honor 27 friends who died. Her viral tribute caught the attention of Grammy winner Lauren Daigle, who surprised her on live television.
Being a Christian is not just about praying or worshipping God. We need to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that does not waver in any situation we face.
Our faith is truly tested when we go through hardship or tragedy. It’s hard to even imagine what this young girl went through after losing 27 of her friends.
But during that terrible time, she leaned on her faith in Jesus Christ and encouraged others.
The Deadly Flood at Camp Mystic
Skyler Darrington was at Camp Mystic in Central Texas when flash floods hit on July 4th. The Christian summer camp sits along the Guadalupe River near Hunt.
Skyler’s cabin was closest to the river when the water rose fast and swept through the camp.
More than 130 people died in the floods across Central Texas that day. Twenty-seven girls at Camp Mystic lost their lives.
Camp directors rushed in pickup trucks to get girls like Skyler to higher ground. They saved many lives that terrible morning.
Skyler’s parents couldn’t reach her during the disaster. They drove four hours through the night to get to the camp.
“There was no communication,” her father said. “It was the fastest I’ve ever driven in my life.”
When they arrived, they found scenes that broke their hearts. But they also saw people helping everywhere.
“The humanity on display around Hunt and Ingram. People came from all over the country to help,” Skyler’s father shared.
Turning Grief Into a Song of Faith
After the tragedy, Skyler did something beautiful. She rewrote the words to Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ to honor her friends who died. Her mother Lacey helped her write the new words.
“It was very emotional and healing,” Lacey said. “It was like song therapy. A beautiful tribute.”
Skyler’s version of ‘Hallelujah’ included these powerful words:
They say the water overcame
But I will never forget their names
No blame, no fault, so really, what’s it to ya
We are a part of Mystic heart
We spread His light, His love, His Word
The holy and the broken hallelujah.
The song went viral online. Skyler appeared on Fox & Friends to share her story and sing her tribute.
During the interview, she talked about her strong faith.
“Throughout my whole life, I’ve always believed in Jesus,” Skyler said. “That event really helped my faith grow. All my friends were there. We sung during the tragic event, and it just helped us grow.”
A Dream Come True Surprise
When the hosts asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, Skyler said she dreamed of becoming a Christian singer. Her favorite artist? Lauren Daigle.
That’s when something amazing happened. Lauren Daigle walked out from behind the set to surprise Skyler. The young girl couldn’t believe it.
“I literally was standing in the corner with tears,” Daigle told Skyler. “You took the tragedy and turned it into something beautiful. That’s so telling of your faith, and the hope you have in Jesus.”
Daigle had seen Skyler’s video and shared it with her family right away. When Fox & Friends asked her to surprise Skyler, she dropped everything and flew to New York.
“She’s got it,” Daigle said after hearing Skyler sing live. “The way you wrote those lyrics — wow. And singing Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah,’ that’s not easy. But you nailed it.”
In a beautiful twist, Daigle shared that she’s releasing a new song called ‘Let It Be a Hallelujah’ on August 1st. She wrote it years ago but never released it.
“Sometimes He puts things in holding and asks you to wait,” she said. “It’s for a reason. I had no idea back then that it would come now, but I understand it to a deeper level today.”
Skyler’s faith stayed strong through the worst day of her young life. Her song reminds us that God walks with us through every storm.
Please pray for all the families who lost loved ones in these floods and for the Camp Mystic community as they heal together.
WATCH: Skyler Darrington Sings ‘Hallelujah’ on Live TV and Gets Surprise from Lauren Daigle
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