There’s something sacred about grief wrapped in worship. Something real about praising God not after the storm, but in it. Skyler Derrington did what so many of us struggle to do—she didn’t let tragedy steal her testimony. She gave it voice.

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a month since the flash flooding that overtook Camp Mystic in Central Texas. But as I watched this sweet young girl share her story on national TV—through tears, through lyrics, through unwavering faith—it felt like the moment had just happened.

Texas Flooding: How to Help

Skyler is only 12 years old, but her heart and voice carry the weight of someone far beyond her years. You may have seen the viral video—this sweet girl rewrote the song Hallelujah to tell the story of her survival and the heartbreaking loss of fellow campers. Her version is both raw and reverent, honoring the girls who didn’t make it, while pointing all of us to the hope found in Jesus.

I wrote it in honor of all of the girls at our camp. For those that we just lost, to honor them, and to remember that God has a plan for all of us even though rough stuff can happen sometimes. - Skyler Derrington

Lacy, her mom,  called the moment Skyler rewrote Hallelujah “song therapy”—a way of processing the unimaginable through worship. Can you relate to that? Music has a way of pulling our broken hearts into the presence of the Healer.

When asked by an interviewer "Where does your strong faith come from?" Skyler replied:

My whole life I've always believed in Jesus... everything that just happened really helped my faith grow... I've always been a Christian and believed God is with me no matter what happens.

And then God did what only He can do. He connected her story to someone she’s looked up to since she was little—Lauren Daigle. After hearing the song, Lauren flew to New York just to surprise Skyler. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Lauren shared some powerful encouragement with the family, saying:

Tragedy happens in so many people's lives and what you experienced was unbelievable... You took the tragedy and you turned it into something beautiful and that is so telling of your faith and the hope that you have in Jesus.

Can I just say—watching that moment, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper, “I see you, too.”

And how wonderful to hear from Skyler's mom that they are a part of the KSBJ listening family!? (09:05)

Maybe this story was meant for you today. Maybe you’ve walked through deep waters recently… not a flood, but a loss, a diagnosis, a heartbreak, a silence you weren’t prepared for. Maybe you’ve tried to hold it together for your kids, your spouse, your co-workers, but inside, you’re still treading water.

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Skyler’s story reminds me that no matter what you’ve faced, your “hallelujah” still matters. Even if it’s whispered through tears. Even if it’s broken.

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