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An old year is ending — a new year is beginning. Normally, this is a time for a mayor to reflect on all that was accomplished in the year just past and set goals and aspirations for the year to come. And in fact, that is the very message I was planning to share this week.

Events of the past few days have changed that, however. A New Year’s message will have to wait.

During a violent storm Saturday, our city lost a bright light, Ty’Keria Rogers, a senior at Natchez High School, cheerleader captain, loving daughter and sister, and beloved friend to many. Our hearts go out to Ty’Keria’s family and friends, and especially her loving and grieving mother Tequilla.

Loss and tragedy are difficult things. And this tragic loss, three days after Christmas, has hit our community hard. For some, it has been especially hard considering that we as a city have suffered greatly over the holidays. Several deaths, fires, calamities — even families affected sadly by senseless crime.

When sadness happens, it affects our entire community, including family, friends, neighbors, and our first responders whose dutiful service has been extremely heavy under these recent circumstances. So many in our city are now dealing with loss, at a time when we all should be enjoying the holidays and looking with joyful anticipation toward the promise of a new year.

Words are inadequate at times like this. This is why, faced with our mortality and loss, we as a people have no choice but to turn to God and the faith that sustains us.

I have often quoted the Psalmist who wrote, “I look to the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord.” It is comforting to know that God is always there, His love never-ending, and His grace and compassion forever available to those in need.

I ask for prayers for our city — and especially those who have been personally affected by the losses of late — the family and friends of Ty’Keria, and so many others.

In Lamentations, it is written that “God’s mercies are new every morning.” I pray His mercies will be in abundant and fresh supply all over our city in the days to come.

I am encouraged to see the outpouring of love and kindness that has been so evident in our community. We have come together as one in beautiful ways. Sadness does not discriminate. It knows no social, racial, religious or political difference. And love is truly the salve that heals all.

May we continue to share the love — God’s love. When one hurts, we all hurt. For we are all one — One Natchez.

I do look forward to a New Year of promise and many blessings to come. Because Natchez Deserves More.

Dan M. Gibson is mayor of Natchez.