Chapman Tragedy - Becca

Well, I've been wanting to post a blog for a while, but I try and wait until I'm inspired to actually say something. I wasn't thinking something like this would be what would do it.

Tragedy hit popular Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman's family yesterday afternoon as his 5-year-old and youngest adopted daughter from China, Maria Sue, was accidentally hit and killed by an SUV that was driven by one of their teenage sons as he was driving in the driveway of their home. I found out this morning when I arrived at work when James (my boss) told me of this. It so saddens me, as I, and so many others have come to really respect and appreciate the Chapmans for their love for the Lord and for orphans. They've been used as instruments of the Lord to proclaim His heart for those without fathers and many have been moved to adopt or to reach out to the orphans.

If you haven't heard their story, here it is in a nutshell, from what I've learned from hearing/reading several interviews in the past. The Chapman's oldest daughter, Emily, had a burden for adoption, and through her prayers and persistence of encouraging her parents to do so, the Lord moved on Steven and Mary Beth's hearts to adopt. Their first child they adopted was Shaohannah from China. They later adopted two others from China, Stevey Joy and then Maria Sue.

Taken from www.stevencurtischapman.com, where you can also see a video clip of Steven and Maria taken two months ago...
"Maria Sue Chapman, adopted and youngest daughter to Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, was killed Wednesday night in a tragic accident in the family driveway on Wednesday evening. She was LifeFlighted to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital but for only reasons God can explain she went home to Him... not to Franklin as we all so desperately wanted.Your prayers are needed for all in the Chapman family.

This is a family who has so generously loved and given to so many. Just hours before this close knit family was celebrating the engagement of the oldest daughter Emily Chapman, and were just hours away from a graduation party marking Caleb Chapman's completion of high school. Now, they are preparing to bury a child who blew out 5 candles on a birthday cake less than 10 days ago. These words are unthinkable to type."

What else can one say at this time? I can't imagine what the family must be feeling right now, especially the son who hit her. Especially the father who adored her. Especially the mother, who at one time didn't know if she could love an adopted child like her own, only to find she could love them deeply. Especially a sister who prayed for her. Especially sons who joined in cheering their parents to adopt again, and had already decided they would one day adopt their own.

Not even popular Christian musicians are exempt from pain in this world, but where there is pain, in Christ, there is still hope and comfort. Thousands, I know, will grieve and pray with the Chapmans.

Romans 12:15b "mourn with those who mourn."
John 16:33b "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Find out more, including how to send condolences to the family and gifts to Shaohannah's Hope, (the organization the Chapmans started to help people who want to adopt) at www.stevencurtischapman.com.