MARIA SUE

Last night Allen came into our room with a heavy heart. He had just learned that Maria Sue Chapman, adopted daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman was hit by an SUV and killed. The Chapman's teenage son was driving the car. We both felt physically sick to hear about this tragic accident. I can't imagine how devastating this is for this family!

SCC is one of the very few celebrities that we have followed as we have traveled through our married life. There is something about him that makes you believe that he is a just a regular guy and if he and his wife lived in your town, you would probably be friends. He and his wife (Mary Beth) are about our age and had 3 biological children before adopting their three daughters from China. They have been very candid about the challenges in their married life as well their parenting journey. It is probably kind of weird, but I have always been intrigued and interested in this family. Maybe because we too have faced some of the same challenges and are at a similar place in life. At any rate, I have always liked SCC and as I thought about it today, he has had a HUGE impact on my life through his music and his Christ-centered life. I hate to admit it, but we probably have every album he has produced. That kind of dates me, doesn't it? Oh well, I don't care. He is such a gifted musician and writer and speaks the TRUTH so beautifully. Although it is hard for me to pick my favorites, here are a few of his songs that have been significant to me and Allen.

*The Great Adventure/The Mountain -Young Life Family Camp in Colorado - 1996. At the end of the week, the staff put together a music video of all the things we did that week. These two songs were featured. The Mountain became one of Allen's all-time favorites.

*I Will Be Here- a love song written for Mary Beth Chapman beautifully describes a marriage relationship that is built on a commitment to Christ and to each other.

*Dive- Played at Lindsay's baptism in 2001. I heard this song on the radio just yesterday and realized how it gives a perfect word picture to our decision to adopt.

*When Love Takes You In- This song speaks to the miracle of adoption. It was played at the concert I attended back in 2005. It touched my heart and helped me to take a step closer to adopting our own children.

Although I have never met any of the Chapmans, I feel indebted to this family for encouraging me in my faith. Steven Curtis Chapman has been faithful in using his gifts to advance the Gospel. I am just one of thousands of people that he and his family has inspired. I'm sure that there are many, many people wondering how they could possibly help this family as they go through this horrible tragedy. I wish there was something I could do for them...like bring over a hot dish or bake a cake! If you check out his website, they have some short videos of Maria Sue. They have also asked that all donations go to Shaohannah's Hope, the organization the Chapmans set up to support adoptive families. What a wonderful place to channel our love and concern. I'm not sure exactly how Allen and I will choose to help, but we will surely uphold this family in prayer. I think I will go down and kiss my baby goodnight now.