Incredibly painful and tragic news in what was meant to be a celebratory week for the Chapman family.
“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…” [Chapman's Manager]
As a parent, my heart just aches for Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman. Their youngest child – 5 year old Maria Sue [adopted from China] - was struck and killed in an accident by an SUV driven by their teenage son [in their driveway]. They have six children of which three are adopted from China. Their foundation and ministry - Shaohannah’s Hope - advocates for international adoption. Read official news below.
I know that in my [recovering] cynicism, I have a tendency of taking pokes at CCM [Contemporary Christian Music(ians)] but truth be told, artists likeSteven Curtis Chapman ministered very deeply to my soul – especially during the early years of my walk with Christ. He, Amy Grant, and Rich Mullins were probably some of the deeper influences after I came to the revelation and revolution of Christ. Chapman’s song, “I will be There,” is still in our home’s weekly playlist [see lyrics below].
I know that one death pales in comparison to the global news of thousands of tragic deaths in Burma [Nargis Cyclone], China [earthquake], and the daily staggering stastics of global poverty, but Chapman’s influence through his music makes it feel so close to home.
Praying for the entire Chapman family – especially father, mother, siblings, and the older brother involved in this accidental death. Lord is near. May they experience His presence and redemptive grace during their confusion, anger, mourning and healing.
Here’s a YouTube video of Maria [In Memory of Maria]:
News Reports: an article from the Seattle PI [AP News/below]; CNN News; People Magazine; and another article from the Tennessean. Photo above by Tucker Photography, Inc.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 5-year-old daughter of contemporary Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman was struck and killed Wednesday by a sport utility vehicle driven by her brother, authorities said.
The girl, Maria, was hit in a driveway on the family residence Wednesday afternoon by a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by her teenage brother, said Laura McPherson, a spokesman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
McPherson said no charges are expected.
“It looks like a tragic accident,” she said.
She said several members of the Chapman family witnessed the accident, which happened in Williamson County just south of Nashville.
The brother apparently did not see the little girl, McPherson said. She did not have the name or exact age of the brother, only that he is an older teenager.
The girl died later at Vanderbilt Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Laurie Holloway said.
Chapman, originally from Paducah, Ky., and his wife have promoted international adoption and have three daughters from China, including Maria.
Chapman has won five Grammy awards and 51 Dove awards from the Gospel Music Association.
The singer’s Web site said that Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, were persuaded by their oldest daughter to adopt a girl from China. The experience led the family to adopt two more children and create Shaohannah’s Hope, a foundation and ministry to financially assist thousands of couples in adoption.
The Chapmans did missionary work at Chinese orphanages in 2006 and 2007, according to the Web site.
“After our first trip to China, my wife and I knew our lives were changing – our eyes and hearts were opening to how big God really is, and we have wanted to experience more of that,” Chapman says on the Web site. “We’ve really wondered whether or not we should just go to China and stay there. But I don’t think so. I believe God is saying, ‘I want you to go, get your heart broken, your eyes opened, and then take this story back to the church in America and around the world.’”
Chapman also has released a book about being a father entitled “Cinderella: The Love of Daddy and his Princess.”
Here are the beautiful [and poignant lyrics] to “I Will Be There”…
Tomorrow mornin’ if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I…I will be hereIf in the dark we lose sight of love
Hold my hand and have no fear
‘Cause I…I will be hereI will be here…
When you feel like bein’ quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to cryin’
Through the winnin’ and
losin’ and tryin’
We’ll be together
‘Cause I will be hereTomorrow mornin’ if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I…I’ll be hereJust as sure as seasons
are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
I…I will be hereI will be here….
You can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we’re older
I will hold youAnd I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the
things you are to me
I will be hereI will be true
To the promise I have made
To you and to the
One who gave you to meI…I will be here
And just as sure as seasons
are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
‘Cause I…
I will be here….
We’ll be together‘Cause I will be
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