Tragedy for Steven Curtis Chapman
May 22, 2008
Tragic news is coming out of Nashville today with the death of Maria, the five year old daughter of US Christian Singer, Steven Curtis Chapman.
This report from The Tennessean tells us that it seems to be a tragic accident.
Steven Curtis Chapman’s youngest child died Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a car driven by her teenage brother in the driveway of the family’s Williamson County home.
Maria, one of the Christian singer’s six children, was taken by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt Hospital, which confirmed the death, according to Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The 5-year-old was hit by an SUV driven by her teenage brother, she said. Police did not give the driver’s name.
The teen was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser down the driveway of the rural home at about 5:30 p.m. and several children were playing in the area, McPherson said. He did not see Maria in the driveway before the vehicle struck her, she said.
“It appears to be a terrible accident,’’ McPherson said.
Steven Curtis Chapman’s recent release, Cinderella, was written partly for Maria. He spoke to Bethany Christian Services about the song.
This song was inspired by my two youngest girls. One night I was giving them a bath and trying to get them in bed. I was hurrying and became frustrated. After I got the girls in bed, God convicted me not to miss these moments because kids grow up so quickly. The song is called ‘Cinderella.’
I’m sure that the family will appreciate our prayers at this time.
I have now written an update about the tragedy and included a radio interview with Mike Rayson from Nashville about the pain of losing a child. You can read more at Remembering Maria Sue Chapman.
Posted in Life
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
My heart is breaking for your dobule loss. The loss of Maria Sue and the heartbreak that her brother must be going thru. God is all powerfull and omnipotent and will bring you thru. Remember the words to the song by Alan Asbury “Someonei s praying me throug. Also go on the internet and look up the poen “God’d Lent Child” I am sure it will be comfort to you. Part of it is…I’ll lend you for a little while, this child of mine God said, for you to love the while she lives, and mourn for when she dies. It may be one or two years, or thirty two or three, but will you till I call her hiome take care of her for me. She’ ll bring her charms to gladden you but should her stay be brief, you’ll have her lovely memories as a solace for your grief.
God Bless
May 22nd, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I am deeply sorry to hear about the tragic situation regarding the loss of your daughter. I write to you all on behalf of the Beijing International Christian Fellowship…we remember your ministry at BICF and the impact it had on all of us. The BICF family will be praying for you and your entire family.
I remember in 2006 the whole family came to Beijing for a concert at the Lafitte Chateau - and I remember Maria was there too with Mary Beth and your other children. The song that made deepest dent in my soul was the one ‘When love takes you in’…I wept so much.
When both of you adpoted Maria, it was love who took her in…your love, your children’s love and God’s love. At least, she knew that love for 5 years and it’s the same love that has received her soul into heaven. If she had still been in China…I doubt she would have ever known the love of a family, of parents and of brothers and sisters..and most of all the love of God.
When I read the news on the recent earthquake in the Sichuan province, China, my eyes were full of tears because of the way the children had died..babies and little ones…it was so tragic. I’m glad that Maria was not one of them…at least she passed on, in a place of love and surrounded by a family who cared deeply for her.
May the Holy Spirit be a comforter to all of you…and bring your souls to a place of rest and peace, as you deal with this tragedy and release the loss.
God bless you all.
May 22nd, 2008 at 6:27 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 7:16 pm
My deepest, heartfelt sympathy and prayers in the tragic loss of your child. I will keep praying for you and for your son’s healing as he struggles with the accident.
With much love and many hugs, Patti
May 22nd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
What a tragic event. I am so sorry for your entire family. Your son is going to need you more than ever to help him overcome this tragedy. The loss of your daughter is equally devestating but God will see you all through this if you keep your eyes on HIM. To help you during this painful time, music has always helped me and when I lost my child through a miscarriage the song, Jesus has a rocking chair by the Green’s, helped me tremendously. Listen to the song and the words and I hope your entire family will find comfort. The only power that can heal you now is Jesus’s Love and time. Just focus on the 5 years you had with your precious daughter and that this family is together and rely on each other. Happy memories with Maria will help through the pain. Remember her laughter, her smile and how much she completes your family. Also remember that no one can take her memory from you and that even in Heaven she will always be with you.
I pray for the family and especially your son Will. Accidents happen and no one can ever answer the question why. Your son just needs to acknowledge that this was truly an accident and how much he loves his sister and he will see her again when he goes to meet Jesus. Will I pray that you will forgive yourself and that God will totally transform this tragic and horrendous accident to use it for a positive. I don’t know how or why this would happen but that is my prayer.
This time is going to be difficult but rely on your family, the love of others and God to help you all move forward during this most difficult time. Again, listen to the song, Jesus has a rocking chair, what a powerful message it can give. God bless you all.
May 22nd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Love and prayers, Mark and Anita Fry and family
May 22nd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I wept for you this morning as my husband prayed for your peace. Your loss is felt in our hearts. We love you and mourn for you and for your precious teenage son. We pray that the God of peace and comfort will draw him close and that the lies of the enemy will be unable to take root in his heart. We pray the Holy Spirit’s protection around his young life and around the hearts of your entire family. God bless you for the amazing impact your family has had on this world through your obedience to Him. As your Cinderella is borne in the arms of angels into the presence of her loving Maker, may the Holy Spirit also surround you and continue to fill your home with His healing presence.
Yours in Christ, Clay and Melanie Treadway
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Our prayers are with you. May the Spirit of God breath his heavenly Spirit all around and through you all.
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:08 pm
My prayers and blessings are with the Chapman family at their time of loss.
Loree Larsen
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:18 pm
What tragic and devastating news! I have only recently discovered Steve’s music after finding out he “discovered” Casting Crowns.
Yes, we trust and love our saviour for His faithfulness, and then an event comes along that pushes us to the limits of our faith! Steve and his immediate, and his extended family the world over will be in prayer for them all. Their little one is now with Jesus, we all know this, but the loss and the circumstances of the loss - how can this poor family deal with this? There is but one answer - Trust in Jesus.
This has happened to someone who has a high profile - so often it happens to those with no profile and they have to cope, but so many lose control. How much we must trust our saviour in ALL things.
Steve & family, you will be in our prayers, and it is a reminder that we must also follow God’s direction to “pray without ceasing” - for all our brothers and sisters in Christ but also for those outside of Him.
We must never let go of the arms that hold us in love like no other.
There are so many things we will never understand in this life. But we must praise God in all things, no matter what. It has taken me that past 5 years with 5 family losses and 6 pet losses to really come to understand this. But He alone is faithful. Yes, we suffer the pain and the loss, the incredible heartache, the endless tears and extreme depression. We blame ourselves and our sin nature! But He is there to help us through our trials and our pain. If we trust Him and are faithful, He will bring us through, I can testify to that, but we need to fall at His feet - and He will bring us through.
Praise our God and our Saviour and our redeemer.
God Bless you Steve and your family, we are with you in spirit and in prayer in your pain and your terrible loss.
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
My heart aches for you all.
I pray for you and your family during this time. Please trust God and know that all things work for good for those who trust and believe in Jesus.
May the Spirit comfort you during this time and in the future. Know that your brothers and sisters in Christ are lifting you and your family up to God in prayer.
May His peace be with you always.
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I love you all and pray God will confort you in this difficult time. Caleb and Willy Frank, remember you are children of God and there is nothing you can do to make God love you anymore or any less than he already does. Peace and Love, Jeff
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:37 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
When I heard about your loss, I was filled with grief for you and your family.. I cried and felt such pain for you and your son.. your precious daughter is with the Father and singing joyful songs.. Love has taken her in.
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:54 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
It is with deep saddness to hear about the tragedy that has struck your family. I don’t have any children so I know I have no idea the turmoil your whole family is going through. The only thing I can say is God needed another Angel to pour out the rain. So when it rains just know Little Maria is apart of it in her Cinderella dress. May God keep you and your family in his loving arms. Your songs have always inspired me and has gotten me through some pretty tough times. Love to you and your family. You will continue to stay in my heart and prayers. Ruth
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Our whole family is praying for you. I am so deeply sorry, We mourn with you. I am the father of Three beautiful Princesses myself and I cried with you when my wife called me with the news. Your “Cinderella Song” ministers to me beyond words, it truly shows a fathers heart towards his children( daughters).
May GOD our Heavenly Father love on You , His children , and hold you in HIS mighty Arms.
I am praying for your son ,that the Father’s grace and peace would be about him and supply his every need.
May the your family find rest in the shadow of HIS Wings.
Love and Prayers.
Jeff and Sandy Eager Family
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I wish at this time I could offer some great words of wisdom. I can only offer my prayers and words of wisdom that were given to me many years ago. I am sure that someone else is monitoring this site, but I hope in time you will read these words, at God’s perfect timing, and they will help you.
Remember, it is okay to question the ways of God, but never His will. You may never understand why God chose for things to happen this way, and your son may never understand, but remember always it is God’s will. In that, also don’t let Satan be a memory stealer. You will be plauged with what ifs and how comes; remember it is God’s will. Satan will try to flood you will so many other things to steal your memories. Don’t allow it. Remember all the things God brought into your life and how blessed you are becasue of this daughter. Don’t let Satan steal that.
You are in our prayers. Your son is on our prayers. Keep your memories that God has blessed you with.
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Your song says it best - “We say goodbye with hope!”
It still hurts - when one part of the body of Christ hurts so much, we all hurt along with them.
We will be praying especially for your son - he needs to remember that there are no accidents with the Lord! We’ll pray for his healing - and that you all as his immediate family will have the wisdom in knowing best how to help and support him.
We have been fans of yours since way back at the beginning - and have prayed you through many different things. Rest assured we will be holding you up to our Heavenly Father - even as He is holding Maria. Don’t “wish” her back - she is in the presence of the One Who gave His life for her and shes’ worshipping Him there! She’s dancing as the Cinderella she is!
We love you!
Allen and Vivian Muchmore
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:38 pm
God bless!
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Just to be sure and remind them that there are people here willing to help and encourage them.
There are and will be people praying for them.
I was woken up this morning by my radio telling me this very story and saying over and over just be sure and keep them in your prays.
This is an incrediably difficult thing to deal with.
But it was in God’s plan.
Therefore there wasn’t anything that could have been done to stop it.
So use this as a lesson, Know that shes in a better place.
And you say, ” Easy for you to say, You aren’t goingt throught this.”
But I have.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:17 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
God Bless.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
[...] I just learned of the death of Stephen Curtis Chapman’s youngest daughter, Maria (age 5). I am speechless and can’t stop crying. His song “Cinderella” (inspired by his daughters) is one of my favorite songs and one that’s been a song in my heart a lot lately. Please lift them up in prayer. More info can be found HERE. [...]
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:25 pm
We are terribly sorry for the lost of your love one. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts. May the Lord whom we serve shelter you with His love.
Prayfully
The Askews
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:27 pm
If it wasn’t with God’s help and strength that pulled me through it all and never let me go, I don’t know how I would have cooped with it all. And knowing that my mom is in a much and far better place than we can ever imagine, well that helped me also. I just hang on to all our wonderful memories and knowing I will see her again when I meet my father!! God Bless You All
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:43 pm
In Him,
Lydia
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:46 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Steven and Mary Beth my heart goes out to you guys I think the world of you
and just remember you will see her again.i am sorry about the tragic loss .
we will be praying for you guys escpecially for your son .I know the Lord will give yall the strength to make it through this beacuse ONLY GOD CAN give you that peace.
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Words cannot fully express the Pain I feel for you and your family. You music has been an inspiration for me for years and even though I do not know you personally I feel is if you are my family. You have helped so many people through tough times with your faith and your music. Now know that we are all here for you. “We Cry With Hope” for you and your family. I will be Praying For You. Please let your son know that we all care for him and pray that he will find peace about this terrible tragic accident. I pray that you stay strong and know you are not alone not only Christ but all of your friends are here with you.
With Christian Love
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:57 pm
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:03 am
How I see Maria so clearly, dancing in the arms of Jesus ( her prince )…
Blessings,
Jen Shaw
BFC
Bethany Oklahoma
73008
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:12 am
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine your pain and sorrow. My daughters and I prayed for you together this morning as soon as we heard. I am praying that through all of this, you will feel God’s loving arms around you, comforting you. Steven, your music has been a large part of my walk with Jesus. I pray others will be a blessing to you as you have been to so many. You are continually in our prayers.
Love,
The Bernat Family
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:28 am
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down today.
Nothing gold can stay” by Robert Frost
God has a new golden Angel by his side now..RIP precious little Maria..Our prayers are with the Chapman Family..
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:45 am
We share your name and now your grief! We are so sorry for this terrible tragedy. Our hearts are just breaking for your entire family. We especially lift up your son, Will. May God’s peace encircle you that you may experience that peace that passes all understanding. We are praing for you now and in the days to come.
Ed & Jeanne Chapman (& Kristen, Connor, Carter & Carson)
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:53 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:11 am
This is one of my poems I wish to dedicate to you and your family:
HE TAKES MY PAIN
He takes my pain away…
And replaces it with happiness.
He wipes my tears away..
And fills my eyes with gladness.
He takes my pain.
He takes my hurt away…
And heals my aching soul.
He takes my troubles away..
And makes me whole.
He takes my pain.
I can pray to him all hours of the day.
Because…
He takes my pain away….
From Winnie Shields..with Love
WINNIESPOETRY.. “A Yellow Rose Among the Red”
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:13 am
You guys have allowed us to be an extended part of your family by being so open and transparent with us over the years, revealing your most intimate feelings and thoughts through your music. It is as if we have all lost a daughter today. Thank you so much for the ways you have encouraged us all through times of tragedy and loss. My prayer for your family today is that God will visit you through those who love you, and even those you don’t know, to bring you comfort and healing. May the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, now comfort you through those who have received His comfort. Blessings and love,
Brad Teague
Fort Worth, TX
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:14 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:21 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:24 am
Steven - your music has ministered to me and God has richly blessed you in many ways; Remember His promises and His faithfulness - that’s what will get you through this time. Prov. 3:5-6. I pray that your family will be comforted knowing that your daughter is with Jesus and that your son will allow God’s love to heal his hurting heart.
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:28 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:42 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:47 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:12 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:15 am
With deepest sympathy,
Your sister in Christ
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:34 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:40 am
We are very sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you and your family that Jesus, our mighty comforter, will help you through this time. Our hearts go out to you. Sincerely, Matt and Melissa
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:46 am
PRAYER:
Jesus, I pray that your presence will be with Steven and his family during this deep loss more than ever before. Lord comfort this sweet family and bring people their way that are sensitive with Your best in mind. Don’t let the public and publishers bother them to the point of frustration. Make room for them to process this whole thing and speak to them concerning Maria. Help them through the planning that they need to do and guide them through this life transition. In Jesus name, Amen
May 23rd, 2008 at 5:30 am
I have experienced the loss of a child. I know your pain. I promise you that the Lord will restore you in all ways. As He says, there is a time for all things - even mourning. He spoke to me clearly about my own mortality after my child passed away. I was reminded of my eternal soul and how one day (in the blink of an eye) I too will be with Him. Remember when King David fasted, tore his clothing and prayed so mightily for the life of his child? It surprised his family and friends that when the child died, David lifted himself off the floor and ate. When asked why, he replied that now he (David) would be the one to go to him (his child) and meet his child in heaven. I believe David was powerfully comforted by this….as am I. The Lord said that we see through a glass darkly (in part) but that one day we will see Him face to face and know Him as we have been known. I can’t wait for that day. May the Lord bless you and your family (and especially your son) all the days of your lives. May faith, hope, peace and love overcome all things in your home….
May 23rd, 2008 at 6:21 am
My heart is breaking for you at the loss of your little one, Maria. I’m also so sorry that one of your young sons is dealing with such pain having not realized his sister was in the line of the vehicle.
Please know that my family and I are lifting you all up in prayer asking the Lord to comfort you. We know Maria is with Jesus, but it will take time for you all to adjust to this tragedy.
God bless.
Joan Trout
May 23rd, 2008 at 6:30 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 6:43 am
I won’t offer any cliche’d sayings or empty offerings. We both know who’s fault this is. God doesn’t do these things to test your faith. There will be people who will say, “Well, we know all things happen for a reason.” NO! That is just opening a door to blame God or blame your son. Do not receive that. Satan will try to lie to you and make you start wondering “why”. So, Yes… there is a reason. But, God didn’t have His hand in it.
The Word says: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. And you know that Satan comes for no other reason than to kill, steal and destroy. So, keep your eyes on the Lord and remember who this battle is with. Don’t let Satan damage your faith!
Maria is with our Heavenly Father. I have no doubt of that. It is a small reassurance at this time. She is gone. But rest in our divine hope and promise that you will be with her rejoicing for eternity.
I don’t really know what else to add. Just to tell you that your brothers and sisters in Christ are here for you. I cannot imagine your pain. But we love you and your family. The love and peace of Christ Jesus be with you in this time of loss and always.
The DeSoto Family
May 23rd, 2008 at 7:48 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:45 am
I so admire what your family stands for and your hearts for Jesus and for the “orphans and widows”. As a fellow adoptor or a beautiful Chinese girl from Guangxi province, I know what a special place in your heart Maria must have had, and I mourn with you and will pray for your entire family. Our God is awesome - Paul wrote “Who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should give Him counsel”. In some mysterious way, our Almighty Saviour will use this in your lives to purify and sanctify you all. God Bless you and I pray that the Lord will quicken all of you to continue in His service.
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:47 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:13 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:47 am
Heaven has a brand new precious angel! How wonderful for Maria, but how heart-breaking and devestating for you that are still here. I will be prayiing for all of your family and I will lift your son also that he will find peace and comfort from his Heavenly Father. I pray God’s grace and love will sustain and keep you in the days, months and even years to come. I do not understand God’s ways - my faith has to kick in really strong and remind me that His ways are best and ‘He doeth all things well’. Your testimony, talents and your family has touched more lives than you will ever know. Please know that thousands upon thousands of people are lifting all of you up, praying without ceasing.
God Bless You.
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:47 am
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:24 am
My 4 children - 25years down to 16 have been listening to your music for a very long time — several may have seen you at Christian concerts and were introduced to your music by one of the youth pastors at our church in Darien CT. One son was in a Christian band which I had the privileged to drive about in my suburban since there wern’t any licensed drivers…what a blessing indeed.
I really have no idea what to say, yet tears come to my eyes, I know how my heart would hurt if I were in your situation. Last night I was reading Max Lucado’s “No wonder they call him Saviour” and the thoughts by Max are so insightful; each and every simple chapter. Simple because he explains everything with such insight from the Saviour, our Lord.
May your heart hal in time and know hte Lord has a bigger plan than we can imagine.
Prayers with you and your wonderful family!
Alice Kays
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:28 am
Truly my prayers are for you all for God is Good; no God is Great - All the time…
In Gods Sure Love — Alice Kays
May 23rd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
My family and I were so sorry to hear of your tragic loss yesterday. We cannot even begin to imagine what kind of grief and shock you all must be in right now. As Christians, we do experience the joy and peace within that comes from the knowledge of know that your precious little angel is not resting in the arms of Jesus. However, the day to day existence here on earth for all who knew her and loved her will be excruciating painful I’m sure. Our hearts ache for all of you and especially for big brother as he deals with all the feelings of this tragedy. We pray that God will wrap His arms of love and strength and peace around each and every one of you in the days and months and years to come.
I have the privilege of teaching 4th grade in a Lutheran School and during our devotion time this morning I shared your story with the children to remind them that when one part of the Body of Christ hurts, we all hurt. I shared with them that we never know what God has in store for us from day to day, so it’s important to live each day to the fullest for our Lord and Savior.
Thanks for being such a witness to us in so many ways through your ministry. May you feel the prayers reaching out to you from all the lives you’ve touched through the years.
May God be with you all at this time and always.
In His Love and Ours,
The Freitag family in WA
May 23rd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I don’t know if the Chapman family reads any of these comments but if so, then let me say this: She was a tiny Angel who made you smile, filled your hearts and God chose your family to love and care for her while she was here visiting. May your hearts mend from her leaving so soon, and may you always smile and your heart overflow with the love, joy and precious moments she brought down from Heaven to add to your lives. God knew what he was doing when He chose for you to have her. He always knows what He is doing.
Bring comfort to one another knowing she is not gone, but Home now, in Jesus’s loving arms, sharing with Him her time she spent with you and how wonderful all of you are, how much she was loved by you and how much she loves you. You will see her again one day.
For Chapman’s son: Hon…God didn’t have His loving eyes closed when this accident happened. I am sure of this. Although I can’t tell you the why’s or how come’s in this, because none of us know all God’s reasons for everything, but I do know He is there for you and loves you and does not wish you to suffer with this. I too will pray for you and your family, as all of these wonderful people in here are doing for you as well.
My prayers are with you and for ALL that have gone through such a painful experience. God will bring you comfort and His strength to get through.
God Bless
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Thank you for your ministry over the years. It was devestating to hear of the loss of your little one. It is times like this that we long for heaven as we know there will be no heartache or sorrow when we get there. Maria is in the place she was created for, how wonderful for her. I pray for the rest of your family and especially your son, that he does not believe the lies Satan will test him with. Lean on God, he has promised his comfort and support and because of his Son’s death on the cross, we can believe he means it.
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
In the name of Jesus.
We from Holland, pray also with the whole crowd, in Lakeland.
God do a wonder as a testimony for Your glory.
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I am so sorry to hear of our great loss and pray that the Lord will comfort you in and through this difficult time; especially for the restoration of your son who must be feeling particularly distraught about the accident.
May God grant you the peace that surpasses all our understanding through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, who said “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Not as the world give I unto you. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33)
Blessings in His Name - Richard
May 23rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
It is not known to us why things happen. The day my daughter was born I recieved news of a devistating death. You and the family were celibrating, new life both for your daughter in marriage and your son in his graduation. God knows all things, sees all things and, loves us throuh all things.
Will, from one brother to another, please, PLEASE do not let this turn you away. I also had a loved one torn out of my life. for years I carried the guilt that it was my fault and tried to punish myself for what had happened. Speaking from experience, if you do not forgive your self the way God AND Maria have already, you will walk this earth with a weight that will try to kill you. Give it to God, and then rest in his arms. It will take a while to pass from the guilt stage, and the pain will never really be gone, but I still carry the pain as a reminder of who I lost and what she ment to me.
You dont know me, but that will not stop me from praying for you, loving your whole family as if it were my own, greieving with you in our loss of a precious sister in the lord and a wonderful daughter/sister.
Steven and Mary Beth, my wife and I lost a child and I know the pain you are going through. No, life is not fair. And yes, bad things happen to good people. But if there is one thing I have learned from your music Steven, its that 1) God is a loving and caring God. 2) No matter what, if we let Him, God will lead us through all things. 3) The Holy Spirit can, will and does comfort in all cases. This will not pass easily, and no one can or should tell you other wise. We all love you both and the ministry your whole family has served at.
I would ask you please, PLEASE allow us, all of us in your christian family to now minister to you in any and all ways as you work your way through this.
May the God of our fathers cover you and the family with the comfort and healing save that only He can provide.
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:04 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Our little Ashley died 14yrs ago. She was 9. I thought I would die with her. The guilt I felt because I couldn’t save her still comes back sometimes. Your son will need to always remember that God knows the number of our days and that there are no accidents.
I saw you sing at Prestonwood Baptist here in Plano and you sang a song for a couple who had lost a child. That song always brings me to tears. Seek out others who have lost children for support and let your children have support from other children who have lost siblings. My other 2 children were 1st grade and 4 when Ashley died and I didn’t realize how guilty they felt. Everyone thought they should have been able to save her.
God blessed in many ways during our terrible tragedy. The love and support we received and the life long friends we have made. We went on to have a 4th child. A beautifully little girl who was born with down syndrome. Her name is Sarah. Many people from church said everything will be fine you’ve been through so much. I knew differently. We’ve been through the worst. Raising a special needs child is nothing. God knew how much love there would be. He always knows.
God Bless,
Rene
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:13 pm
There are not words that are adequate to express how sorry I am. I can’t imagine what your going through and I won’t pretend too. I know that we don’t know each other but my heart truly breaks for you all. I pray that you will see the love and beauty of our Lord through your pain. I don’t know what to say, nothing seems good enough, but I keep hearing this this inside of me, “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, lean not upon thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths”. Fall into the arms of Jesus, and know that your family in Christ are with you in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Lori
May 24th, 2008 at 2:59 am
God is a good and gracious God he knows your pain and he will sustain you in this time of saddness.It is a terrible tradigy for you and my heart breaks for you you can find comfort in knowing she is with Our Lord And Savior today knowing you will see her again.
Know you have so many in the Family of Christ all over the world Prying for you. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless
Debbie
PS A special Heart flet Prayer Goes Up for Your son for emotional and physical strength at this time.
May 24th, 2008 at 3:28 am
“Be of good courage and of hope, The father loves you and he knows”
Thank you for your example to us all in life, song and witness.
As we share your pain, may we awake more to fulfill our purpous here.
Find strength from our prayers to stand strong and continue to share His love
grace and mercy even now.
May 24th, 2008 at 3:42 am
May 25th, 2008 at 12:48 am
My heart goes out to each and very one of you. I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I have many times read the story that led you to want to adopt and I think that what you do is wonderful. I know how you must feel about losing someone that close to you. I myself have lost people very special to me. I pray for God to give you strength. I can only hope your family will grow stronger and closer together. It is no one’s fault I have learned from experience but all apart of God’s plan for our lives. Again I’m sorry for your loss.
Elaine Spencer
Louisville Ky
May 26th, 2008 at 1:24 am
Our prayers are overwhelemed with sadness with the loss of your daughter.
We pray that God will hold you close and give you his overwhelming peace
at this most difficult time in your lives. Know that so many of us are uplifting
your entire family to the Lord. Your son, especially has our prayers of comfort
knowing that accidents are just that, Accidents. God knows the beginning from
the end and in that, we rest our trust. May God be right beside you as He has
promised to be. Our Love to you.
Ken and Erna Eischen
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:12 pm