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.
What can I say, that is so very sad. This news has affected us, we cried. We also prayed for them instantly.
There is a reason for everything…our thoughts and prayers are wiith you, Steven, and your family. We are all in this together and we all feel the loss you’ve experienced. We love you.
Steven and Mary Beth,
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
Dear Steven and Mary Beth,
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.
Steven and Mary Beth. My family and I prayed for your family this morning. We are so sad for you all. Your song Cinderella has been so special to our family, my daughter used the words in this song for her “I Am Essay” we love it . You and your family are changiing lives! We are sorry and are praying for you all . The Lord will never leave you, He is holding your family in His arms and your daughter. God Bless you all. Becky
I was heart broken to hear about your loss. I’ve been listening to the Cinderella song on the radio and thought about your daughters. It must be devastating to your family and although, you don’t know me personally, I do share your pain. Please know I will be praying for all of you. With Love and Sympathy, Scott & Easter Limback
Dearest Chapman Family,
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
The Chapman family:
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.
My heart to breaks for your family, I too have a young daughter and a teenage son who is driving. I can’t imagine your pain. I am so sorry. Please know my prayer is that our loving God will comfort you in this time. Your music has touched me in so many ways. My youngest daughter listens to your hide em in your heart CDs every day. You and your family are such a blessing.
Love and prayers, Mark and Anita Fry and family
You have touched many of our lives with you music and your Godly example. It is now our turn to reach out to you with our prayers, love and support. May God give you the grace to get through this tragic time. We weep with you and pray for you and your family.
Precious family,
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
Dear Chapman Family,
Our prayers are with you. May the Spirit of God breath his heavenly Spirit all around and through you all.
As a person that has lived thru an adopted young sister dying, the feelings of loss seem unbearable at the time, but thru faith and belief in our God, you come to understand that our God needed an extra angel and needed someone with a pure and loving heart. It is in the belief that we will all be together as one in the future that we find comfort.
My prayers and blessings are with the Chapman family at their time of loss.
Loree Larsen
i am so sorry for your loss. i could not imagine how it must feel to loose a child. i am especially sorry for your son. i know this must be extremly hard for him. i pray that he does not carry this guilt with him throughout his life. i am praying for your family.
Steve and Family,
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.
I am so sorry for your loss and I’m praying for your family.I had the same kind of accident that took my brothers life. At the time you just feel devasted but with time,God prayers and family you do heal. And God always has His reasons for the things He gives us to deal with even tho we don’t understand it at the time .God Bless All of your Family
To Steven and Family,
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.
SCC and Show Hope Family,
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
My husband and I love your song we have a 4 year old daughter and I also have a 15 year old daughter , I know it is hard to see the reasons why God allows things to happen , remember it is the evil one who harms he wants to kill and destroy our faith and when something so special to us is taking he wants us to blame the father . Remember no one is above our Father in heaven he even now should come first . I pray the spirt will be with you and bring you comfort it was HIS promise , Peace be with you
Thank you for the information, Rodney.
We do not sorrow as those who have no hope, but we sure do sorrow. Thank God we’ll see our loved ones again. God bless.
Dear Chapman Family,
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.
MARY BETH AND STEVEN, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH TO EXCEPT HIS WORK. HE KNOWS WHY THIS HAPPENED AND HE HOLDS YOUR FAMILY VERY CLOSE IN HIS HEART. STEVEN YOU HAVE INSPIRED MY HUSBAND AND I WITH YOUR SONG”CINDERELLA”. WE HAVE A LITTLE GIRL NAMED BREANNA AND SHE IS 4. SHE LOVES YOUR SONG, AND WE SING IT TO HER. IT’S AMAZING HOW YOU HAVE TOUCHED US WITH THIS SONG AND ALL YOUR SONGS, BUT THIS ONE IS SPECIAL TO US. OUR SON ADRIAN LAUGHS AND GIGGLES AND KNOWS WHY LOVE IT TOO. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. OUR DEEPEST AND DEAREST SYMPATHY AND WE LOVE YOU.
Dear Steven and Mary Beth,
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
Dear Stephen and Beth, I am sosorry for your loss of your child. You have touched me with your music and your christian testimony. Now I want you to know that I am going to pray you and your family until the lord tells me to stop. My prayer for you is that the lord will be with you in this time of greif and sorrow and that the Holy Spirit will comfort you and your son. I pray the lord will help him in his grief and pain. love Dennis E. FROST.
Dear Chapmen Family,
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
Dear Family,
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.
To the Chapman family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you all but especially to your son who must be completely devastated. I pray that God will comfort your family and give you peace in this terrible tragedy. I pray your son will find healing and release in Jesus Christ. God bless and keep you all during this very difficult time.
My heartfelt prayers are with Steven and Mary Beth and their family. I pray that you feel God’s presense during this terrible time, and that He eases your suffering and pain. We know that she is now with our Lord. Your love and music have reached so many and instilled in us a longing for the child that has never known a home. You have brought happiness and hope to so many. And you have given a home and love to children that might never have known the peace and security of a family. Know that God knows your pain, and that He has a plan. May God rest her soul, and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Dear Steven, Mary Beth and precious family,
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
There are no words for your tragedy and sorrow. Only faith..only He… will bring you to the peace you need during this time. I am praying that the Lord lifts you in strength and understanding.
We are saddened by the news of the Chapman’s loss. Words cannot express our feelings over this tragic event. We will be praying for the family.
God bless!
There really isnt to much that anyone can say.
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.
My son and I will be praying for you and your family. He will be holding you tight as you and your family go through this terrible pain. I pray especially for your son. God loves him deeply. God bless you all!
Our family in Shanghai as well as many others mourn your loss and will pray for healing in the future for your family.
God Bless.
[...] 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. [...]
Dear Mr and Mrs. Chapman & Family,
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
I heard about your loss this morning on K-Love and my heart goes out to you and your family during this tradgic loss!! I know how hard it is to cope with such a loss like what yall are experiencing now. I lost my wonderful mom ten years ago in a car accident and I was 17 years old! It was the worst and most painful experience I ever had to go through at such an early age in my life. I was a senior in high school and I wanted to quit it all and not go on living with my life. Apart of me died with my mom in that car accident and I never have been the same since then!! I can tell you that God had a purpose why he called my mom home and I couldn’t understand it then at that time. Now that I am older I understand it better and it has made me into a stronger woman now and I treasure every second in life and I don’t take anything for granted anymore! Because you never know when it will be your last time on this earth, you’re here one minute and gone in a vapor!!
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
Dear Steven Curtis’s Family, My prayers go out to you and your family. I know now all you have to hold too are the memories of her and allow our sweet heavenly father to comfort you and your family. We don’t always understand why things happen the way they do but allow GOD to heal you through this terrible tragedy. Your son will need you more than anything now with love and support. Just know their are people all over this world praying for you and your family. Hold on to each other because while you are going through these tough times you will need each other. I pray you get alot of support, love and a out reach from all over the world. May God be with each and everyone of you and our prayers, love from Virginia to your family.
My heart was broken when I heard the news. K Love is sending out prayers to your family for comfort. I just want you to know that we love you and pray for Gods comfort at this time. Something our earthly minds cannot grasp is how one wonderful, glorious day this pain will be removed and there will be a time when seeing our loved ones, all tears will be gone. God is holding you tight and understands.
In Him,
Lydia
Dear Heavenly Father, we lift up the Chapman family in prayer. They have been such a tremendous blessing to our family and through their songs, they have inspired us to grow closer to Christ and to walk in Christ’s strength when our strength is gone, because His strength is perfect. Dear Jesus, please help them during this time in their lives with this loss of their little one. Please hold them together and bring comfort to them in knowing that Jesus is standing right there with them and is holding their little girl right now and they will see her again. Please bring healing to them and wrap them in your love now and continuously until you take us all home to be with you in your perfect time when your plan and purpose for us here on earth is completed. God bless them. Love, the Dickson family.
My heart is full for you. While I know Steve’s songs, and see photos of your beautiful family…..what impresses me is Jesus in your eyes and spirit. That is what brings us together as a Family – the Holy Spirit. I grieve with you, in such a way that I know falls short of the bottomless heaviness in your hearts. Your sweet baby girl is beautiful and she radiates joy….thank you for sharing your lives so openly and bringing the joy of provision to all of your children. They ALL are wonderful. We pray for you, we speak the word over your family – for healing and restoration…..and love you in the Lord.
Dear,
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.
Steven, Mary Beth and Family,
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
We are deeply saddened by the news in your family and want you to know that we are praying for you. Steven’s music has inspired me and touched my heart in so many ways deepening my relationship and understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ since I was just a little girl. He has gifted you and your family in so much; you are richly blessed in Him and He continues to do His work through your ministries. God has a plan and is in control of everything that happens and we will pray that He gives you strength and encouragement during this tragic time. We can not always understand God’s ways but we can always trust them. We love you and grieve with you and will continue to pray for your family.
Our Oklahoma love goes with you…may you find hope in the midst of this grief…
How I see Maria so clearly, dancing in the arms of Jesus ( her prince )…
Blessings,
Jen Shaw
BFC
Bethany Oklahoma
73008
Dear Steven, MaryBeth, and children,
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
“Nature’s first green is gold,
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..
Dearest Chapman Family,
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)
Something we have to realize here is this was not done by God. The enemy has come in and taken something very special away. In this tragedy we cannot put the blame nor point the finger, but realize that the enemy is trying to do everything in his power to take us away from God. My prayers will be with you.
My heart is feeling your grief, and I pray for you in the time of loss.
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”