“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. 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.” Steven Curtis Chapman via his website.
On Wednesday, 21 May, the Chapman’s lost their adopted child in a tragic family accident. One of their teenage sons struck little Maria - aged 5 - in the family driveway. She was rushed to hospital but passed away from her injuries.
Maria was one of three girls the Chapman’s adopted from China. Steven and his wife, Mary Beth, founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world.
As a father of a four and a half year old girl, my heart goes out to Steven and his family - especially the brother who struck Maria. The grief he, along with the rest of the family, are dealing with must seem overwhelming.
This may be amplified by the song Chapman wrote titled, “Cinderella”. As any father, and mother, can relate, sometimes the pressures and demands of life get in our way when it comes to our children. And they are the ones to suffer when all they want is to play with their daddies and mummies.
Steven Curtis Chapman felt this the night he wrote the song Cinderella. Have a listen to the story behind the song:
And here is the music video:
“Cause all too soon, the clock will strike midnight, and she’ll be gone”
In light of what’s happened, that line strikes me to the core of my being and brings a tear to my eye for the Chapman’s and for every parent that’s lost a child.
Despite the obvious heartache the Chapman’s are facing right now, I hope this story is a wake up call to all the daddies and mummies out there who have little Cinderella’s and little Romeo’s - to stop, look down and gaze upon the faces of their kids who simply want to be kids and play with their parents. And then realise that most of what happens in life can simply wait for a while.
My second hope is that this accident raises the awareness of The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry the Chapman’s have founded. There are many Maria’s out there who need our help and this ministry can be used by God to bring hope to this kids while easing the financial strain on parents.
Meanwhile little Maria, I hope you are enjoying the presence of the Prince of Peace and the greatest lover of children. You are finally home.
Meet Maria Chapman via this video blog posted by Steven at the start of April. Rest in peace sweetheart.
What you have said