Wednesday, May 21, 2008

untitled

Today was a bad news day. There just seemed to be an increased amount of kick-in-the-stomach-sadness flying around today. And then I just read this:

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.

This daughter, Maria, was adopted from China by the Chapman family. I remember watching their story on video. My first thought was "Oh, Lord, WHY?" But the "why" is not where my focus should be. And so I have included excerpts from the blog on which I read of this tragedy... Bring the Rain...an account of a mother who recently lost her baby Audrey Caroline...and whose life bears testimony to the peace that comes from keeping your eyes on Christ in the midst of a storm.

Tonight, my knees will bow to the God that gave her to me…and the God who took her from me. The God who loves to bloom where death reigned. We welcome you, Lord. Come and make it beautiful again.

He is Lord. Only He. Not me, not Todd, not my doctors, not my parents.
He.
We don't know what tomorrow will look like, how it will be remembered ten years from now. We can't begin to imagine the road that lies ahead of us, but I know that I will remember today as being a day that I trusted Him despite the hurt
.

4 comments:

Jenna said...

Oh, Tish- kicked in the stomach would definitely be the right words. To hear of this happening to any family (especially when I myself have a 5 year old at home), is unthinkable, but the circumstances make this just unimaginable. The excerpts from "Bring the Rain" were a perfect reminder of how God is faithful even when life hold pain beyond our comprehension.

I feel like this family and I are friends from the years of listening to his music and following their journey as a family. My heart just hurts and I can't help just crying. I am going to be in constant prayer today and the days to come.

Boy, does that put it all in perspective!

Rebecca Lily said...

All I can say is... Jenna is right. This puts a lot in perspective. I am praying for the Chapman family in their grief. It is just unimaginable.

And I'm praying for God's forgiveness for myself... for my lack of faith in handling my own bad news. How insignificant it seems in comparison to what these families are going through, yet their faith outshines mine.

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted... And saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18.

Love,
Rebecca

Tami said...

No words, just heartfelt sadness for the Chapman family, and sending up prayers in their name.

Just Us said...

What an awful thing to happen, but more common than one would imagine. My heart goes out to their family right now and I will keep them in my prayers!!! Kristie

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