I began this drawing when I learned of the tragic death of 5 year old Maria Sue Chapman, adopted daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth. If you do not know of his work, Steven Curtis Chapman is a Christian singer and songwriter, arguably the very best. He is, and has been since I was a little kid, my very favorite Christian musician. His music taught me at a very early age how good it is to Love God and to live a good life that is inspired by that love. Every song is filled with wisdom from Sacred Scripture and Prayer, and Steven has never disappointed me. I find his songs to be as sustaining and nurturing to my faith today as I did at the age of 14 when I first saw him perform at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill.
Steven and his family have inspired me in new ways as I have enjoyed and shared this first year and a half of marriage with my wife. As we have planned for the future and have discussed the possibility of adopting children, the Chapmans have been a shining example to me of the courageous love that risks so much in the way of potential heartbreak, disappointment, or other complications, to offer a family to a child who might otherwise be alone in this world. Steven and Mary Beth have three children and were inspired to adopt three girls from China. The youngest of these was Maria, who tragically was killed in a driveway accident at the family's home.
After hearing the news and having spent a great deal of time researching Steven and Mary Beth's adoption foundation, "Shaohannah’s Hope," I felt the need to reach out to a family and father who have meant so much to me in my life as a Christian and now as a married man. I chose this image from a photo I found of Steven and one of his little girls, whom I assumed was Maria. I was not aware of the significance of the photo before I began working on it, but the image was apparently taken when Steven was visiting China and he kissed this little girl (Maria) and a photo of the kiss was sent to the Chapmans when they returned home. Steven explained in a recent interview that when he saw that photo he knew that it was an image "of a daddy kissing his little girl," and he and his wife proceeded to pull out all the stops in order to adopt Maria.
I will be sending this drawing to the Chapmans along with a short letter explaining how deeply indebted I am to them and their example, especially in the courageous faith and endurance they are presently showing as a family. Please pray that it may be a comfort to them in their grief. I apologize for the length of this post, but some things are worth taking more time to say - Below are four videos - 1) An interview with the Chapmans on Good Morning America following the tragedy (this one is very moving and if you watch nothing else please watch this) 2) A music video for Steven's song "Cinderella," a song about his daughters which has become so much more poignant in the passing of his youngest little girl. 3) Steven's explanation of the theme of the song "Cinderella" (recorded before the accident - also extremely moving) and 4) A concert performance of possibly my very favorite song by Steven - "Speechless"
Steven and his family have inspired me in new ways as I have enjoyed and shared this first year and a half of marriage with my wife. As we have planned for the future and have discussed the possibility of adopting children, the Chapmans have been a shining example to me of the courageous love that risks so much in the way of potential heartbreak, disappointment, or other complications, to offer a family to a child who might otherwise be alone in this world. Steven and Mary Beth have three children and were inspired to adopt three girls from China. The youngest of these was Maria, who tragically was killed in a driveway accident at the family's home.
After hearing the news and having spent a great deal of time researching Steven and Mary Beth's adoption foundation, "Shaohannah’s Hope," I felt the need to reach out to a family and father who have meant so much to me in my life as a Christian and now as a married man. I chose this image from a photo I found of Steven and one of his little girls, whom I assumed was Maria. I was not aware of the significance of the photo before I began working on it, but the image was apparently taken when Steven was visiting China and he kissed this little girl (Maria) and a photo of the kiss was sent to the Chapmans when they returned home. Steven explained in a recent interview that when he saw that photo he knew that it was an image "of a daddy kissing his little girl," and he and his wife proceeded to pull out all the stops in order to adopt Maria.
I will be sending this drawing to the Chapmans along with a short letter explaining how deeply indebted I am to them and their example, especially in the courageous faith and endurance they are presently showing as a family. Please pray that it may be a comfort to them in their grief. I apologize for the length of this post, but some things are worth taking more time to say - Below are four videos - 1) An interview with the Chapmans on Good Morning America following the tragedy (this one is very moving and if you watch nothing else please watch this) 2) A music video for Steven's song "Cinderella," a song about his daughters which has become so much more poignant in the passing of his youngest little girl. 3) Steven's explanation of the theme of the song "Cinderella" (recorded before the accident - also extremely moving) and 4) A concert performance of possibly my very favorite song by Steven - "Speechless"
TRULY : Steven Curtis Chapman embodies the statement of Saint Augustine:
"WHEN WE SING TO GOD.... WE PRAY TWICE."
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