Steven Curtis Chapman’s Daughter Dies
Posted on May 22, 2008
Filed Under Personal, News Flash |
I have some very sad news to report.
Ten days ago, Maria Sue Chapman, the youngest child of Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, was blowing out five candles on her birthday cake. Last night, Maria died in a tragic 
auto accident in Franklin, Tennessee. What makes this loss especially difficult is the fact that she was accidentally killed by an older brother driving one of the family vehicles in the Chapman’s driveway.
At the time, the entire family was home celebrating the recent engagement of their oldest daughter Emily as well as the high school graduation of son Caleb. In an instant, the festivities turned grim as Maria, her life hanging in the balance, was LifeFlighted to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. About 6:30 p.m. she died from her injuries.
I cannot fathom the pain this family must be dealing with over their loss. I’ve known Steven and Mary Beth for years. I know they love and cherish their children more than any of the success Steven has enjoyed as a musician. They’re also dear friends of Focus on the Family and special partners in our Hope for Orphans effort.
A number of years ago, Steven and Mary Beth co-founded Shaohannah’s Hope, a ministry designed to provide financial assistance to those who desire to adopt but lack the necessary funds. More than 1,700 families have been helped to date. Maria and sisters Shaohannah and Stevey Joy were adopted by the Chapman’s from China. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the Chapman family has asked for any gifts to be directed to Shaohannah’s Hope. If you’d like to “meet” Maria Sue Chapman and share your condolences with the family, the Chapman’s have arranged a special website in her honor.
Tragic events like this remind us how short and fragile life is. Why not hold your own children a little closer tonight. Savor the moment. Look them in the eye and let them know how much you love them. Pray over them. And, as you do, join me in praying for the peace of Jesus to sustain the Chapman family during this time of great sorrow.
Our children are precious gifts on loan to us from God.
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4 Responses to “Steven Curtis Chapman’s Daughter Dies”
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Jim Daly is the President of Focus on the Family. He has been married to his wife, Jean, since 1986. They have two sons. The Daly family resides in Colorado Springs. Finding Home represents Jim's musings on work, family and faith.
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The song “Cinderella” was inspired by Maria, and her sister Stevey Joy. It’s a powerful testament to the special bond between a daughter and her dad.
We’re praying
I’ve had a hard time concentrating all day. I visit Steven’s blog often and am so blessed that I got to enjoy Maria for a little time - through his videos.
Their pain must be unspeakable and my heart is broken for them.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss of Maria - my prayers and thoughts are with you. Thank you Jesus that we can intercede on behalf of the Chapmans even when words don’t seem to be enough.
May Gods love embrace you and remind you of His presence.
Kristin
Please let me share a quick story. There was a woman in our small town that was a chaparone for a school trip out of the country. She was notified that her daughter had died in a tragic accident. My friend was with her, and said after being told, she went to her room to be alone for an hour. They felt uncomfortable that she wanted to be alone…they just wanted to hold her. In an hour she came out and said with a beautiful smile, I needed time to thank God for the wonderful gift of letting me have her for the years I had her. My friend said she learned more about faith that day, than all the sermons she had heard in her lifetime. When my faith is shaken, and my hurt seems to be something that I feel is too hard for God to give me peace through, I think of this woman and the love and gratitude that radiated off of her, still today, four years later. His power and love is that strong! I am praying for that strength for your wonderful family.
Jackie