Steven Curtis Chapman Shares Scriptures That Comfort His Family on Anniversary of Daughter's Death
On the anniversary of the death of his daughter, legendary Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman shared with fans the scriptures that brought him comfort in the midst of tragedy.
On May 21, 2008, the singer's 5-year-old daughter, Maria Sue Chapman, was accidentally hit by Chapman's son, Will Franklin, after she ran into the driveway of their house as he was backing up his SUV. Little Maria later died at a Nashville hospital.
Eight years later, Chapman took to Facebook with a memorial that explained how he and his family are able to get through their devastating loss day-by-day.
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"This past Saturday, May 21st, we gathered as family and friends at the place where we laid the "shell" of our little girl Maria, eight years ago. Every year we gather there to remember ... we remember the little girl whose eyes disappeared when she smiled and who has changed our lives forever. We remember the pain and sadness of losing her (not that we ever forget). And most importantly, we remember the hope that we have in the promises of God that the story isn't over yet ... the hope that has kept us breathing and moving forward these past eight years," Chapman wrote.
This year, while visiting her memorial, the Chapman's read together the story of Lazarus found in John 11. While reading the chapter, he said the passage that stuck out to him was when Jesus saw Lazarus' sister, Mary, weeping. As the author of the chapter, John describes Jesus as being deeply moved in his spirit and "greatly troubled."
"it goes on to paint a picture of Jesus that has been a great comfort and encouragement to me these last several years ... the picture of Jesus standing with a grieving family at the grave of a friend with tears running down his cheeks. ... Jesus is weeping. I know there are plenty of 'theological discussions' about what was behind those tears in Jesus' eyes, but what struck me most this time were the two words 'greatly troubled,'" Chapman explained.
"The thought that Jesus was and is deeply moved and greatly troubled at our sorrow and sadness, even when He knows, in this case, that He is getting ready to raise Lazarus from the dead and turn this funeral into a wild celebration, is something incredibly comforting to me."
The Worship and Believe singer went on to say, "He didn't scold Mary for her sadness or preach a sermon to her. His heart broke and He wept with her, just like he does with us. He doesn't leave us alone in our grief and our sadness. He weeps with those who weep. My family and I needed to be reminded of that this past Saturday. Maybe you need to be reminded too."
The platinum recording artist did not stop there, as he brought the Lazarus story full circle and rejoiced that Jesus does not only show compassion for his people but also conquers death and give resurrection life.
"He proved what He said was true: 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die,'" Chapman quoted. "He raised Lazarus from the dead ... and turned their mourning into dancing!"
He concluded the emotional post by assuring his supporters that the Chapman family will begin their ninth year of moving forward in hopes for that "great day" when Jesus will wipe every tear from his eyes. Until then he said he will hold on to the fact that his family does not cry alone, "Jesus weeps with us."
"I'll get to dance again with my Cinderella," he ended.
Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, were already the parents of three biological children when they adopted three little girls from China: Shaohannah, Stevey Joy and the late Maria Sue.
To learn more about Chapman's painful journey and how he's overcome, check out his interview with Greg Laurie.
