let us pray

This coming Monday will mark two months since Maria Sue Chapman went to be in the arms of Jesus. The Chapman family has been so much on my heart since I heard the news. Jim Houser (SCC's manager) has been so faithful in sharing how the family is doing in his blog. I know that a lot of prayers have been lifted for them in the last two months.

Steven Curtis Chapman has started to step back into the public eye. He made his first stage appearance since Maria's death on July 11, and has prayerfully agreed to several interviews. I know the Chapman family will need continued prayer during this time. It seems impossible, but God has already used this tragedy for His glory...and I know He will continue to do so as this special family is open to being used for him.

This passage comes to my mind:

"7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-119

During his first concert appearance since the loss of his 5-year-old daughter, Steven was very open with the audience. Yet he was amazing in his testimony. You can hear some of his words here. God is doing amazing things through this thing!

Let us pray on. And let us remember with joy that "we know this goodbye is not the end."