In December of 2005, Zack & I attended a concert at The Gwinnett Arena. The opening act was Mercy Me, to be followed by our all-time favorite, Steven Curtis Chapman. Just before intermission and the stage change, Steven came out with a group of children and they all sang a song together (All I Really Want for Christmas). As it turned out, all of these children were adopted internationally. I sat and listened to the words of the song, and watched the children’s sweet faces… through my tears.
God spoke to both Zack and me that night through those children. He planted a seed, and used several different people and circumstances to open our eyes to His plan for our family. It took about 14 months for us to fully realize what God was leading us to do. But His timing is perfect, and everything happened as He willed it so that we were led to our son at the right moment.
On Saturday May 24, just 6 months after we became William’s parents, we were with family, celebrating our son’s 6th birthday. We laughed, played, ate cake, and watched him open gifts. At the same time, just 300 miles up the road, another set of adoptive parents were also surrounded by family. They, too were having a celebration of life, but much different than ours. Steven & Mary Beth Chapman were mourning the loss of their 5-year-old daughter Maria, and celebrating the life the she lived. From what I've read, there were tears and laughter too, and of course, plenty of music. Just 2 1/2 years ago, God used Steven and his music to lead us down the path of international adoption. I'm certain God's used his music and adoption ministries to touch many others, too. Right now, my heart aches for this dear Christian family.
Please pray for the Chapmans as they grieve. As hard as it must be to lose a child, the burden is doubly difficult as the accident that took her life happened at the hand of one of their older children. Pray for the parents as they had to say good-bye to their youngest daughter. And pray for the teenage son that must live with this for the rest of his life.
3 comments:
Jennifer,
This is without a doubt the most beautiful and moving thing you've ever written. I had to read it through tears and although you say I cry at everything, this truly a heart breaker. I just wish it could be published for others to read. Thank you, that was my devotion for this day.
Love Baba
Can you believe we were at the concert too??? We had been logged in since April 05 and would see EllaKate's face for the first time in Jan 06. At that concert, I cried and cried because I thought I would burst to see my precious daughter's face. God's timing is perfect. My heart breaks for the Chapman family too. I hope you are having a good week.
Blessings,
Shay
I thank God for the seed that was planted in yalls hearts to lead you to William. And, I pray for God's comfort in the loss of little Maria Chapman. My heart hurts for that family and I pray for God's healing as they go through the grief process. I can't even imagine what they must be going through. But, I know that their faith is what will get them through.
Love,
Mom
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