22 May 2008

This Morning

...I was so ready to talk with you about how exciting it was that David Cook won American Idol, and how the state of Tennessee is ranked number 2 in the nation for the most people who will text message when behind the wheel (Not that I have ever done that... :)

However, I arrived at the studio with some heavy hearted news that when I found out...my heart just sank, and there was this pit in my stomach. I just can't fathom that loss. Here is the report that I received...

At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Thursday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.

The news came later that the car was driven by one of the Chapman sons...and seriously, on the verge of tears, I prayed for the family. I have only met Steven twice in my lifetime, but he is very kind and genuine. You feel like you've known him for such a long time when you are face to face with him. So, along with so many today, I continue to pray for our friends (our family) the Chapmans in their loss of their beautiful daughter, and for the heart and mind of their son.

If you, too, are faced with a loss, or just need strength to make it through the day, let me offer these words of encouragement from the Bible.

The Lord has sent me to comfort those who mourn... He sent me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts.
Isaiah 61:3
Praying,
CH

1 comment:

coonbug23 said...

I was on my way to work this morning listening to the show as I do every morning and I always look forward to what you have to say about American Idol, I was also very burdened to the news of Stevens daughter. I suddenly caught myself crying as I was praying for his family. This family will have a long hard road ahead of them, but God does not give you mountains you cannot climb. I will be praying for the family and especially for the son. May God bless this family in their time of need.