In 2008, Steven Curtis Chapman and his family were devastated by the tragic death of their young daughter, Maria Sue.
But in the midst of a journey filled with heartache and grief, the Chapman family found comfort and strength through God’s faithfulness and unfailing love as they relied on His promises and His Word to sustain them.
Chapman also developed an even greater passion for sharing the gospel through song, hoping his music would provide comfort to others dealing with loss.
“After Maria went to heaven I was crying out to God in the midst of grief, darkness and despair,” Chapman told The Alabama Baptist. “I kept saying, ‘God, I trust you … even though I don’t understand.’ When I started doing concerts again, I found there was a new meaning, purpose and passion in the song lyrics.
‘Desperation for the truth’
“Just as my family had walked through more valleys than we ever had before, I found myself singing many of the lyrics with a new understanding and new desperation for the truth of the gospel.”
For more than 35 years Chapman has been sharing songs and stories about God’s redemption, grace, love and faithfulness with audiences around the world. This spring he is performing on “The Still Tour.”
Chapman continues to be one of the most popular Christian musicians and has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. He has garnered multiple honors, including 59 Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association, an American Music Award, five Grammy Awards and an historic achievement of 50 No. 1 radio hits.
Despite the accolades and honors, Chapman has remained dedicated to shining the spotlight on Christ.
In addition to his music Chapman is a strong advocate for adoption and orphan care. The Chapmans have three biological children and adopted three daughters, including Maria Sue, from China. The Chapman family created the nonprofit ministry Show Hope in 2003. In addition to providing financial aid, the group empowers families, communities and churches with adoption and orphan-care resources to assist in advocating for millions of orphans around the world.
‘He is faithful’
“After all these years and after everything my family has been through, we can still declare God is good and that He is faithful,” Chapman said. “I want to encourage others not to lose heart or grow weary because for those who have a relationship with Christ, this journey will take us home. That is the greatest promise and where we find our home.
“With all the songs that I’ve written through the years, my prayer has been, ‘Lord, I want to know You more. As You make Yourself known, I want to make You known to others through what I write, sing and the stories I tell.’”
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