In memory of Maria Sue Chapman

Like many of you, I was so saddened by the tragic news of Stephen Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter's death. At the time the accident occurred, the family “was celebrating the engagement of the oldest daughter Emily Chapman, and were just hours away from a graduation party marking Caleb Chapman’s completion of high school. Now, they are preparing to bury a child who blew out 5 candles on a birthday cake less than 10 days ago.” My heart just aches for this wonderful, inspirational and loving family. I don't know why God decided to call her home on Wednesday night, but I know His plan is perfect, and He will care for this family, even through the storm they're now weathering.

Chapman’s latest album, “This Moment,” released last fall, is about the need to slow down, prioritize, and appreciate your God-given blessings in the here and now. Chapman taped a special acoustic performance of “Cinderella,” written for his adopted daughters, for adoption blogs and posted it to YouTube recently:

The lyrics:

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays,

Without a care in the world.

And I’m sittin’ here wearin’ the weight of the world on my shoulders.

It’s been a long day and there’s still work to do,

She’s pulling at me saying “Dad I need you!

There’s a ball at the castle and I’ve been invited and I need to practice my dancin’

“Oh please, daddy, please!”

*

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms

‘Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh I will dance with Cinderella

I don’t wanna miss even one song,

Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she’ll be gone

She says he’s a nice guy and I’d be impressed

She wants to know if I’d approve of a dress

She says “Dad, the prom is just one week away,

And I need to practice my dancin’”

“Oh please, daddy, please!”

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms

‘Cause I know something the prince never knew

Ohh-oh ohh-oh, I will dance with Cinderella

I don’t wanna miss even one song,

‘Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she’ll be gone

She will be gone.

Well, she came home today

With a ring on her hand

Just glowin’ and tellin’ us all they had planned

She says “Dad, the wedding’s due six months away

And I need to practice my dancin’

“Oh please, daddy please!”

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms

‘Cause I know something the prince never knew

Ohh-oh ohh-oh, I will dance with Cinderella

I don’t wanna miss even one song, (even one song)

Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she’ll be gone

Heart-achingly prophetic in a way he never could have imagined. While I've obviously never met the Chapman family, their plight–and Chapman’s message of living in the moment–resonate strongly with me. Please join me in praying for this family as they mourn the loss of this beautiful little girl.