Steven Curtis Chapman is a Christian music star but one of the most genuine, down to earth people you'll ever meet. Every time I've talked to him, and when I've read interviews with him, it is always so clear that God and family are his two top priorities.
It was with shock and sadness that I read about the death of his 5-year-old daughter, Maria Sue Chapman, on May 21. And the circumstances made it an even greater family tragedy: Maria Sue was struck by an SUV being driven by one of his teenage sons in the family's driveway.
It was not reported which son was driving.
Steven has posted a notice on his website. You can read about Maria and post a comment online here.
Maria was one of three girls Steven and his wife MaryBeth adopted from a Chinese orphanage.
I often have Big Questions for God when things like this happen, but I really don't have any answers. All I can do is offer my condolences and prayers to the Chapmans in this difficult time.
Toledo, Ohio
June 2, 2008