I had the wonderful opportunity this evening to attend a concert in Vancouver of Steven Curtis Chapman, a favourite Contemporary Christian artist that I've listened to for 20 years. (I remember because I'm approaching our 20th wedding anniversary, and I chose his "new song", "I Will Be Here" to be sung at our wedding.) He was here on a tour named "End the Wait", where the emphasis is on helping children find homes through adoption.
Steven and his family had inspired me many years ago with their story of adopting their first daughter, Shaohannah, from China and then their subsequent daughters, Stevey Joy and Maria Sue. Steven and his sons, who are in his band, shared again the story of how almost three years ago, Maria Sue was accidentally killed at home when she ran in front of a vehicle to greet her brother. Through this horrific tragedy, the Chapman family has shared their struggle of grief, of asking God the hardest questions, and of coming through the pain to the other side, although it never really goes away. They freely speak of the journey and how God gives peace and mercy, love and comfort in ways never imagined. I doubt there was a dry eye in the auditorium at times. They continue to inspire in this difficult chapter of their lives, and while they'd turn back time in a second to have Maria Sue in their arms again, they forge ahead in the way that God leads. One result of this tragedy was the family started a hospital for special needs children in China called "Maria's Big House of Hope".
Geoff Moore, a close friend of Steven's and also a well known recording artist from Nashville, was there to speak of how his friendship with the Chapmans led to their own family adopting two daughters from China as well. (He shares his story in this interview and also discusses his advocacy of Compassion International, which encourages the sponsorship of children around the world.) My eyes were leaking again as Geoff spoke of a time he was tucking his daughter into bed one night. She posed the question, "While I was waiting for you and Mommy to come get me when I was in China, did God know my name?" Of course, such an overwhelming question... Geoff Moore answered by singing a special song by Tommy Walker called, "He Knows My Name." I've sung that song many times, but never in the context of how a waiting child might feel. What a comfort to know that God has always been with my Nora, even when I couldn't be. Her "fate' was not unknown to Him. I'm so grateful that He gave us the privilege to be her parents.
The best part of the evening was that I attended with my dear friend Julie, who is still pinching herself that she will see her precious daughter from China in a couple of months. What a great way to finish her week, to hear such encouragement from these men who've gone before her. To continue to share in her joy was the best! :) Congratulations, again! :)
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