Prayer and Encouragement

Many of you may have heard by now, but I wanted to post something about it anyway.... Yesterday, a well-known singer-songwriter in the Christian community and a huge advocate for adoption--Steven Curtis Chapman--lost one of their adopted daughters in a tragic accident at their home. She had just turned five a few days prior, and according to one article I read they were celebrating their oldest daughter's engagement and getting ready to celebrate one of their son's graduations! What a time for this wonderful family who have done so much for so many people--through music and generosity and leading by example in displaying their faith to the world!! A few years ago, I was watching the grammy's and Steven won. Earlier in the night, the host had asked people not to thank God. Well, even people who didn't mean it still thanked God, but when Steven accepted his grammy, he spoke with such respect and gentleness about the reason he was thanking God--that his reason for singing and writing songs was for the sole purpose of serving God. It was awesome! Shane was in the other room, and I ran into him crying (I was pregnant at the time, yes) but I was SO proud of Steven for so lovingly, respectfully and gently standing up for his faith! What an example. That is merely one story of many where the Chapman family has touched someone's life.... I just wanted to say that if you have a chance, say a prayer for this family and let's all practice and believe what the family said in an article I read earlier, something like, 'We trust in God who was not surprised by this...' What a testimony, and what a wonderful thought to know that whatever comes our way--our God is not surprised! He is faithful and good...