Steven Curtis Chapman and his family mean much to me.
As a younger teenager, I marveled at a very talented guy on the stage of “Country Music USA” at Opryland. Steven spent a few summers buck dancing on the stages, imitating Hank Williams, and writing cool songs.
As a older teenager, I listened to songs like, “My Redeemer is Faithful and True” and appreciated the tenderness and turn of a phrase.
As a guy in my 20s, I met him while at FamilyLife. He was interviewed for the broadcast. I had the privilege of chatting briefly with him.
As a guy in my 30s, I was inspired when he and his wife adopted. As an adopted child, I know the value of adoption. Their story moved my wife and me “off the dime” to adopt ourselves.
His daughter Maria is part of the inspiration behind his smash hit, “Cinderella.” My daughter, Elisa, and I are dancing to that song with 14 other dads and daughters. The “Father Daughter Dance” is always a hit at the end-of-the-year recital. Elisa’s last dance recital is coming up in about 30 days. I’ve heard the song hundreds of times over the last few weeks and have looked into my daughter’s eyes as she dances with me for many of them. With two more daughters at home I can’t imagine what the Chapmans are feeling.
As we prayed as a family tonight, Elisa said, “You know Dad, I’m the same age as (the driver whose name is suppressed) and Meileah is the same age as Maria. That’s scary.”
It brought the tragedy into our den.
Here is the song…and the story behind the song.
Please pray for them.
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