For Dave’s birthday, I gave him Steven Curtis Chapman’s new album, Beauty Will Rise. Steven wrote this album after the tragic death of his 5 year old daughter, Maria, who was accidentally struck by a vehicle driven by her older brother last May.
Dave and I were looking forward to this album because the Chapmans adopted Maria and her two older sisters from China. We have something amazingly and tragically in common with them. We know the joy of adopting and bringing home a little girl. And like the Chapmans, we will have to say goodbye to that little girl.
More than anything, we have been impacted by how the Chapmans responded to this tragedy. From the first moments after the accident when Steven yelled to his son, “Will Franklin, your father loves you” to their moving interviews and now this very personal album.
There are so many songs on this album that touch us deeply. But, Our God Is In Control seems to be written to us. This is not how it should be. This is not where we planned to be when we started this journey but this is where we are. Steven, thank you for reminding us that God is in control.
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Thank you to Helen and Athos for another wonderful meal! Fried chicken, potatoes and green beans. We are so thankful to know you!
Beautiful! He brings the presence of YHWH with his music. So comforting and true. Praising God for always being in control. Without God we have nothing. Blessings to you Lana and Dave….
Good morning Lana, It was nice to hear that this morning. Comforting, thanks for sharing. I hope you all have a great day. God bless you. In Christ, Joe
Loved it! I think I will be buying that cd today! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks for sharing Lana – I really needed to be reminded of that today!
WOW! That got me crying, but what a comfort it was to hear that song today. I know so many of us tell you how much of an inspiration you are, but I must say it again. Your perspective amazes me. Your faith is obviously built on the “Rock” as no matter what storms life brings you remain firm and steadfast with your faith in God unwavering. You are such a blessing to me Lana. God is using you in mighty ways – and all from a couch!!
Amen, Christina.
I purchased it, but haven’t listened to it yet. Just not ready, I guess. Hope you had a nice birthday Lana. May God bless you guys for all you do! xo nan
Beautiful! I got to hear SCC at the Women of Faith conference in Greensboro on Friday night–what a blessing! He always strikes me as so genuine–he shares his struggles without pretending that everything is fine–and his reliance on the Grace of God each day is an inspiration.
Also, before that concert I couldn’t bear to listen to the song “Cinderella,” because it was too sad to me–but he said that the song was never intended to be about death, but about taking advantage of every opportunity, every moment with our children. So now I listen to it as a beautiful reminder.
Carolyn
I hope it’s okay for a long-time lurker to post a comment.
Sunday (the 8th) was Orphan Sunday, and SCC (along with Dennis Rainey, Geof Moore, Jim Daly and others) performed during a 2-hour simulcast live from Nashville. It was a wonderful, beautiful service! I think it will be available online by this weekend. Check http://www.orphansunday.org for updates — I think you would enjoy it (and it may help pass 2 more hours of “couch time” as you wait on baby Hope). 
Blessings,
Heather
It is so true, so many times we have started so many things and they turned out to be different. I always see myself trying to make sense of having a child with such a rare genetic condition: I can see that I am so different from I was 8 years agos, I can see my family so different from it was 8 years ago… Somehow, honestly talking, all the members of my family have scars and some “new” wounds… I don’t know how our lives will be in 30 years or so, how far my daughter will get, but I know that for now, we have to accomodate our lives to fit in her life… It’s not what we planned, but this is the way it is…God is in control, and You and I will understand it in heaven… I can’t wait
I’ll keep praying for all of you and Carmencita 
That song was absolutely beautiful and true.