Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope
by Mary Beth Chapman and Ellen Vaughn
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1991-3
From the publisher:
In Choosing to SEE, Chapman bares her heart and soul as she shares honestly about her personal journey - from her childhood, to challenges of married life, to the sudden and tragic loss of a daughter. Choosing to SEE follows her lifelong wrestling match with God, questioning why the life she had planned so carefully doesn't seem to match to the plan that God has mapped out for her. The book also explores Mary Beth Chapman's relationship with God in the face of the unexpected, and in the pain of such a brutal loss. Throughout the pages, Chapman tackles these questions with grace, grit, insight, and most of all, hope.
"I have cried so many tears mixed with the sadness of missing Maria and the joy of remembering her!" Chapman writes. "I think when those tears get all mixed up together and fall, it has to water the dry places of our hearts and begin to slowly heal us..."
My Review:
All I can say is WOW! This book is not a typical book. I cried as soon as I got it in the mail. The pictures alone brought emotions. I’m usually not a very emotional one until children are involved.
I love Steven Curtis Chapman, who is a Christian singer. We even played one of his songs at our wedding. He has been around in Christian music industry for a long time.
His family life was not something with which I was familiar. His wife put it in perspective that I now feel like a fly on their walls.
I have a new appreciation for him and especially his wife. Her struggles dealing with depression, having children, married to a musician, adopting China children, raising children, and then having to bury one child is something I admire.
I think I clicked with her immediately when she says she loves to play practical jokes. My heart just loves when I find a kindred spirit.
Her humor throughout the book had me laughing so hard that it woke up my husband as he slept next to me, more than once. For a Christian, to be so blunt – just warmed my heart.
As for the actual writing – it was written in a way that kept my interest. You just never knew what she was going to say.
Would I recommend this book? IN A HEARTBEAT!!! It is REAL and truly life-changing!
I can’t imagine ever losing one of my babies. I would NEVER wish that on anyone! However, if I did – I would want my faith to prove as strong and real as Mary Beth Chapman’s!
Blessings to you! You are loved!!!
About the Author, Mary Beth Chapman
Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman have been married for 25 years and have six children: Emily (24), Caleb (20), Will Franklin (19), and Shaohannah Hope (10), Stevey Joy (7), and Maria Sue, who is now with Jesus. In 2001, the couple began an adoption ministry, Show Hope, which began as an assistance to families in the process of adoption, particularly by helping tear down the financial barrier that prevents many from bringing an adopted child into their home. To date, Show Hope is now an internationally recognized voice for orphan advocacy and has given over 2,300 financial grants, affecting the lives of children from 45 different countries, including the U.S. In addition to giving financial grants, Show Hope empowers families, churches and communities with adoption and orphan care resources and advocacy efforts. Mary Beth currently serves as the president of Show Hope (ShowHope.org). Along with her husband, she has also co-authored three books for their Shaoey and Dot children's series, and she continues to write a compelling blog found on her website. The family resides in middle Tennessee.
Note: I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated. The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.
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