My girls and I went to the memorial service for the Chapman family on Saturday morning. It was such a blessing to us. Such a demonstration of what it should look like for the body of Christ to grieve with hope. I wanted to share a couple of highlights with you (things you’d never read in the paper or hear on the news).

There was a portion of the service set aside for the family/friends to share their memories of Maria. Her pre-school teacher spoke, 2 of their nannies spoke, and then the family. Emily, the oldest daughter, got engaged just a few days before the accident. She shared how her fiance asked her to marry her when they were on a plane. So when they landed, she had called home to talk to everyone. When she spoke with Maria, Maria was the only one to ask her “So, what did you say when Tanner asked you to marry him?” Emily told her, “Of course I said ‘yes’”. As Emily reflected on that conversation, she reminded us that all of us are the bride of Christ. And we have been proposed to. She looked to the congregation and said, “So, what will you say? What is your answer to His proposal?” A poignant moment. She then said, “Maria is the first of the Chapman girls to be married. She’s with her bridegroom now.” Wow.

Caleb, the eldest son shared about the accident. He said that right after it happened, his dad was on the ground with his arms around Maria trying to breathe life into her. Caleb said, “I had my arms around my little brother, trying to breathe life into him.” Wow again. (Will Franklin is the son who accidentally hit Maria with the car.) Caleb then said, “We prayed for healing for Maria, and God didn’t answer in a way we liked very much. We’re praying for my brother, and I believe God will answer us in a way we really like, for him.” Everyone rose in a standing ovation at that point. Such support for Will, wanting him to know that we all understood this was an accident, and there is such grace and mercy for that.

Songs we sang took on new meaning. The service began with Michael W. Smith leading us in “Still”. Hide me now under your wings. Cover me within your mighty hand. When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with You above the storm. Father, You are King over the storm. I will be still and know You are God.

Later we sang “Blessed Be Your Name”. You give and take away, you give and take away. My heart will choose to say, “Lord, blessed be Your name”.

Continue to pray for Steven, Mary Beth, Caleb, Will, Emily, Stevey Joy and Shoahanna. This won’t always be an easy road, but God is demonstrating to them His perfect love, perfect comfort, and perfect faithfulness. He will see them through this in a way that brings Him glory, I truly believe.