Soon after I woke this morning, I learned of the tragic death of Steven Curtis Chapman’s five year old daughter, Maria (held by her father in the above picture). She died yesterday after being struck in her driveway by a car driven by her teenage brother. Unthinkable. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Steven Curtis Chapman, he is a huge name in the Christian music industry, has won multiple Grammy’s, is a champion for adoption, and has adopted three little girls from China (Maria was their youngest adopted daughter).

This site set up in her memory paints a picture of just how quickly one’s world can be completely shattered:

“This is a family who has so generously loved and given to so many. Just hours before this close knit family was celebrating the engagement of the oldest daughter Emily Chapman, and were just hours away from a graduation party marking Caleb Chapman’s completion of high school. Now, they are preparing to bury a child who blew out 5 candles on a birthday cake less than 10 days ago. These words are unthinkable to type.”

My heart has been burdened for the Chapman family all day, and I encourage you to pray for their family to fully experience God’s love, peace, and comfort as they mourn.