Book Review

At this point in my life, I don't have a ton of time to read books other than the daily book times with the kiddos. I love to read when I can so last week when I went to Indy I had time on the plane and in the evenings to read.

I have been a huge fan of Steven Curtis Chapman's music for some time. A few years ago, the Chapman family went through a horrible tragedy losing their youngest adopted daughter who was hit by their son's car as he pulled into their driveway. Since that time, Mary Beth Chapman (SCC's wife) has written a book called "Choosing to See".


The book begins with Mary Beth telling of her youth and how she came to meet and marry Steven Curtis Chapman. She gives some really great insight on marriage and how even long and strong marriages can be attacked by Satan. She goes on to tell about having her three biological children and the building of Steven's music career. She is really funny as she tells about the ups and downs of her life at that point. Mary Beth also shares about their journey through adopting their three little girls from China. It is so intriguing how through the pleading, praying and nudging of their 13 year-old daughter Emily, Mary Beth realized that it was part of God's plan for them to adopt. Through this process they learned of many families that wanted children badly but were struggling financially to make it happen...thus they formed Show Hope. Show Hope (named after their daughter Shaohannah Hope) is an organization that helps care for orphans and gives grants to families to help them in the adoption process.

The last part of the book tells of the details of Maria Sue's accident, death, and memorial. Grab lots of kleenix for this part. It is extremely sad but the best part is that the Chapman Family members are strong in their faith and their hope. They realize the big picture and are choosing to see that Maria is in heaven with Jesus and that they will see her again soon.

I love love love this book!! I love that Mary Beth is so real. She admits her faults and that she isn't perfect...even being married to someone that is in the spotlight. She over and over reminds readers that we can't walk this journey alone and that God is with us all the way through it. Each of the chapters begins with Steven Curtis Chapman song lyrics and relates with each of the chapters....absolutely beautiful!

I could go on and on about this book but would most definitely recommend reading it for yourself. I will read it again as there is so much insight. I could only hope to be as strong as this woman going through the things that they have gone through.

If you are looking to borrow a copy of the book, let me know!!