Steven Speaks...

The folks who manage the ministry of Steven Curtis Chapman have been very firm over the past few months. Short of the "big interviews" (Larry King Live, Good Morning America,) neither the Chapman family nor Steven himself have spoken to the public since the passing of their daughter.

However, Steven just released a new video post to his fans and friends across the world and I thought I'd share it here...



I'm amazed at the physical toll this has taken on Steven. He looks like a completely different man. I still hurt for this family and I encourage you to keep praying for them. As for Steven's return to touring, his staff is still preventing all interviews, meet-and-greets, etc. in order to respect the family's need for privacy.

Chapmans...

If you didn't get the chance to see this earlier today, please watch it.

As a parent, I am in utter amazement of God's evident grace and strength in this family. Please keep praying.



For probably the rest of the day, you can also watch it directly on the GMA site.

The Chapmans...

As Steven, Mary Beth, and the rest of the Chapman family struggles through their loss, the media is taking notice.

Figured I'd pass along this info so you can make an effort to pray and watch. According to those close to Steven, each and every media outlet involved so far has been very receptive and understanding about the Chapmans' faith.

This is no easy thing - to talk through this tragedy - but we're hearing that both Steven and Mary Beth are holding fast to their faith and speaking honestly about what losing their child has done in their marriage, family and ministry.

Here are the programs and times:

August 6th - Extended interview with Robin Roberts of Good Morning America.
August 7th - Steven and Mary Beth on Larry King Live
August 13th - The Chapmans story featured in People Magazine.

Update

Update on the Chapmans...

Jim Houseman posted this update today:
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Everyone wants to know... how are they doing? I understand the question. So many care so deeply, so many can't imagine this loss. But the question is unanswerable, really.

I think Caleb did it best when he said at the visitation and at the funeral that the best term he can find is "confused." "We're sad and happy. Together and Lonely..." and then he stopped, realizing you can't describe confused, in his words, "it's sorta the point of the word." So much wisdom in this young man.

In this difficult time, the Chapman family has not done any interviews. In fact, the only comments the press or media has had from anyone associated with Steven has been through this website, quotes pulled from what we were sharing with you about what has happened. And in a few other instances, Steven's pastor Scotty Smith or the Executive Director of Shaohannahs Hope, Scott Hasenbalg.

Still... it is just too painful, just too crazy, the grief too deep.

On Wednesday night and Thursday, they were truly despondent and wailing through this horrible unthinkable thing. On Friday late morning, I saw the family start to string sentences together. And then at the Memorial Service, Saturday, though the emotion was still raw and the pain is still so deep, profound things were said by these people struggling to find their way in a world without Maria.

I've been privileged to be with them each day of this horrible week... so how are they doing? It is unanswerable... but I'll say this... I see them holding on to the Gospel better than you could imagine or hope for, just as you might think they would. Today, the room is quiet, the talk is somber... but occasionally you'll see a smile. Once in awhile, you might even hear a light laugh. Hope never left, and hope is just starting to show itself again, in small ways. There is still profound sadness. There is still deep concern for some in the family and how they will chart their way out of these dark days. But, there is a Savior, they are sure of it, I hear them talking about it. Heaven is real. It's real-er than ever to this close knit family. Sadness with hope.

A wedding cake picked out today, hope with sadness.
A little girl crying missing her sister, sadness with hope.
Basketball practice and carpool and lasagna from friends for dinner.
The new normal is not much fun right now.

And then there is a community of family and friends (including you!) praying. Your prayers are often talked about and appreciated. The family is overwhelmed by your support and is comforted by it, be assured. Grateful for you.
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Please continue praying for this family. It's one-week today. Keep praying.

Chapmans...

Jim Houser, friend and manager of Steven Curtis Chapman just posted a brief recap of Maria Chapman's memorial service.

In addition to recount what appears to be an amazing service of thanks and praise, Jim also gives some great reminders to keep folks praying.

As a friend of the family, Jim's post is heartfelt and loving. You can check it out here.

Thanks to Carlos for passing this link along.

Singer-songwriter Warren Barfield has always talked a lot about his heroes - guys like Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman.

I dig that...because I still love all of Chapman's old stuff.

But when I saw Barfield new album cover, it looked really familiar. Check it...

Too much alike?