Mary Beth here.....

OK, I normally don't post, but here it is.  These comments make me sad.  I am beginning to think that the Internet is not a good thing.  At any rate, here is the deal with the EBAY.....  We have begun the grueling task of cleaning out, purging, getting rid of....which is WAY over due.  My hubby is somewhat of a pack rat.  At any rate, when Maria went home in May of 2008, we knew at some point we would have the project of making Stevey Joy and Maria's room into just Stevey's room.  So, 9 months later we are doing just that.  In order to ease the pain a bit we have decided to more cleaning out than just Maria's.  Steven, who literally has not cleaned his closet out in.... I don't really know... decided it would help if he got rid of some things.  So...not that I owe anyone an explanation but.......  after giving many many things away to people who could benefit from them...  Family among them.....  we let Grace take what she wanted.....  Then the rest, yes to Good Will.  Then came the discussion of what we wanted to do with the money that would come in from EBAY.  I decided that it would be a good idea to try and offset some of our current expenses that we didn't see coming.  Some of those things include tons of counseling.... and re-doing Stevey Joy's room.  It is fun to re-do a room, but under these circumstances, you have no idea how hard it's been....    Unfortunately, I am sad that I even have to go into this.  I am so thankful for all of the LOVE and support from you awesome fans.  I had no idea that this would create drama...  We are so blessed.... way beyond what we deserve....  But I am also a firm believer in being a steward of what God has entrusted us with.  If you love someone then you trust them... I sure hope that you are included in that description.  Please hear me say this....  The Chapmans don't have to EBAY items to pay for counseling......but being wise does help.  Please, I am a normal mom trying to take care of what we have been entrusted with.  Nothing more than that.  As far as the money not going to SH.  Please know that our hearts, souls, life, and time belongs to Shaohannahs Hope...  That includes our personal giving as well, but again, sad that I need to say that.  Believe me, there are days when it is so hard to stay the course.  Orphan advocacy and care is not where the enemy wants us to spend our efforts so the attacks that can come....they can be HARD....kind of like the comments here.  Thanks for understanding my needing to say these things and for understanding why the comments on this discussion will be closed.  Like my blog said about Twittering.....   now it's   "To Ebay or not to Ebay"  that is the question....

Comments

[Debbie from Ohio]

You all are awesome people and there is no reason for people to think otherwise....

[The Whitaker's]

Support, Encouragement and Prayers are being sent your way. You Ebay and re-decorate your children's bedrooms, I yardsale and re-decorate our children's bedrooms. No difference, two Christian mothers looking after their precious gifts, their children.

[Stephanie S.]

We love you and respect the decisions you and your family make. We have chosen to put Shaohannah's Hope in our will because we fully trust that any money we might have some day would be put to good use. I don't think any of us can know or understand how much of your heart, money and life is put into this ministry. We also cannot fully understand the impact of all the lives the adoption grants have touched. Thank you for all that you do.

[kerri]

Wow, once again I'm wishing we were neighbors and I could just invite you for a cup of coffee. I'm just floored that you would have to defend yourself like this. What I love best is that you know you don't and you say it but you do it just the same. Somehow it teaches us about ourselves and the world we live in. I wish I had something profound to say but I don't. Just know you are loved for your strength and willingness to share yourself (both of which you've so honestly said you'd give up to not have to have endured this past year - show one of us who wouldn't). You are precious!

[Kelly]

Glad I didn't see the comments - It makes me so sad to know that people would say anything discouraging about this to you. You should be treated no differently than anyone else on e-bay. Know that you are all in our prayers and I can't imagine how horrible those comments may have made you feel - but know that you have many more who support you and your family!

[Kelly]

Glad I didn't see the comments - It makes me so sad to know that people would say anything discouraging about this to you. You should be treated no differently than anyone else on e-bay. Know that you are all in our prayers and I can't imagine how horrible those comments may have made you feel - but know that you have many more who support you and your family!

[Terrye in FL]

Bless your heart! You hold to what you believe is God honoring in your life, and just trust in Him to take care of the rest. I'm sorry that you had to go on here and defend yourself for selling on EBAY!!! Just know that you have my support sister :)

[Rochelle Manock]

Wow, I didn't see the bad comments, but I'm very saddened to hear about them. God bless you guys and all that you're doing. You're being good stewards, and it is sad that you have to explain it to us humans... since your reward is eternal and you're doing what you feel is right in God's eyes and in your situation.

Please don't let the negative people get you down. You are doing a marvelous job and making a positive impact on those around you every day. May God continue to bless you, the family, and your ministry!

Praying for you lots, much love!!

[leonard bray]

MARY BETH

ONE DAY YOU WILL BE STANDING BEFORE YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER,AND HE WILL SAY TO YOU WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVENT.
KEEP LOOKING UP!!!

THE BRAYS

[Lauren]

Mrs. Chapman,

I did not read the negative comment, although I am very sorry you have had to deal with that. I have purchased several of your items on ebay (Bluetooth, shoes, your sweater) which I feel is your personal items and you should choose what you do with those proceeds. As a supporter of Shaohannah’s Hope and a college student with a calling to be a mother to the motherless, it is so inspiring to see how you have put everything into S.H. and advocating for orphans. God has used you both to lead me to my calling of adoption and advocating for orphans. I only hope to be the wonderful mother to my adopted children that you have been to Shaoey, Stevey, and Maria.

Keep doing what God has called you to,

Lauren

[Chase]

MBC & SCC and the whole Chapman Clan,

Carry on the Chapman calling. No excuse or justification is needed. You have the hearts of givers, the heart of Christ. Today many people live caught behind hearts filled with a lack of humility and maturity. Sadly, that it comes from the church.

You do the church good by living and sharing your example. Knowing that what you do share via the internet is but a drop of your full everyday lives, your words carry weight. Stevens songs carry freedom, honor and joy. Mary Beth, you give such a grace and beauty to this life, that people who want to honor the Lord should really take a step back from being so terse.

I have watched people slam Tammy Trent, telling her to move on now from losing her husband almost 8 years ago to now - watching people tell you do this and that with your money. As if they know you because you live a semi-public life?

You could have choosing anonymity with your route, but you didnt. Thank you. Thank you for sharing and for pushing the grace of God first. Always that will be honored. More than you know.

I debated even posting at all, but we are to "encourage" each other while it is still called today. Not tear down.

You are loved.

Chase

[jules]

Unbelievable. I didn't see them, but I can't believe people would say such things. Everyone eBays, what's the big deal. Seriously, if big honcho like P. Diddy can stop traveling on his own jet by flying commercial instead to save money...then what is to them that a sweet loving and giving family suffering from a loss that sells their excess things? I'm sorry you had to deal with their negative comments. Your reply was still gracious, and I admire that. Someone needs to lose their holier-than-thou mentality. God bless you Mary Beth.

[Faith]

I am so sorry you're getting nasty comments on this. It never once crossed my mind that anyone would care about something like that. It seems like a smart idea to me. God bless and you are in our prayers!

[Sarah]

Hey Mary Beth--

That anyone would get upset is ridiculous. This is nothing more than a glorified garage sale. People sell their stuff all the time--why should life for the Chapmans be any different? As my mom always used to tell me..."Don't let the turkeys get you down." You're an amazing wife and mother Mary Beth--don't give this another thought.

[Julie Wieters]

Mary Beth,
I pray that you can and will continue to live your life for an audience of One - THE ONE. You and your precious family are such a testimony to our Amazing God, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
May the Lord continue to give you the strength to be the beautiful wife and mother that you are.

[Michele (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)]

Remember Mary Beth..it's what God thinks that is important...it's all that matters. That we lead a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

Love and prayers..

[Michele (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)]

Bottom line: it's what God thinks that is REALLY important...that's all you need to remember...lots of love to you and your family...keep up the good fight!!
Praying for peace and healing.

[Aaron Klein]

Given the hundreds of thousands of dollars (or perhaps millions, for all I know) that the Chapman family has and continues to invest in the cause of adoption...frankly, I think it would be more than fair to say that these dollars and much, much more are going to SH.

As a recipient of a Shaohannah's Hope grant to bring my son home from South Korea, I have to say to any negative commenters: SHAME ON YOU. This family contains the most generous people you will ever meet. Go find someone else to tear down and criticize, for crying out loud.

[Becky]

MaryBeth --- Thank you for sharing your lives with us. You owe no one an explanation. Shame to those who judge and criticize.

Your family is continually in my prayers ...

Becky

[Beth]

I am glad I missed the comments. People seriously were upset about Ebay??? It is your stuff to do with as you please and use the money as you please.

Thank you for speaking up about this, even though you don't owe anyone an explanation.

You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Di Ryan]

I too missed all of the comments... of which I am thankful. Mary Beth, keep being the great mom, terrific wife, faithful servant, obedient child and good steward that God has entrusted you to be. For those of us who has "known" you and the Chapman family for years know exactly where your hearts are. No explanation is needed.

So sorry for the disheartening comments/moments in the midst of this glorious anniversary day.

[Robin - Mt. Juliet TN]

Mary Beth -
Don't let unwise words from people who have no idea what your going through discourage you from the ones of us who love and support you and your family. I am so thankful that I didn't see any of the negative comments as it would have infuriated me. No one has the right to tell you what to do with your money from the e-bay items and really that never crossed my mind the only thing that crossed my mind was that I might be able to own something that SCC wore or even that you have worn. How awesome is it to get a chance at something like that. Sure I always buy stuff at his concerts but it wasn't really his, you know what i mean? My sister in law is in the music business also and I can remember when we would have fan club parties if someone received a personal item of hers they were overjoyed and that's how we feel about your e-bay items. So keep cleaning out those closets and offering us the things you no longer need!!!! And then when you get the payment go out and celebrate however you want to........ We love you so much and thank God that we have this way of communicating with you. You hold your head up high and don't worry about the crazy people who say ugly hurtful things, they obvisously need prayer.......

Have a great day. Love ya!

[Lynn]

I missed all the negative comments, and I'm glad I did. Mary Beth, good for you for addressing this. I am praying for your family!! Sending lots of love from Washington State

[Laure H.]

Mary Beth,
I'm sorry the enemy is still trying to discourage you. He likes to kick us when we are already down, doesn't he?! It's obvious to me that you have all poured your heart and soul into serving the Lord and into SH. You guys don't just give money and time, you have really poured your lives into this ministry and have lived it out over the years. It's an encouragement to so many. I really respect that you are being a Proverbs 31 woman and using your resources wisely by selling things on ebay. That is very smart and you have been so giving with your things. God sees that and knows your heart that is all that matters.
I think it's good that you spoke up in this post about your motivations. It silences the the talk of others who may not understand. I would do the same thing.
I saw the Huckabee interview and Wow! I can see how much God has worked in you both over the months. I hope that encourages you that I can see the growth there in your life and in Steven. 9 months is so incredibly short and I don't know anyone who has been through that and is in the place that you guys are in right now. I know you have a long way to go and have your private struggles. But I just praise God for blessing you guys so much through your obedience to Him. Through your continued acceptance of His plan and of this cross you were chosen to bear. And once again, it is a great example to me to do the same thing in my life. Thank you for sharing your heart. You are so precious to God and all of us. I will always be praying for you especially tomorrow the 21st. Much love, Laurie

[Nancy from California]

I'm glad I missed the negative comments. My heart has grown to love you all more and more this past year. I'm sure the room redo was a real challenge, yet necessary for moving forward. I pray for your girls as well as the rest of you. Thank you Grace for helping us to feel connected to this family. It's too bad there had to be more hurting here, when it should be about love and support. Love you all. Nancy