Mom..."Does God really have a BIG BIG House?" "yes Maria".... Mom..."Does it have lots and lots of rooms?" "yes Maria".... "Does Gods BIG BIG House have a BIG BIG Table?" "Yes Maria, with lots and lots of food! And Maria... It also has a yard where you can play football!" When I finished some of sweet little Maria's description of heaven that she had been learning at pre-school from a song they had been singing, her little squinty Asian eyes (and believe me....they were little) got as BIG as they possibly could! "MOM! How did you know all of that about Gods Big Big House?" Maria was so excited that I knew what she was talking about.... It was a very sweet morning, a very normal morning, a morning when we are rushing around trying to get the two littlest Chapman's out the door to pre-school. Little did I know that Stevey and Maria had been learning the Audio Adrenaline song, "Big Big House" at school. This was the first time that either girl sang any of the lyrics in front of us. Maria actually didn't sing them, instead she put them into very factual question like sentences. We had the most precious conversation about God's Big Big House, and then as normal as asking for a drink of water, that little sweet thing said, "Momma, I wanna go to Gods Big Big House.... How do you get there? How do you know if your going?" That morning, looking back, Maria was on a little mission. I remember even questioning to myself whether she was too young to fully understand what was going on. She was only 4 years old at the time. I was thrilled that she was asking questions and was curious about this opportunity that was before her. I told Maria that "yes, you can be sure your going to God's Big House by asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and asking Him into your heart to live. Then I told her that the Holy Spirit would be in her heart to help her make good and right decisions..." You get the picture.... I was trying to explain it in a childlike way the plan of salvation... She knew that Jesus had come and died on the cross for us.... so the best I could... I stood there and explained God's plan for curious little Maria Sue. She was very determined to pray and ask Jesus into her heart. So, I immediately took her and found Steven, who happened to be in town... I was so thankful he got to be there. He sat Maria up on the kitchen counter and he led her in the simplest prayer to ask Jesus to be Lord of her life and to come reside in her heart. About that time, Stevey Joy popped up on the couch that looks into our Kitchen and said...."well, I wanna go to Gods Big Big House too!" So, another prayer later, two of the most beautiful names I know were written in a pretty important book in Heaven! Little did I know that 1 year later, I would be telling all of you this story, and how profound this whole experience would become. You see, just 3 months later, when God for some reason that I won't understand this side of the vale, saw fit to need a special little person in heaven with him, this day, February 20th, 2008, would become one of the most special days to our family to hold on too. Steven took Maria and Stevey to school that day, because they had announcements to give! Both girls were determined to let their teachers know what they had done that morning at home. Don't ever estimate the faith of a child. I believe with all of my heart that Maria asking and being so determined was a gift of God. A preparation for 3 months later when my whole world would crumble and life would cease to exist in the way I knew it. I can't even begin to explain the suffering and hard places that this journey has found me in. But here me say..... with all certainty in me.... Maria felt compelled that day to ask Jesus into her heart. She was 4 years old.... Did she understand fully? As much as Christ asks us to understand. We don't have all the answers, but with Childlike faith we can trust the one who says all through Scripture that HE is the only ONE to trust with your life. Thank You little nutty Maria for teaching Mommy that all you need is the faith of a mustard seed and it will grow into an eternity of sitting on the lap of the One who has the biggest table of food you can imagine......By the way.....Maria LOVED to eat... Be blessed today as you put whatever amount of Faith you can muster into the hands of the One who holds it ALL....including my little girl.... Maria Sue Chunxi Chapman... The silliest goober I know (I miss you my little sweet pea).
Walk in that Faith today,
Mary Beth
Mary Beth, Steven and all your family. I felt compelled today to write to you. I wanted you to know how sorry I was to hear about your precious little girl and what had happened. Just know that you are loved and that I am praying for you and your family during this time.
It must've been hard to lose your little girl in this fashion and your son must be devastated. Just remember that what satan devises and designs for our harm, God will use for our good! I also know how hard it must be to see the good He has in store for you through this, but trust that He knows what He is doing even if we cannot see it.
I am praying for you!
Posted by: Linda Powell (through Patti Mathwig) | October 27, 2009 at 11:48 AM
hi ms beth. this is my first time to read your blog as i found it by accident when i was googling for a title on one of SCC's songs. i've been reading your blogs (in marathon) especially on memries with maria. thank you for sharing this conversation you had with her. i was really moved (and in tears as of writing this) at how in such a young age maria has declared her faith in God. i felt your pain on maria's early departure (i lost my aunt last september), but everything happens for a reason... and even in death, she continued her mission, to spread faith in God.
i surely will remember her as she shares the same birthday with my niece and the day she went to heaven happens to be my birthday =(
my prayers are with you. God bless.
Posted by: cherryl | April 25, 2009 at 11:42 AM
I just found your blog and I too am a blogger. :)
This was such a blessing!!! Praise God!
I have been praying for y'all since May, and I will continue to. The year mark is the hardest (2.5 years ago my sister went to be with Jesus).
God Bless y'all!
Your sister in Christ,
Tricia
Posted by: Tricia | April 20, 2009 at 02:03 PM
Faith..... my favorite word ever!
Posted by: Lea schmittou | April 14, 2009 at 03:29 PM
thank you for sharing that most special memorie of her. we all still miss here, and everywhere across the world peolpe are praying for you.
Posted by: natasha | March 15, 2009 at 01:16 PM
What an amazing memory the Father has left for you.
Posted by: Amy | March 07, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Mary Beth,
Just like God gave you that day to remember, He gave me your story to remember later last summer. My 21 year old bought a used motorcycle and was working on the motor with his 13 year old brother. I was upstairs making lunch in the kitchen when I heard the explosion and horrible screams. My oldest son walked away without a scratch, but his younger brother was severely burned on both arms and his face. Thank God he has healed physically, but as you know the emotional scars are much deeper. There are many purposes for accidents such as this--one I know is to remind me to pray for you and your son. The mix of emotions following the accident has been overwhelming. Know you are in my prayers.
Posted by: Nancy | March 06, 2009 at 01:18 PM
Oh, Mary Beth. What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing. And yes, a 4-year-old can understand enough to ask Christ into her life. I know because that's how old I was when I became a child of God, and it was very real for me and was the beginning of a Great Adventure!
Praise the Lord!! Still praying for you and the family. We love you!
In Christ,
Jennifer Weed
Posted by: Jennifer | March 02, 2009 at 08:56 PM
feel my prayers and hugs.... God does know best...so hard for those of us left behind! Thank goodness for trust and faith!
Posted by: Paula | February 28, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Dear Mary Beth,
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story with all of us...I remember when I accepted Christ into my heart...I was so overjoyed and so happy to know that I am one of His own...I know He will never give up on us even when we let Him down, He will always be by our side through all the hard times...He is our Rock! Psalm 118:6
In my prayer and God Bless,
Phoebe
Posted by: Phoebe Powell | February 27, 2009 at 11:26 PM
Precious...so very precious...
Posted by: debbie | February 27, 2009 at 06:47 AM
Amazing. I will never forget this. The same day my own baby girl was born, was precious Maria Sue's re-birthday. There is no doubt in my mind that Maria understood completely. I was 5 years old when I first heard the plan of salvation, and I remember as clear as if it were yesterday how God was pulling at my heart, and just how much I understood it, even though I was only 5 years old.
God bless you, Mary Beth! God STILL has wonderful plans for Maria's life, as the time goes by she'll continue to touch hearts and lives for eternity.
Posted by: Abby | February 26, 2009 at 11:11 PM
I'm not one to cry, but there are a few tears in my eyes. Maria had to have been the sweetest little angel ever. I love your family, and I don't even know you. I pray God pours his best on the Chapman family.
Posted by: Sarah Beth | February 25, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Tears are flowing. Thank you for sharing from your heart. God does teach us sooo much through our children if we stop and listen. Continued prayers for you today...
Posted by: Lori Powers | February 25, 2009 at 01:41 PM
I just read this blog out loud to my cousin in California, and both of us cried! It is so beautiful and we know that Maria had a foreknowledge of what was to be...somehow...and for you to have that comfort...
Behold what love the Father has given unto us!
Posted by: Kathy Lebron | February 24, 2009 at 07:17 PM
Thank you for sharing this moment with us all. I heard a bit about this from when you and your husband were on Mr. Huckabee's show the other day.
That was really touching to read. I know it must still be hard for you to talk/write about Maria, but at least you know that for sure you will be with her again.
Posted by: Danica | February 24, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Amazzzzzzzzzzzzzzing!!!Love you all so much and thank you for sharing.Remember,we your friends,brother's and sister's in Christ are here for you if you need us.
Thank you for sharing.Many blessings!
Stephanie G
Charlotte,NC
Posted by: stephiegdalyrist | February 24, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Thank you, as always. Now, I'm gonna go love on my four.....and pray for the one that is in all likelihood, not even created yet, in China....Wren Lok Yee.
Posted by: Tanya Robinson | February 24, 2009 at 06:35 AM
I never tire of reading that story...How amazing a time that must of been. As my three little ones grow every day and have not yet reached for that as of yet...I think it's funny how I have friends just like you who have similar stories of how they accepted Christ as their savior and then for some reason God sees fit to take them home such a short time later....I think that your daughter despite the shortness of her life has one of the most amazing testimonies I have ever heard.....Mostly because of the pure innocence..a true childlike faith...Absorbed so fully and so beautifully....Because of her many will be introduced torGod as their Father.....I saw the Larry king interview online and I wanted you to know thatrher testimony was imprinted on that man's heart...he won't ever be able to forget that! When we are transparent with pain and grief it helps people to see our faith...A true light in the darkness! And you have been that!
Posted by: Mary | February 23, 2009 at 05:54 PM
Mary Beth,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Your baby girl is with Jesus, having a beautiful time of it, but I know it must be so painful not to be with her on Earth any longer.
You all are in my prayers. Your beautiful souls are such an inspiration to me and many others.
And I hope, one day, to adopt a little daughter from China.
May God bless you and hold you in the painful moments that come your way,
Nell Taliercio
twitter.com/casualeveryday
Posted by: Nell @ Casual Friday Everyday | February 23, 2009 at 04:50 PM
I just read your testimony and I want to thank you for your willingness to share your story. I know that it is difficult to be in the spotlight at this very painful time in your life.
God did not cause the accident, but I can see why He allowed it to happen. Look at all the people who have been reached because of it. I lost a nephew recently and although it is not the same, I understand your grief. A year and a half ago, Cody got behind the wheel at age 15 without a license. He hit a tree and killed himself and a friend. To top it off alcohol was involved. The resulting negetive media attention continues to keep it before our faces. Yes, you are right it gets old.
Anyway, a salvation message was given at the funeral and my husband and also I counseled some of his friends one on one. We shared that even though Cody had fallen to peer pressure that night, that he had given his life to the Lord just months before the accicent. We would not have had an opportunity to talk to these kids about about Jesus if the accident would not have taken place. I am thrilled to report that many teens have gotten saved as a result.
When it happened to my family we were only able to touch those in our area of contact, yet the kingdom was enlarged. You on the other hand have a very wonderful,and very public ministry and God just added new people to the list of those who you will minister to. I happened to catch Stephens interview recently on some show.. sorry I don't remember which one.. but it was wonderful. At that time I prayed that just the right hurting people would be see it and be touched. I also prayed that you would have continued strength to go on. Today I am adding to that prayer in that your testimony on this website goes around the world and reaches many lost souls and hurting people.
Did God cause either of the accidents? Absolutely not, but look how He has used them. What Satan has planned for your destruction God has used to bring people closer to Him. Everyday will bring new challenges, but be blessed in knowing that God is using you to reach so many hurting people. On behalf of those who can't tell you themselves, thank you for your willingness to be used by Him!!
By the way our daughters all asked Jesus into their hearts when they were each only three years old. Today at ages 22, 20, and 18 they are on fire for God and in the ministry, and have never walked away from Him. Your little girl knew exactly what she was doing!! To end on a precious note, I will share a true story with you...
The day after Lauren,our oldest, got saved she asked me, "Mommy now that Jesus is in my heart.. does He get wet when I eat my cereal??" I just just replied, "No, honey He stays nice and dry." I would guess that Jesus smiled when He heard her ask that, but not nearly as big as He is smiling about you and your family and your ministry right now!!
Posted by: Tracy Caudill | February 23, 2009 at 03:44 PM
You don't know me, but I enjoy your husbands music soooo much. I have prayed for you during this difficult time of loosing someone so precious as your little girl. My heart weeps with you. May God bless as only he can. Ruth Gilley
Posted by: Ruth Gilley | February 23, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Mary Beth, as I sat here and read these words you probably struggled to write; I am in awe of God. I have 4 children, ages ranging from 13 to 8 (twin boys). One of my twins when he was 3 received Jesus in his heart by having his oldest sister lead him in the sinner's prayer. It was simple and sweet and God speaks to this boy. He came home last week from school handed me a dollar and said "this is for you Mommy". I was going to buy an icecream with it, but I didn't get permission first, so here you go. He had actually paid for it and given it back and got his dollar back because the Holy Spirit spoke to him and told him it was wrong. It is never too young to be talking to our children about Jesus or teaching them about Heaven or his love and sacrifice for us. Our family has been praying for your family and that will not cease. I had the privilege of seeing Steven, Caleb and Will perform at our church here in Florida before Maria went to be with Jesus last year (probably about a year ago?). May God continue to give you glimpses of Maria (see) and wrap his loving arms around you all. We are saying special prayers for Will also. Love, Vicki
Posted by: Vicki | February 23, 2009 at 09:46 AM
wow, Mary Beth...
that must have been so hard to type out... how could you see the screen with all the tears? your strength is a beautiful example of what it means when the Bible says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." from any other source, it wouldn't have lasted this long!
Posted by: elaine | February 23, 2009 at 07:35 AM
MB - My 4 year old son asked Jesus to forgive him of his sin on Feb.2, 2008. We were sitting at the kitchen table just talking and talking about Jesus. He was so interested in having his name in "The Book". I was so honored and so thankful as his mom that I could lead him to our Savior. 4 year olds love Jesus!
Posted by: Sara | February 22, 2009 at 10:29 PM