Steven Curtis Chapman - Grief and Love

I am so moved by the family of Steven Curtis Chapman and their response to the untimely death of their daughter, Maria. I am doubtful that I would be capable of the grace and hope that they are showing in the face of this difficult circumstance. While it is likely that, in the privacy of their home, the anguish and tears flow more openly than in public, the family's public expression of their return to the Rock for hope to move forward is astounding.

In a recent People magazine article, the family spoke about the incident and how they are coping. The article was touching -- but one part stood out to me, over all others. In the article, both Steven and MaryBeth expressed that they never knew it possible, but that their love for their son, Will, who was driving the SUV that struck their daughter was deeper and stronger as a result of the incident. They said they "loved him more" than ever before! As I thought of this statement, I understood it! When a loved one experiences pain and hurt and sorrow, I, myself, have felt my love deepen for that person. "Why?" I wonder . . . I think it is a combination of the vulnerability and rawness that person is experiencing coupled with my desire to help carry the burden of the sorrow; as well as the strengthening and deepening of the bond of love between two people who share such deep pain. It's difficult to explain -- but once experienced, one can understand. (although I will not pretend to understand the feelings of the loss of a child)

A reference on the blog "Bring the Rain" (see link on top left of this page) references the phenomenon:

I recalled a quote I read years ago in a Max Lucado book (ironically, I think the title has something to do with a storm...). It told the story of a very young girl who was playing her violin at a concert and there was no question she was a prodigy, gifted well beyond her years. But while her fingers danced on the strings, a man in the audience leaned over to his friend and said,
"Can you imagine how beautiful it will be once she's had her heart broken?"
The depth of sorrow has a way of changing the way you share your life, your heart, your God.

Steven Curtis Chapman recently appeared on the "Early Show" to sing "Cinderella" -- an amazing task in my eyes . . .