Choosing to SEE

Mary Beth Chapman wrote a book recently called Choosing to SEE.  I did NOT want to read this book.  I had seen it out on book shelves and heard a lot about it, but I had already decided that it was not something I wanted to read.  A little over two years ago their 5 year old daughter was run over and killed by a vehicle that their son was driving.  Devastating!  I remember hearing about it on the news when it happened and honestly just grieved for their family.  I don't "know" them, but have been very familiar with Steven Curtis Chapman's music and followed their story as they've adopted three little girls from China.  There are some things I just don't want to read about.  It wasn't because I knew it would be a sad story, but because sometimes looking at the frailty of our lives is just too much.  I can't fathom losing a child.  Just the thought makes my gut hurt and eyes begin to tear. 
So, I didn't want to read the book, until I heard the prologue.  In October a few friends from seminary were able (once again) to attend Beth Moore's taping at Life Today Studios for the Wednesday's with Beth program.  It is an intense weekend, but SO very good.  In the very last session before closing Beth brought up Mary Beth Chapman.  I don't want to give it away, but it was GOOD...arm tingling, not-a-dry-eye-in-the-place GOOD.  The sessions that we went to last year are just now airing, so this one likely won't be out for awhile yet, but the book is.  And, Beth Moore wrote out her "part" in the story and it is the prologue for the book. 
My friend gave me the book to read yesterday.  I started into it a little yesterday and loved it.  It is honest and real and it is more about her life and struggles with God than just about their little girl.  I got to the hardest part today and had to put the book down and walk away for a bit.  It is heart wrenching, but they testify to God's faithfulness.  As she shared about their adoptions and their heart for orphans I felt my own heart being stirred towards something I hope is part of our future.
So, get the book and read it!  If you tend to shy away from topics like this (like I do) because they are so hard, please reconsider.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

We ended up sitting to the side or behind her for all the sessions so I wasn't able to get as good of a shot as last year.  During the last session I could see myself on the camera whenever she came my direction...just a little distracting!