Shaun Groves
From The Tennessean:
One of contemporary Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman’s six children was killed this afternoon when she was struck by a car said to be driven by her teenage brother in the driveway of the family’s Williamson County home.
The child, Maria, age 5, was taken by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt Hospital, which confirmed the death, according to Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
She was hit by an SUV driven by her teenage brother, she said. Police did not give the driver’s name.
The teen was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser down the driveway of the rural home at about 5:30 p.m. and several children were playing in the area, McPherson said. He did not see the 5-year-old in the driveway before the vehicle struck her, she said.
The Tennessean attempted to contact me this afternoon to comment on all this. The friend they attempted to contact me through rightly replied that I wouldn’t comment. What is there to comment? What can any of us say but that this is truly tragic and the Chapman’s, like any family experiencing such sudden grief, need our prayers and the God who hears them right now? I don’t know what to say but please stop and pray for the Chapmans.
Kelly @ Love Well says:
My heart is broken for them.
Father, please…. Do what only You can.
pam says:
Prayers going up right now for all of their precious family. Just makes my heart hurt.
Krista says:
Thanks for letting us know. He has been such an influence on my life through his music. I can’t imagine what they’re going through and I’m praying hard.
Jill says:
Thank you for letting us know. I’ve been praying for them since I saw your post. My heart hurts for their family and for that teenage brother.
Cinde says:
As the mom of a newly driving teen – my heart is just breaking. What devastating news. I will definitely be in prayer for that precious family.
angie says:
WOW, your world can change in an instant!
There is a burning sensation in my stomach and a prayer in my heart.
The son. . .I cannot imagine what he is dealing with right now. . .
Angie
Amanda says:
Such a terrible, compounded tragedy—particularly when they were in the midst of celebrating such good news. (The eldest daughter Emily got engaged over the weekend, according to the family blog). I can’t imagine what upheaval and pain they’re going through, and the heartache that brother must feel. We’re certainly praying for them all.
Nancy Tyler says:
You know how we all tend to pray about something as it’s happening and then go back to our regular lives and thoughts a short time later? It’s natural. It’s human.
Consider jotting a note on your calendar, say, in July to pray for the Chapmans. Put another note in September. Stick one in next year’s calendar too, when you buy it. Literally the world is praying with us for them right now. But later is when the shock and numbness wear off and when parent-child and husband-wife relationships really feel the strain of grief and guilt and blame. Pray now and pray later too.
Linda Sue says:
Glad you are mobilizing prayer – for all the Chapman’s are going through and will go through, so very sad.
oh amanda says:
I’ve been sick for them. Absolutely praying.
Crystal Renaud says:
i’ve grieving and wrecked over this since last night. i am definitely praying for God’s comfort for everyone affected. Only God knows why…
Rocks In My Dryer says:
There just aren’t any words. I’m just praying and praying…because what else is there to do, really?
CookevilleWeatherGuy says:
As a father of a 13-year old and a 7-month old, my heart aches today for SCC and his family. We will be lifting them up in prayer.
Grovesfan says:
What a wonderful idea Nancy. Alex and I both entered dates in our calendar. I am all too guilty of just “going on with my busy life” and forgetting to continue prayer down the road.
Beth
Nancy Tyler says:
I’m guilty too, Beth. Without reminders like calendars or lists or post-it notes stuck in obvious places, we forget. We don’t mean to, but we just do.
Jai says:
Thanks Shaun .. I posted about this last night when I first heard. Interesting enough this same thing happened with a family here last night w/ a 2 1/2 year old as the family was stargazing in the driveway.
You just never know what is around the corner, but at least we know GOD never lets us out his “sight”.
Comfort them Lord right now …
I have been praying and love Nancy’s idea for the post it notes through this year. I will be doing that too.
dustin cavazos says:
oh snap
i saw you tonight at feedback
i wanna blog for the compassion thing
check out my blog
blog.myspace.com/dustincavazos
yay
Lisa De La Cruz says:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help the family members of this tragedy to forgive the young boy for his unintended calamity. Please help the boy to forgive himself. This family is about to go into an internal struggle that could, potentially, destroy this family. Lord, please help them to seek whatever help they need to heal from the extensive damage that such a tragedy as this can cause. Help them have faith in you enough to get them through the anguish and suffering. Please help them not to start blaming and hating. I says these things in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN.