~*~ THANKFUL THURSDAY ~*~

This is a photo of Steven Curtis Chapman. It was taken just yesterday at a meeting with his "people" at work. I follow his manager's blog and this was posted there. I have been a HUGE SCC fan since the 80's....I LOVE SCC!! As you all know, Steven lost his daughter Maria in a tragic accident about 6 weeks ago. This is the first "REAL" picture of him since that tragic day. As in, not a photo shoot pic that's been doctored a bit.

Upon first glance, I had NO IDEA who this was! The past 6 weeks have sent them through such a gamut of emotions and life situations. You can see time etched in his face. You can see the sadness behind the eyes. The smile that used to brighten up his entire face is just now finding it's way back. Slowly but surely. Not so sure about that goatee on that face but hey, if he likes it.....good for him!

Even through all the physical changes that occured over the past 6 weeks, the LIGHT OF GOD still shines through.........as BRIGHTLY as always. We all know that Steven believes in a God that has not only CARRIED them through this tragedy but continues to work in their lives. As a result, their witness to what a caring, wonderful, loving God we serve, has touched the lives of many. The numbers we'll never know but it's not for us to know. God in His heaven knows and that's what matters.

I am thankful for SCC and family.....

I am thankful that we serve a God that loves us even when we feel unlovable......

I am thankful for a God that carries us when we cannot find our feet.....

I am thankful that while our struggle with getting Sydney home seems so BIG that it PALES in comparison to what could be happening.

Hang in there Steven, Mary Beth, Will Franklin, Caleb, Emily, Shaoey and Stevey Joy!!! We're all praying for you! If you want to follow Jim Houser's blog to keep up with SCC, here is his link: http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/jim/