I finished the first book on my Spring Reading Thing list: Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Mary Beth Chapman.

Although it was truly a heart wrenching book to read, it was also so beautiful. Interesting combination, don't you think? Let me explain...

Mary Beth is completely honest about the awfulness of losing her little girl, about the pain and the doubt, the suffering and the trials. But through it all, hope triumphs. It was a book that despite making me cry through many of its pages still caused gratitude and joyfulness in my heart for the hope we have in Jesus! Mary Beth makes no qualms about the struggles she continues to face, living life without little Maria but constantly points back to God - that He is in control, that He has a plan even if its hard to understand this side of heaven and that through the work Jesus accomplished in His death and resurrection, they can be certain of the fact that they will see Maria again.

Just listen to this quote:

-Mary Beth Chapman, "Choosing To See"

I am humbled, blown away by this whole story. There were moments where I laughed, many more where I cried. These people are human not some super spiritual family. But the God we serve is faithful. And so, despite how tragic this story is, it still has led my heart to praise my God! If you know Him, you can be certain of the fact that the suffering and pain you face in this life is not without meaning and purpose! There is HOPE! 

Upon finishing this book, I came across a new singer/songwriter who I instantly fell in love with: Christa Wells. One song in particular grabbed my attention, A Thousand Things. "Choosing To See" was still fresh in my mind so of course I related the truth of this song instantly to the Chapmans. But really, it is a wonderfull reminder to all of us who face trials and suffering of any kind. Be encouraged : A thousand things are happening in this one thing.

You’re gonna cry yourself to sleep

Your’re gonna soak the pillow

for many weeks

You’re gonna cry

Why?

Why me?

But in spite of the ache

that doesn’t go away

You’ll be sharing your story

one rainy day

And at the next table somebody catches your words

He hear’s a truth that he’s never heard

He takes it back to the marriage he’d given up on

Hands it down to his daughter

who writes it into song

You didn’t know

You’re gonna cry yourself to sleep

‘cause for the moment all that you can see

Is what you’ve lost , lost

Why me?

But in the midst of the most exquisite pain

you’re drawn into a peace that You cannot explain

and the praises you sing of a sovereign God

reach the girl whose last hope is gone

she never thought there was purpose in anything here

now the seed has been planted and it’s taking root there

You didn’t know

A thousand things are happening tonight

You’re gonna cry yourself to sleep

A thousand miracles you’ll have to wait and see