Honoring Maria Sue Chapman

Maria Sue Chapman, the youngest daughter of Show Hope Founders Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, was adopted from China in 2004. As the youngest of the family, Maria was always full of energy, and Mary Beth and Steven know their family would never have been complete without her. She was always quick to greet you with a big smile, and she was the first to throw up the “rock fingers” for a little bit of sass. On May 21, 2008, as the result of an accident at their home, Maria passed away. On that day, she saw her eternal adoption finalized as she was welcomed home by her Heavenly Father. 

Maria’s legacy lives on through Maria’s Miracle Fund and Maria’s Big House of Hope. Joining our Founders, we remain committed to honoring the life of Maria, claiming God’s faithfulness and provision—even amidst great sorrow and the darkest of nights. As we do, we know that God’s glory is proclaimed in Maria’s story, and through the simple act of remembering her, God’s goodness is celebrated—and the hope of heaven is shown to a world in desperate need of him. 

This month, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, graduations, the end-of-school, the beginning of summer, and more, may we pause to honor the life of Maria Sue Chapman. Though in the eyes of man her life may be counted as short, we SEE an eternal impact in the stories of children and families who are being met with hope and healing on this side of the veil. All glory to God for his mysterious ways, and much love, comfort, and peace to the Chapman family.

While I will never understand on this side of heaven why her time with us was shorter than expected, I can say with assurance that we will SEE in full what we can only see dimly now. … Thankful for adoption, and thankful that Maria is a Chapman!

— Mary Beth