Between Heaven and the Real World

January 9, 2017
Accomplished Christian musician Chapman shares struggles and successes throughout his career and personal life, including how his faith was tested when his youngest daughter died after being hit by a car. Born and raised in Paducah, Ky., Chapman never dreamed he’d win multiple Grammy and Dove awards—he couldn’t even sing that well—but he was gifted at writing lyrics and connected with his audience through snippets of conversation while performing. His hit songs are a strong thread throughout the book, but the story’s real treasure is his relationship with his wife, Mary Beth, and their children. She preferred order and predictable schedules; he was cut from a creative cloth. The clash threatened their marriage, but at each crossroads they found their way. Then, while raising three kids, the Chapmans decided to adopt from China. When their third adopted child, Maria, was killed in a tragic accident at the age of five, the family was devastated. Chapman’s pain is evident, yet his grief feels rushed in places because he’s so intent on sharing Bible verses and a faith message. Indeed, Chapman admits to a lifelong tendency to want to “fix” things. What’s lost with that approach is a sense of how difficult it is to live with unwanted circumstances and unanswered questions about God. Even so, there’s little doubt his beliefs are sincere and will encourage others.