Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for Lilli's birth mother! This morning as my clock radio sounded, I heard the most terrible news! The youngest daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman, Maria Sue, was accidentally struck and killed by a motor vehicle driven by her older brother in the driveway of their Tennessee home. As many of you know, the Chapmans have adopted 3 beauties from China, Maria Sue being the youngest. She was only 5.
Often, I try to make sense of what God hands us in our life. I realize that it is not for me to question what is ultimately God's plan for us, but sometimes in situations like this, it's very hard!! I think God understands our desire to question His reasons. God is in control and He has a good reason why this precious life was taken from her family at such an early age.

I believe God has our lives mapped out before we are ever born. Before Lilli was ever conceived, she was already destined to be our daughter. I know that her birth mother grieves everyday for her... a way I can understand, as I have had the shear joy of becoming her Mommy. I can't imagine my life without her. I praise Lilli's birth mother for the courage of abandoning Lilli at the gates of her orphanage on that faithful June 7th morning less than a year ago... probably all the while, hiding just within range to make sure that her baby girl was safe. I can imagine her waiting and watching to see Lilli picked up & safely brought within the gates by the security guard that found her. Her life forever changing at the moment, knowing that she'll never know the joy of watching Lilli grow!

Then, I think about the Chapman's loss of Maria Sue. Like many international adoptive families, the Chapmans are a big part of the reason we chose to go to China to adopt. We watched countless videos of their experiences... & even though we do not know the Chapman family, we are strangely connected to them. We feel like we have lost a friend in Maria Sue. Danny and I have followed Maria Sue's life, as we waited to get Lilli. She is a precious Child of God, chosen, not abandoned!! I grieve. I can't imagine being in their shoes. So much loss and so much pain! I pray for them, especially her older brother... he's grieving the most. He will carry this burden for the rest of his life!

Maria Sue had the joy of having a wonderful Christian family! Not many children grow up these days in a Christian home. Maria Sue did. She had a purpose, if only to bring joy to her family for a short time.

Hug your loved ones tonight... life is short!

God is love,
Jen