This video was posted today, on the blog of a man who has incredible faith. His wife has been suffering from a brain tumor since last March, and through their family blog, he has given updates on her condition. Kaci, his wife, had just given birth to their 3rd child, Jada, when she was told the tumor was cancerous. They have 2 other children, Tate and Mya, and have served God together in Albania as missionaries.
I have so appreciated Ryan’s (Kaci’s husband) willingness to share their journey, and to be so open with his thoughts and feelings. He has shown such incredible strength and faith in God. The last few posts of his have been some of the most painful to read, as doctors have given very little hope for recovery, and Kaci has been in much pain and has suffered from dementia for awhile now.
Watching this video today, I wondered how I would do if I were in Ryan’s shoes. Would I trust God like he has, or would I just crumble? Would I be strong enough to allow Him to use my life’s journey to encourage others? I pray that the answer would be yes, but I know it would only be through my God, who is faithful and promises to give His children strength.
Ryan asks often for our prayers, so if you feel led, please lift him up! You can leave a comment at their blog letting him know you have, or even just a word of encouragement.
It was interesting to see who wrote and sings the above song in the video. It is from Steven Curtis Chapman‘s latest CD “Beauty Will Rise.”
He is a man who has also known great pain, and had his faith shaken, but not destroyed. Back in May of 2008, his 5-yr-old daughter, Maria, was hit by Chapman’s son, Will, after she ran into the path of his car in their driveway. This song (and entire album) speaks volumes about the amazing God we have. He is a God who people cling to in the midst of the unimaginable, and because of Him can find hope and joy again.
He is a man who has also known great pain, and had his faith shaken, but not destroyed. Back in May of 2008, his 5-yr-old daughter, Maria, was hit by Chapman’s son, Will, after she ran into the path of his car in their driveway. This song (and entire album) speaks volumes about the amazing God we have. He is a God who people cling to in the midst of the unimaginable, and because of Him can find hope and joy again. I personally am looking forward to reading “Choosing To See”
a book written by Mary Beth Chapman, Steven’s wife.
a book written by Mary Beth Chapman, Steven’s wife. 
I’ve told my kids for years that God doesn’t make mistakes,” writes Mary Beth Chapman, wife of Grammy award winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman. “Would I believe it now, when my whole world as I knew it came to an end?” Covering her courtship and marriage to Steven Curtis Chapman, struggles for emotional balance, and living with grief, Mary Beth’s story is our story–wondering where God is when the worst happens. In Choosing to SEE, she shows how she wrestles with God even as she has allowed him to write her story–both during times of happiness and those of tragedy. Readers will hear firsthand about the loss of her daughter, the struggle to heal, and the unexpected path God has placed her on. Even as difficult as life can be, Mary Beth Chapman Chooses to SEE. Includes a 16-page full color photo insert.
she shows how she wrestles with God even as she has allowed him to write her story–both during times of happiness and those of tragedy. Readers will hear firsthand about the loss of her daughter, the struggle to heal, and the unexpected path God has placed her on. Even as difficult as life can be, Mary Beth Chapman Chooses to SEE. Includes a 16-page full color photo insert.
jeana
August 21, 2010 at 1:13 amHey Amy, I just got back back (a friend of mine and I drove up their today) from praying over Kaci’s hospice bed and their home. I felt the Holy Spirit filling their home and wanted to thank you again for yours and others’ prayers for her and the family. She will be coming back to her home tonight. Thank you!
Amy Bowman
August 21, 2010 at 1:36 amOh jeana, that is so good to hear, she has been on my mind all throughout the day. So glad you got to go, so glad they have so much support. Praying…
Amy Bowman
August 20, 2010 at 2:13 pmAnonymous-so glad your prayers will go up before our God. Thank you.
Aunt Linda-that is so thoughtful!! It is perfect timing for the jacket as fall is coming…I can’t believe you have held on to it for so long..thank you! We will be coming sat but won’t have time to meet up with you. I have some appts. in omaha in sept, so that is my best bet. I’m writing myself a post it reminder!
Linda
August 20, 2010 at 1:55 pmAmy, I just got MaryBeth Chapman’s book in the mail yesterday. I won’t have time to read it anytime real soon, and I’d be happy to share it with you! If you’re in the area (or have a sister in the area coming to visit you) let me know and I’ll send the book (along with the jacket & bedazzler) to you! We’ve followed Steven Curtis Chapman and his family for YEARS attending his concerts & hearing him tell about his family. I’ve especially followed them and read their blog since I heard about Maria, and MaryBeth’s blogs are so real that I had to buy the book. Thank you for your sweet, sweet heart. Love, Aunt Linda
Anonymous
August 20, 2010 at 4:41 amThank you for sharing this. I hever checked out this site before but now I am hooked & am excited to read thigns in the past & will visit often.
I love SCC and am amazed at his faith & open-ness about his struggles etc. I love how real he is! Thank you for sharing about this precious family. I linked onto their blog & read their story and will now be praying for them. I will also share with others. They need the body of Christ to stand with them.
Amy Bowman
August 19, 2010 at 2:51 pmClean Mama-He has proven that over and over to me, with every hardship came growth and meaning…His plan is perfect, His timing is perfect, He is perfect! Loved your comment, it caused me to “…remember the works of the Lord!”
Clean Mama
August 18, 2010 at 6:24 pmGod is good ALL the time. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
It’s hard to see that in the midst of struggles and tragedy, but it’s so true. He doesn’t have a clock or a deadline, and yet His timing is always perfect.
Amy Bowman
August 18, 2010 at 5:22 pm@Hi Leslie-so glad to know they will have another prayer warrior. I can’t wait to read the book, she seems wonderful..
@Pennington Point-it IS so much more, so easy to lose an eternal perspective in the midst of…home, school and dinner! Thanks for your comment
@jeana-you are welcome. What a small world, I’m so glad they have people like you in their lives! I’m so sorry about all the pain you all have to go through..praying.
@Casey-praise God you are ok, I can’t imagine what you have been through and the fears and questions it brings.
So glad you commented, so thankful to hear you are praying.
jeana
August 18, 2010 at 10:44 amThank you Amy! They are some great people and are wonderful friends of ours. Thank you for posting this and for you prayers, I’m in tears.
Casey
August 18, 2010 at 11:49 amThank you for this post. It hit close to home, as my name is also Casey and 4 years ago I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. While my diagnosis was not as severe as Kaci’s, and I am now considered cured….it was without a doubt the most fearful time in my life, with so many questions as to why. Their own faith amazes me, and I will certainly be lifting them up in prayer.
The Pennington Point
August 18, 2010 at 9:11 amOh Amy, thank you so much for keeping it real. Life is about so much more than a creative home and school and dinner. I am heading over to read Ryan and Kaci’s story. There but for the grace of God….. Lisa~
Leslie @ goodbye, house! HELLO, HOME!
August 18, 2010 at 3:54 amHi Amy!
I will pray for Kaci and Ryan and their children. I would hope that I could/would trust God with my future–that I would love Him despite the circumstances–that would take great faith.
I didn’t know that Mary Beth Chapman was writing a book!
Good to know–I’ve always wondered what she was like–
I hope you are well and enjoying what’s left of the summer!
Hugs,
~me