I am grateful
for the opportunity I had to read Steven
Curtis Chapman’s autobiography, Between Heaven and The Real World. Steven’s professional career started in the
late 1980’s, which was a few years before I became a Christian. When I think of the music that influenced me
as young Christian and throughout the years, Steven’s music is at the top of
that list. That’s why I wanted to read
this book.
I loved and
enjoyed Between Heaven and the Real World and want to read it again and
share it with others. I wept as Steven shared
in a very humble, open and transparent way the pains and trials he and his wife
Mary Beth and their family endured over the years, most notable was the death
for their precious daughter Maria Sue.
When you
connect with an artist’s work and feel like he expresses in words some of the
thoughts and emotions you’ve experienced, it’s interesting to learn the genesis
of the songs and what was going on in his life when they were written. It was heartening to see the providential
hand of God in Steven’s life. How He had
gifted him from a young age to love and write songs that gave a voice to what
he was feeling, his faith and capture his reflections about God.
I appreciated
the honesty in which Steven writes. It’s
real, but also reverent towards God. He
so obviously loves, honors and respects God, his parents, brother, wife and
children. Somehow, he manages to do so
while being open and real about circumstances, choices and events. Kind of like his music. I appreciate Steven and Mary Beth’s deep and
abiding faith that they cling to in the face tribulation, never more so than in
tragedy. It was heartening to read about
the support of family, friends and professionals that came alongside them when
needed most. I applaud their commitment to
their marriage and efforts to recognize that their spouse is not their enemy
and that they fought for each other, not against.
While the hearts
of a mother and father longs to see, their child healed and alive, the Chapman’s
have allowed God to redeem their losses and impact others for good and for
eternity.
If you’ve
listened to Steven’s music, you can’t help but come away encouraged, strengthened
and your faith built up as he drives a stake in the truth of Scripture. It’s almost like reading one of David’s
psalms. He may start out low and in the
depths of despair, but as he focuses on God, hope is restored and a light is found
to illumine the next step.
I highly
recommend Between Heaven and the Real World, especially if you are a fan
of Steven Curtis Chapman’s
music. It’s encouraging to see someone’s
faith proven genuine and real. Even if
you aren’t familiar with his music, I think you will benefit from reading this
book.
I would like to
thank NetGalley and Revell/Baker
Publishing Group for the opportunity to read Between Heaven and the Real World
by Steven Curtis Chapman. I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.
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