Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope [Hardcover]

Mary Beth Chapman (Author), Steven Curtis Chapman (Foreword), Ellen Vaughn (Collaborator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2010

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Chapman, wife to singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman, tells the story of her life and loss in this tender memoir. Chapman discloses how unsuited she is to be the public figure spouse to a charismatic and outgoing husband. Marrying him totally upset her orderly mental image of a quiet life in the suburbs with a 9 to 5 working husband. Instead, she discovered that God gave her a life she didn't expect that has taken her places she didn't want to go. As Chapman tells it, fame, travel, and adoption of children took this quiet woman out of her comfort zone more times than she cares to remember. In 2008, the tragic death of their five-year-old daughter, Maria, led to still more inner heartache. The Chapmans' story is harrowing and deeply sorrowful, yet the author finds a way to communicate their hope, faith, and love for a faithful God in every moment by grace-infused moment.
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From the Inside Flap

"Mary Beth has opened the doors of her stories to us so that our deepest fears may be overcome with hope. And so that we can all walk in a deeper trust that God is good . . . all the time."--Toby (TobyMac) and Amanda McKeehan

"When the world is telling us to suffer alone in despair and hopelessness, the Chapmans are fixing their eyes on Christ and faithfully walking each step clinging to the Lord and the hope we have in the promises in His Word."--Bart (of Mercy Me) and Shannon Millard

"This tender story will capture your heart and point you back to the One who restores, replenishes, and renews . . . even when He asks us to do hard, seemingly impossible things."--Wess Stafford, president and CEO of Compassion International

"With a balanced combination of heart-wrenching honesty and absolute grace, Mary Beth shares her 'severe mercy.' I couldn't help but sense God's presence in every sentence."--Mary Graham, president of Women of Faith

"Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman are living their story in a way that brings glory to God and real, practical help to the body of Christ. You won't be able to put this book down until you've wept, laughed, and relished every page."--Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship and the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Revell; Reprinted editon edition (September 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800719913
• ISBN-13: 978-0800719913
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (249 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,131 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

154 of 156 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than expected, Highly recommend; better than most Christian books. July 25, 2010

By R. Smith

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I pre-ordered this book since I grew up listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's music, and my husband & I have an interest in adoption. Honestly, I am an avid reader, and have read LOTS of Christian books, both fiction & non-fiction, and, honestly, after a while they kind of all seem to sound the same. I found this book to be very refreshing and honest. Humbly and frankly addressing topics that are often 'taboo' in Christian circles, such as depression, not 'having it all together', doubts, anxiety, etc. was a change, for one. While reading the book, I felt like I was meeting someone like me, almost like talking to a friend, instead of someone leading a perfect life trying to tell me how to make mine perfect as well, following their method. I would highly recommend reading this book.

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Walking Out The Faith She Professes August 30, 2010

By From Tia's Pen

Format:Hardcover

Choosing to SEE is written with the kind of honesty and transparency that kept me engaged in this chapter of Mary Beth Chapman's life. Mary Beth Chapman (along with Ellen Vaughn) tells a story of the Chapman family behind the stage and beyond the music award shows - a family that exudes and truly lives the faith that they profess.

Throughout the course of the book, the lyrics of some of Steve Curtis Chapman's songs begin each chapter. It's obvious that they were carefully selected and not merely used as space fillers. I must admit that although Chapman's work has never been in my personal music collection, he's gained a new fan simply because of the purity of his lyrics.

Three days after I finished Choosing To SEE, a family friend died suddenly. The unexpected loss left us shocked for days. Many of the things Mary Beth shared in the book came to the forefront of my mind. Our friend's death left behind a talented wife and three young children. I know that when the time is right, I will present his wife with a copy of Choosing To SEE.

Mary Beth Chapman may not be a songstress, but she's shared a story that tucks itself away in your heart like the lyrics of your favorite song.

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A book worth the read July 29, 2010

By K. Shawhan

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Reading this book with a box of tissue near by was a good idea. This book spoke to me not only as a mother but also as a Christian woman that at times has doubts. Mary Beth shares in a very raw way how she is living each day after her daughter's tragic death. Although this book shares her burden of grief she also is so very good at making it perfectly clear that she believes and loves the God who chose to have her walk this path. Thank you Mary Beth for sharing, in doing so God has truly received the glory. May your family continue to heal and may you continue to SEE. Your still in my prayers.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book Trailer January 5, 2011

By Michele M

Format:Hardcover

Length: 3:53 Mins

This book is a gift, please watch the video.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Undone August 8, 2010

By Kathleen M. Cantwell

Format:Hardcover

I purchased this book and could not put it down until I finished it. Mary Beth's raw honesty is refreshing. Her understanding of God's plan couched between His love and sovereignty is an encouragement to anyone who has experienced emotional pain. The unfolding of her story gives permission to grieve without having all the questions answered. Hope lies in the unseen and sure helps to travel the narrow road with the encouragement of a fellow sojourner. Having experienced my own loss and walking very intimately with a friend who lost a child at a young age, Mary Beth, you gave words to so many things unspoken. This book is an extension of God's grace and I cannot wait to put it in the hands of many I know and love. His timing is perfect, this book helped me to SEE. Reader, you will be blessed as the pages unfold.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Will encourage you to "SEE" and look up! September 1, 2010

By Anne TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Two weeks ago, I sat down with Choosing to See, written by Mary Beth Chapman with Ellen Vaughn. Two years ago, the Chapmans youngest child Maria died when a car ran over her which was driven by one of their teenage sons. This memoir is the story of primarily that event and her life (and her family's life) sine Maria's death. The story begins by sharing Mary Beth's life story before Maria.

The title "Choosing to See" is essentially about how we must choose to "SEE" God amidst our sorrow and pain--amidst the hard things in life. I began reading this book on a particularly discouraging day. Her story encouraged me and God used it to help me lift my eyes up. There is one particular passage that I know I will come back to again and again...

"If we keep our heads down, either out of defeat or loss or shame or tiredness...whatever the reason, we are going to miss the beautiful Sun (and Son!) that is right there in front of us, shining its warmth on our faces and our souls!
We need to understand down to the depths of our souls that whether He is quietly behind a storm cloud or blazing obviously in the bright blue sky right in our faces, Jesus, the Son, is always,--not sometimes--present. No matter what the circumstance.
As we walk with chins up, faces directed toward the Son, we won't see or have to deal with the pettiness of life, represented by the hundreds of seashells I was so fixated on. As we focus on Him, the things of life can be stepped over like those shells. (I know, easier said than done. Trust me I'm trying to preach to the choir here...ME!) Is it possible that some of those seashells of life will just go away? I think so!" from pg. 224-225 of Choosing to See

The passage goes on.... I appreciate so much Mary Beth's honesty with herself and the reader. It is clear from the tone of the book that she isn't preaching at anyone--she's speaking as much to herself as anyone else. I think this is a very good book for anyone who has lost a child or sibling to read. It is also a very good book to read if you or a loved one lives with depression. Depression is tiptoed around inside the church and many people don't understand it. This makes it difficult when people you love live with depression. Two of my family members lived with depression when I was growing up. As for me, I did not take medication, but I feel I should have after the birth of my last child for post partum depression. I understand. Mary Beth's story is an important one. What spoke to me about her story was how God has used this struggle in her life.

One of the aspects of depression is a zest for something--for with downs always come the ups. Mary Beth's passion is for adoption. It was encouraging to read about how God gave her this passion and has used it in her life, the lives of her family, and in the lives of her friends and in ministry. What a blessing! Truly in our weakness we are made strong. God works in all things. It is always good to be reminded of this.

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Once you pick it up, it will be hard to put down.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Revell Publishing. Read more ›