Choosing to See
A Journey of Struggle and Hope
by Mary Beth Chapman
Mem. Ed. $15.99
Pub. Ed. $21.99
You pay $0.25
Bonus Content
CHOOSING TO SEE
Obviously, I never planned to write this book.
No mom can come up with words to express the ripping
pain of losing a child . . . and no words can do justice to the
mysteries of God in the midst of tragedy.
When people ask how we are doing, the first thing I always say is,
“I want Maria back. I want my son Will Franklin not to have this as
a chapter in his story. I want my children to be healthy, my family
secure. I don’t really care whose life has been touched or changed
because of our loss!”
That is the heart of a mother who lost a daughter and is determined
not to lose another child. I believe God can handle my heart,
my questions, and my anger. It’s okay to want Maria back. It’s okay
to be angry. The question is, what do I do with it all? What do I do
with God? In the midst of such heartbreak, do I really believe that
all things work together for good for those who love Him and are
called according to His purpose?
The answer to that question has come at a great cost. It has been
agonizing to choose to see God at work through the tears of losing
my daughter. I have, however, experienced the kindness, sweetness,
faithfulness, and redemptive heart of God. I believe none of my
tears have been wasted.
So here I am, putting down these words one by one, because God
has surprised me over the long days since Maria went to heaven. I
have come face to face with evil and what part it plays in our lives,
past, present, and future. I am realizing, though, that God is God,
and He is purposeful in destroying what evil intends for harm. He
is surprising me in good ways beyond what can be measured on this
earth! I am living what I once only read in Genesis 50:20–21, where
Joseph tells his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended
it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving
of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and
your children . . . ”
From CHOOSING TO SEE by Mary Beth Chapman
© 2010 by Mary Beth Chapman
Published by Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Choosing to See
“I’ve told my kids…that God doesn’t make mistakes,” writes Mary Beth Chapman in Choosing to See. “Would I believe it now, when my whole world as I knew it came to an end?”
From her courtship and marriage to Grammy-winner Steven Curtis Chapman, her struggle for emotional balance and living with grief, Mary Beth’s story is our story—wondering where God is when the worst happens. She shows how she wrestles with God—both during times of happiness and those of tragedy. Readers will hear firsthand about the terrible accident that claimed the life of her daughter, her 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 insert.
Hardcover : 288 pages
Publisher: Baker Books ( September 01, 2010 )
Item #: 13-174777
ISBN: 9780800719913
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.687inches
Product Weight: 14.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Wonderful Godinspiring book 
January 27, 2011
Although I have not finished this book yet, it has left me speechless, crying, joyous, amazed, and warm all over. I am not a "reader" but I have not been able to put this down. It will help to guide you through all types of struggles. I am so glad that God led her to share her story and that God led me to pick up her book................
Reviewer: stephanie
January 03, 2011
What a heart breaking story yet so full of hope. I loved this book. The raw emotions made it so real. As Christians we often feel the need to put on a front. Never letting how we really feel out. Thank you for reaffirming that these feelings are ok and that God remains with us no matter what. A must read!
Reviewer: Olivia
She is Genunine
September 23, 2010
She is one of the most genunine people to write with the raw, gut feelings. I lost a daughter and know those feelings. The pain. The "ignorant" or somewhat "stupid" questions or comments people say and do. I am 5 years in and people are saying, "get over it" or "move on" - REALLY! Mary Beth knows and understands you can only try to find a new normal - then you are slapped in the face with a memory, a comment or something from the past that brings back that dam of emotions, memories you have tried to deal with. Compassionate Friends, is a national support group for parents who have lost children. After the Bereaved Parents "Want List" is given the last statement is "I hope you never understand because if you do, you are walking in the shoes I am"....I will get to hear both of them in a service, October 6th at our church and so looking forward to it. The small group to meet with them prior to the main service is sold out but I would have liked to have been there. As a Christian people think you are not to "ask questions" or be up front and have the thoughts of "God she is yours BUT I want her to raise"......been there done that...sometimes still go back there. Mine was killed in a car wreck with a semi parked on a interstate near Nashville. You don't walk away even with counseling. In our Compassionate Friends group some of us can say, "thank God for drugs"....we (I) am still in counseling because parents need help. This is a MUST READ book for anyone who has lost a child, of any age. We are not suppose to bury our children. Give it as a gift to anyone you know who is grieving.
Reviewer: Lilly
Choosing to SEE
September 21, 2010
This is an awesome book. Such a beautiful heart touching story. I would read and cry; go back read some more, cry some more. I have never experienced a loss quite like this one; but did have a beautiful teenage niece brutally murdered her junior year in high school so I could identify somewhat with this loss. A wonderful book to read and share with someone who has suffered a great loss. I am sharing this book with my relative and I plan to add this book to my church library in memory of all of the little treasures that have gone on to be with the Father who loaned them for a while.
Highly recommend this book.
Reviewer: Beverly B
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