A Song of Life and of the Eternal

The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever. Psa 37:18 (NIV)

When I began writing my children’s book in September of 2009 I knew it was going to be a special project. One that would remind me of God’s faithfulness and one that would inspire other’s who read it as well. During this time, I heard a song on the radio. It was by Steven Curtis Chapman titled “Heaven is the face.”

A special song about his little girl, Maria Sue, who died in a tragic accident when she was five years old. When I Grow Up is about the fulfilling our God dreams and seeing those hopes and dreams realized in our own children. My daughter’s Brittany’s journey through the valley of death was the main inspiration for the book but I knew when I heard Steven’s song, I would also dedicate this book to his daughter because I believe Maria’s short time here on earth was to the glory of God and the dreams He had for her as well.

It’s hard to comprehend such tragic events in our lives from the perspective of the flesh. Yet God is in control and His dreams for His children always come true no matter the circumstance or outcome. Here is an excerpt of the dedication I made on behalf of Maria Sue Chapman in my upcoming book, “When I Grow Up: The Childhood Dreams of the Son of God.”

“True inspiration doesn’t mind the circumstances from which it is born. Inspiration born of God is His gift to us. Yet for reasons hard to humanly comprehend, not all children have that opportunity to ask the question, “When I grow up I want to be a….” That brings me to the special little girl I never met but whom I want to honor with this book as well.

Her name was Maria Sue Chapman. Maria was only five years old when God called her home but she is a shining example of all the children who grace us but for a brief moment with their presence and then are suddenly gone. “When I grow up…” most likely never crossed their own minds, although I suspect as God’s children, their lives were fully lived in the dreams and hopes that God had for each of them.”

The Chapman’s respond to Maria’s dedication: 1/11/2010

“Your current project WHEN I GROW UP is a sweet story. I spoke with Steven and Mary Beth about your request to dedicate it to Maria and they were greatly honored. What a kind gesture to want to do that. Thank you for your tenderness as you’ve walked where they’ve walked and continue to do so. I pray that this story will touch and impact many young lives for Christ. Blessings for a great 2010!

On (Steven’s) behalf, I would like to convey his thanks. You have been an encouragement to him.”

Grace Graham, Personal Assistant

Steven Curtis Chapman is a name that anyone and everyone who listens to Christian music knows. His list of accomplishments includes over 50 Dove Awards, 5 Grammy’s, an American Music Award, 2 certified platinum and 10 gold albums, 10 million total albums sold and 45 #1 radio hits. He is married to Mary Beth Chapman, and they have 5 children.

“The days of the blameless are known to the Lord” because we are the blameless ones who dare to dream God dreams.

In His service,

James Robert Kessler
Because of Him Art Ministry 2011