Maria

I remember the day I found out about the tragedy that struck Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. His son had accidentally backed over one of his daughters named Maria in their driveway, leading to her death. As I mourned from a distance, I couldn't help but feel terribly for Steven Curtis' son. Imagine the guilt and pain this young man must have felt!

Several months later, I happened to catch the Chapman family during an interview with Larry King. What struck me most was the son's description of what happened immediately following the accident. As soon as he realized what he had done, he began to run away as fast as he could. His big brother, Caleb, chased after him and finally caught him. They fell to the ground together and he held his brother and told him over and over, "Everything is going to be ok! We love you! You can't leave!"

This incredible act reminds me of what God the Father has done for us! We crucified His only Son and, in our wrongdoing, ran away from Him. Yet He chases after us with amazing mercy. He continues to call out to all mankind with His words of love. And just as with Steven Curtis' son, our healing begins when we accept those very words.