Choosing to See by MaryBeth Chapman

As a believer in Christ and the hope that He brings us, I find shame in admitting that lately I live under a cloud of fear. It's kind of a small cloud, but it's there, nevertheless. You see, everyday I hear a new story of heartbreak, pain, or sickness being experienced on this earth, and I end up thinking "Why not me?" and then I wait for the other shoe to drop. My life is so full. My heart so full. And I just find myself wondering when it will be ripped away.

Ahem. Depressed yet?

All this is to say that through the book I literally JUST finished reading, I was reminded powerfully that though, yes, there is great pain and suffering in this world, Christ has overcome it! (John 16:33 - an amazing verse of truth and comfort! See below.) In Choosing to See, Mary Beth Chapman walks us through her journey of wrestling with God to give up the illusion of control we all seem to have in our lives but specifically how that looked in hers. Most particularly, in the loss of her five-year-old daughter, Maria, in the spring of 2008. I am so grateful for the way Mary Beth allowed her and her family to be used as she so transparently laid out their grief, pain, wrestling, and moments of hope. She shares the ways in which they have seen God so powerfully work in and through them while at the same time not hiding the earthly struggle with loss and the emotions that accompany it.

BOTTOM LINE: While I cried many tears through the pages, I was left feeling an immense hope that if I CHOOSE TO SEE God at work, I have nothing to fear. I am reminded that He is my guide and my strength and completely outside of MY control and MY desires, His plan will be carried out in my life.

I have said these things to you that you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33