"It has been a little over a week since the accident that put Maria Chapman in Jesus' arms. These have been dark and trying days of deep sadness. The Chapman family is struggling with grief and wrestling to come to terms with the new normal, a world without Maria. It will be a long road.

And yet, I want you to know that they are holding on to the truth of Gospel, just as I hope I would, just as you expect they might. It is not a false strength, nor a false hope. It is authentic sorrow and true belief simultaneously. Steven, Mary Beth and the entire Chapman extended family has asked that I thank each of you who have prayed for this family. They are overwhelmed with your good care and unearthly strength to carry on that they believe is from your prayers sustaining them.

Your condolences do comfort and if you've not yet had the opportunity to drop a note and "meet Maria" through a short video clip we've posted, I'd encourage you to visit the In Memory of Maria page. Please stay in touch by passing this e-mail on, asking all to sign-up for this blast to receive additional updates, click here, and by visiting the blogs click here.

In closing, it seems awkward that we released an album, The Cinderella Edition of THIS MOMENT, just days after our loss of Maria. As I mention on my blog at StevenCurtisChapman.com, an additional edition of the album had been planned for months. (click here to view) Under normal circumstances, you would've gotten an e-mail from us telling you about the new edition and it's new songs content, and a picture of the album cover. I won't do that on this day. While I am excited for the new edition to be available, and believe that the song "Cinderella" is more important than ever...it doesn't feel right. I guess I'm still struggling with the new normal myself.

Again, we're so grateful for your prayers for the Chapman family,
May God be Glorified,

Jim Houser
(Manager)"