It's not unusual for emotions to run high at the Dove Awards, the Gospel Music Association's annual celebration of faith-based music, but Thursday night's show was an especially poignant event. Christian music veteran Steven Curtis Chapman's wins in the Artist and Songwriter of the Year categories were bittersweet coming near the first anniversary of his five-year-old daughter Maria's death in a tragic accident. "It was awkward in a way to receive these awards, because I know a lot of it has to do with people wanting to say, 'We love you and are with you,'" said Chapman backstage at the Doves, acknowledging the prayers and support his family has following Maria's death on May 21, 2008 when their teenage son, Will Franklin, accidentally ran over her while backing the family's SUV out of the driveway. The Chapmans have three biological children -- Emily, Caleb and Will Franklin, and have adopted three daughters from China -- Shaohannah, Stevie Joy and Maria.
"I know a lot of the reasons why I'm standing here has a lot to do with what we've been through this past year," he continued in the Doves' press room. "There's a lot of mixed emotions. I never wanted to be here doing this acceptance speech under these circumstances ... but my family knows this is one more encouragement from the Lord to say how loved we are."
2009 Dove Awards
Steven Curtis Chapman, right, accepts the award for artist of the year as he is joined by his wife, Mary Beth, at the Dove awards in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, April 23, 2009. The couple's 5-year-old daughter, Maria Sue, was accidentally killed last May. The Dove awards honor Christian and gospel music. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
AP
Steven Curtis Chapman performs at the Dove awards in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, April 23, 2009. Chapman won the award for artist of the year. The Dove awards honor Christian and gospel music. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
AP
Miss California Carrie Prejean, left, signs autographs after the Dove awards in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, April 23, 2009. The Dove awards honor Christian and gospel music. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
AP
Singer Natalie Grant performs onstage at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry House on April 23, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards - Show Grand Ole Opry House Nashville, TN United States April 23, 2009 Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage.com To license this image (57261376), contact WireImage.com
Rick Diamond/WireImage.com
Singer Kim Hopper of the Hoppers performs onstage at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry House on April 23, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards - Show Grand Ole Opry House Nashville, TN United States April 23, 2009 Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage.com To license this image (57265320), contact WireImage.com
Rick Diamond/WireImage.com
Musician Steven Curtis Chapman onstage at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry House on April 23, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards - Pre-Telecast Grand Ole Opry House Nashville, TN United States April 23, 2009 Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage.com To license this image (57264240), contact WireImage.com
Rick Diamond/WireImage.com
Musician Steven Curtis Chapman performs onstage at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry House on April 23, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards - Show Grand Ole Opry House Nashville, TN United States April 23, 2009 Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage.com To license this image (57261789), contact WireImage.com
Rick Diamond/WireImage.com
Musician Kirk Franklin and Actor Billy Baldwin speak onstage at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry House on April 23, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards - Show Grand Ole Opry House Nashville, TN United States April 23, 2009 Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage.com To license this image (57264030), contact WireImage.com
Rick Diamond/WireImage.com
Musician Kirk Franklin and Actor Billy Baldwin speak onstage at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry House on April 23, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards - Show Grand Ole Opry House Nashville, TN United States April 23, 2009 Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage.com To license this image (57262084), contact WireImage.com
Rick Diamond/WireImage.com
Musician Brandon Heath speaks onstage at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry House on April 23, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards - Show Grand Ole Opry House Nashville, TN United States April 23, 2009 Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage.com To license this image (57261803), contact WireImage.com
Rick Diamond/WireImage.com
During the show, which aired live on the Gospel Music Channel, Chapman performed 'Cinderella,' a hit song inspired by his youngest daughters. In the chorus, he sings, "So I'll dance with Cinderella / While she is here in my arms / 'Cause I know something the prince never knew / Oh I'll dance with Cinderella / I don't wanna miss even one song / 'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight / And she'll be gone."
Chapman's performance elicited a tearful and prolonged standing ovation from the audience in Nashville's famed Grand Ole Opry house. Later in the show, his wife, Mary Beth, was by his side as he accepted his seventh Dove award in the Artist of the Year category. (Chapman is the most awarded artist in Dove history with over 50 statuettes to his credit, including 10 wins in the Songwriter of the Year category.)
Backstage he talked about how difficult the past year has been, especially handling media requests to talk about the tragedy. But Chapman also spoke of how his faith has sustained his family as they navigate what he calls "the new normal."
"Scripture hasn't just become more precious, but it's become the air that I breathe," he said. "There have been some mornings where I'm not sure if I'll be able to get out of bed, but now when I read the Bible, it's become my oxygen."
Chapman has been touring with Michael W. Smith on the United Tour, which he says has aided the healing process. "There's something so powerful, so profoundly healing about proclaiming the word of God is true. There's so much I didn't understand until I walked through this," he said addressing reporters in the press room. "The Psalms have become so much more real to me because I understand so much more now of the struggle David was going through in writing those. All the verses that have always been in my brain, this experience has made me take them into my heart."
The Chapmans have long been advocates for adoption, launching Shaohannah's Hope in 2001, named after their nine-year-old adopted daughter. This week a new name, Show Hope, and website were unveiled. The organization aids orphans around the world and assists parents looking to adopt who don't have the necessary financial resources. To honor Maria, the organization is building Maria's Big House of Hope in Luoyang, China, a six-story facility to care for orphans with special needs. Click here to find out how you can help.
For a complete list of 2009 Dove Award winners, visit www.doveawards.com/doveawards.
Reader Comments(1 of 4)
ruthbrandtat 4-24-2009
I have never understood why these people don't adopt kids from this country!! We certainly have enough unfortuantes that deserve a new future.
armyrn2010at 4-24-2009
Yeah...how dare they rescue kids from other countries? What are they thinking?
Katieat 4-24-2009
ruthbrandt---
Have you no respect? An orphan in China, Russia, Germany, and several other European Nations go through unthinkable and undeniable pains. Whether it is living crowded together an a cramped orphanage, or being forced to work in sweatshops, the lives of these children are in danger.
An orphan is an orphan, and ALL need to rescued. So please, don't attempt to strike down or belittle a great man who has gone above and beyond. Or at the very least, so some compassion or respect.
the6shoafsat 4-24-2009
I am one of "these people" who have chosen to adopt from another country. It has nothing to do with not seeing a need in my own country. And frankly, I have heard the question so many times it is getting old. I take it that you have not looked into adoption before and do not realize how our county continues to make adoption increasingly difficult for those who desire to, let alone offering less security that the birth parent might at some point change their mind and this child whom you have cared for and loved as your own will be taken. I adopted from another Country that makes most of the poor in ours seem fortunate. The Chapmanns are a great family, and an inspiration to many. It is a shame that some find it so easily to judge that which they don't understand, or have not taken the time to look into.
kmaydoat 4-24-2009
Steven was in China on a missions trip and when he saw Maria he called home and it was all overfrom there. It is much easier to adopt a foreign child because of the USA's laws. I've had family who've done both and it is a shame that it is so difficult to adopt in our country. Also, what difference does it make, when a child was loved--regardless of which country?
mjoyner2at 4-24-2009
Children in the states have a MUCH better chance at a life. The kids stay in the system until they are 21 years old. Most universities offer full ride's. Orphanes in China get kick out at the age of 12, having to resort to prostitution or workin in sweat shops... My mother was a product of the system in the states and she STILL adopted from China, TWICE!!!!
tnj6540at 4-24-2009
dork
codysmom2907at 4-24-2009
Sorry you feel this way!
screenaymat 4-25-2009
I understand your concern about kids from this country, but sometimes by the will of God an all alone child is ordained by Him to be placed with an advocate/new parent from somewhere far away like America. The scripture says that God places the lonely in families. But thank God also for people like you ruthbrandt who adopt American kids. You have, haven't you? Haven't you? I don't imagine you would criticise others who don't adopt American kids unless you have. Have you? If you haven't maybe you should.
Melissaat 4-24-2009
AOL...thank you so much for publishing this story. What a great story. We want to hear more like this...more about God...He is the only one that is going to get us through...the ONLY one.
hmhjnat 4-24-2009
x2... well said.
jaymers1379at 4-24-2009
How sad it is that there are people out there that are putting down those who have adopted children from another country. Who cares where they are from? All that matters is that a child is getting love and is being taken care of. what have some of you done for children? IT is very diffcult to adopt children in this country. Not to mention expensive.
hello loveat 4-24-2009
I am the proud mother of 7 all whom I have birthed myself, HOWEVER my oldest is a vet, and he has seen some of the situations that other kids face, I have made the choice to adopt when my youngest leaves home and LET GOD lead me... Rather is is from the projects in low income areas or from a sweat shop in Kenya! You only Bless GOD when we take care of the homeless and the less fortunate! You "nay-sayers" should really PRAY, maybe the Lord will forgive you your sins and break your stoney hearts into one He can put HIS motives in ...
desronentat 4-24-2009
THANK YOU AOL for publishing this inspiring story of a MAN OF GOD. Adversity is God's university. Mary Beth and Steven - YOU WILL ALWAYS BE USED MIGHTILY OF GOD!!!! He has seen every tear and will uphold you and your family with HIS righteous right hand. God Bless you all.
Nickiat 4-24-2009
God bless you Steven!!!! We love you so much. Thank you for sharing your story and bringing Jesus Christ to the media despite the pain! You and your family are one of my many heroes. I'm still praying for you! Many blessings!