Pictures of Maria dressed screens above the altar at Nashville’s Christ Presbyterian. The images conveyed more beauty than finest art and the natural splendor of nearby Percy Warner Park combined.

I, a stranger in their midst but somehow supernaturally connected, could only imagine the glory she looked down from to view the presence of her dear family and the over 2,000 souls that attended her memorial service or the countless others worldwide that prayed for and grieved with the Chapman family.

Though I could feel joy for Maria, understanding only a glimpse of imagination the majesty she now beholds, I do feel great sorrow and empathy for the Chapmans. What transpired in the over two hour service was a touching celebration of this dear young girl’s life. Maria was honored. God was honored. And the Gospel message afforded by the love of Christ was given. For those who could not attend in person, but whose hearts and spirits were there, I would now like to share a few heart-felt but inadequate impressions.

A simple, yet resounding prelude was imparted by Michael W. Smith and then he sang “Still.” Scotty Smith, a Pastor at Christ Community Church, the family’s home congregation led a call to worship with responsive reading from the Catechism and presented the question: “What is your only comfort in life and in death?”

In Atlanta, Matt Redman was getting ready to board his flight to go home in the UK. When he heard of Maria’s tragic passing, he drove immediately to Nashville to be with the family. Along with Christy Nockels, Brother Redman led worship, including the sharing of two songs that he had written out of his personal despair and loss, “You Never Let Go” and “Blessed Be Your Name.”

Matt went on to enlightened those gathered in love with the Chapmans concerning the song “Close To Your Heart,” that he and Steven had written not so long ago for a family friend after the loss of their child. The small but important comfort that song must have brought the Chapmans can only have brought bittersweet tears.

Robin Hill, an orphan care partner in China for Shaohannah’s Hope then prayed as friends and family stood only a touch away from Maria’s small coffin as they shared precious stories about this wonderful little girl.

Two very moving moments were when Caleb relayed how he had prayed for God to heal Maria after the accident, and though God did it in a way that he did not desire, by taking her to heaven to be with Him, he has never been more convinced that Jesus is real. Another of the many touching comments was shared by Steven who told all how Maria had professed Jesus as her Savior and how Jesus had assured him of Maria’s well-being.

Children then brought flowers to the casket as Steven’s best friend Geoff Moore sang “With Hope.” Mary Beth and Steven now walk the same path as the Mullicans did 10 years ago as he wrote the song for them when they lost their child.

Pastor Smith then challenged us with the Gospel, letting us know that Maria’s life is much like our own individual stories, in that we are, or can be, adopted into the family of God and one day see Him just as He is like Maria now enjoys.

To end this heart-rending but encouraging service was the video seen by thousands around the globe, “Dishwashin’ Daddy” and “Bellyflop.”

I wanted to share a few of my impressions of this glorious home-going. I fear that my report does not do justice to nor capture even a true impression of the majesty or the power of the Holy Spirit whose presence for revealed throughout.

I have experienced great loss as well, so I can truly feel compassion for the Chapman’s as they make this most difficult journey through grief. Remember them in prayer. Really, pray much for this dear family who has given of themselves to so many.

Let me leave you with this that was printed on the front of Maria’s memorial program, that Christ has plans for us, “plans for peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.”