Between Heaven and the Real World

My Story

by: Steven Curtis Chapman, Ken Abraham

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781493405213

  Pub. Date

  Mar 2017

  SRP

  $16.99

  Buy

About

"We loved Steven Curtis Chapman's deeply personal book. . . . Each story he tells and each life circumstance he shares is an illustration of the 'glorious unfolding' of God's plan for him."--Pastor Rick and Kay Warren


Experience the moments that made Christian music history

For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, his family, and his music in a life that has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.

From childhood, music has been both a refuge and a release for Steven. With humor and humility, he offers a backstage look at his early days on the road and his wild ride to the top of the charts. Discover the stories behind some of his best-loved songs. Walk with him as he and his wife, Mary Beth, navigate the joys and trials of marriage and family. Cheer for his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again. And SEE God in the aftermath of the tragic death of their five-year-old daughter Maria.

Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life's toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in the space between heaven and the real world.


"The way Steven lives, the honest, real stories he has shared, and the encouragement he has given me has had a profound impact on my life. I know that will be how everyone who reads this book will feel too."--Hillary Scott, lead singer of Lady Antebellum

"My heart resonates whenever I connect with someone who understands suffering--not in theory but in the gut and heart. Through decades of quadriplegia, I've learned that when you are hemorrhaging human strength, sometimes answers--even though good, right, and true--can sting like salt in a wound. It's what I love about Steven Curtis Chapman. He doesn't give pat, one-size-fits-all answers to the big questions about life."--Joni Eareckson Tada

"No doubt Steven is a phenomenal songwriter, musician, and artist. However, as I have gotten to know him more, I have come to realize that the power and impact of his music comes from a place of deep humility. I am honored to call Steven a friend, and so happy to recommend his story to you in Between Heaven and the Real World."--Chris Tomlin

"Millions have been inspired by the music of my friend Steven Curtis Chapman--his words and melodies have found their way into countless hearts, ushering in the life-giving truth of Jesus. I believe this book will do the very same thing--for the 'up close' Steven is just as inspiring as the one we find on stage. As he tells his personal story of faith through this book, many will find hope, strength, and inspiration for their own journey."--Matt Redman

"While no one can anticipate the highest highs and the lowest lows of their journey, Steven has invited us to experience all of it with him through his honest music and storytelling. We are all changed for the better as a result of it."--Amy Grant

"We all have a story. But few of us have a story as dramatic and redemptive as the one of Steven Curtis Chapman. His music has touched millions of hearts. May his story touch even more."--Max Lucado

"I have had the great honor of knowing, sharing the stage with, and making music with my good friend Steven Curtis Chapman. This book is an amazing insight into the heart and spirit of a living legend in Christian music."--Mac Powell

"By any measure, Steven Curtis Chapman has left his mark on the music industry. How amazing that with all his success, his legacy will be bigger and longer-lasting than any of the trophies. What Steven and Mary Beth have accomplished in the world of adoption is unparalleled. Caring for the widows and the orphans is a great command, and I don't know anyone who has answered that call with greater passion than my friend Steven Curtis Chapman."
--Michael W. Smith

"You know how when you hear a song and it immediately takes you back to a specific moment in your life? Well . . . Steven was there when I came to know Christ. He was there when my father passed away. He was there when I surrendered to ministry. He was there when I got married. He was there when my first child was born."--Bart Millard

"Steven Curtis Chapman is one of those men who raise the bar for all of us. He has always been a role model of humility and gentleness to me. At the same time a man in the trenches, putting action to his heart for the orphan--building Show Hope--forever expanding the hearts of thousands of families who have welcomed a child into their lives. Steven truly inspires me as a husband, father, songwriter, and artist."--Toby McKeehan

"It's been my privilege over the last eighteen years to call Steven Curtis Chapman a friend. But you don't have to know him personally to know his heart or know his story. His music and lyrics have spoken to millions. When you read Between Heaven and the Real World you will come to know a man who has walked the walk with an incredible grace and a rock-solid faith. If you like his songs, wait till you read this book!"--Ernie Johnson Jr., studio host, Inside the NBA on TNT


"The way Steven lives, the honest, real stories he has shared, and the encouragement he has given me has had a profound impact on my life. I know that will be how everyone who reads this book will feel too."--Hillary Scott, lead singer of Lady Antebellum

"My heart resonates whenever I connect with someone who understands suffering--not in theory but in the gut and heart. Through decades of quadriplegia, I've learned that when you are hemorrhaging human strength, sometimes answers--even though good, right, and true--can sting like salt in a wound. It's what I love about Steven Curtis Chapman. He doesn't give pat, one-size-fits-all answers to the big questions about life."--Joni Eareckson Tada

"No doubt Steven is a phenomenal songwriter, musician, and artist. However, as I have gotten to know him more, I have come to realize that the power and impact of his music comes from a place of deep humility. I am honored to call Steven a friend, and so happy to recommend his story to you in Between Heaven and the Real World."--Chris Tomlin

"Millions have been inspired by the music of my friend Steven Curtis Chapman--his words and melodies have found their way into countless hearts, ushering in the life-giving truth of Jesus. I believe this book will do the very same thing--for the 'up close' Steven is just as inspiring as the one we find on stage. As he tells his personal story of faith through this book, many will find hope, strength, and inspiration for their own journey."--Matt Redman

"While no one can anticipate the highest highs and the lowest lows of their journey, Steven has invited us to experience all of it with him through his honest music and storytelling. We are all changed for the better as a result of it."--Amy Grant

"We all have a story. But few of us have a story as dramatic and redemptive as the one of Steven Curtis Chapman. His music has touched millions of hearts. May his story touch even more."--Max Lucado

"I have had the great honor of knowing, sharing the stage with, and making music with my good friend Steven Curtis Chapman. This book is an amazing insight into the heart and spirit of a living legend in Christian music."--Mac Powell

"By any measure, Steven Curtis Chapman has left his mark on the music industry. How amazing that with all his success, his legacy will be bigger and longer-lasting than any of the trophies. What Steven and Mary Beth have accomplished in the world of adoption is unparalleled. Caring for the widows and the orphans is a great command, and I don't know anyone who has answered that call with greater passion than my friend Steven Curtis Chapman."
--Michael W. Smith

"You know how when you hear a song and it immediately takes you back to a specific moment in your life? Well . . . Steven was there when I came to know Christ. He was there when my father passed away. He was there when I surrendered to ministry. He was there when I got married. He was there when my first child was born."--Bart Millard

"Steven Curtis Chapman is one of those men who raise the bar for all of us. He has always been a role model of humility and gentleness to me. At the same time a man in the trenches, putting action to his heart for the orphan--building Show Hope--forever expanding the hearts of thousands of families who have welcomed a child into their lives. Steven truly inspires me as a husband, father, songwriter, and artist."--Toby McKeehan

"It's been my privilege over the last eighteen years to call Steven Curtis Chapman a friend. But you don't have to know him personally to know his heart or know his story. His music and lyrics have spoken to millions. When you read Between Heaven and the Real World you will come to know a man who has walked the walk with an incredible grace and a rock-solid faith. If you like his songs, wait till you read this book!"--Ernie Johnson Jr., studio host, Inside the NBA on TNT

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Endorsements

"The way Steven lives, the honest, real stories he has shared, and the encouragement he has given me has had a profound impact on my life. I know that will be how everyone who reads this book will feel too."

Hillary Scott, lead singer of Lady Antebellum

"We loved Steven Curtis Chapman's deeply personal book, Between Heaven and the Real World! Each story he tells and each life circumstance he shares is an illustration of the 'glorious unfolding' of God's plan for him, Mary Beth, and their incredible children. We've been fans from almost the beginning, as Steven's songs have mirrored each stage in our own family and ministry, including grieving the loss of a dearly beloved child. When I list the most helpful things that have helped us grieve our son, Beauty Will Rise is always in the top three. Thank you, Steven, for allowing so many of us to grow closer to Jesus through the stories your music tells."

Pastor Rick and Kay Warren

"My heart resonates whenever I connect with someone who understands suffering--not in theory but in the gut and heart. Through decades of quadriplegia, I've learned that when you are hemorrhaging human strength, sometimes answers--even though good, right, and true--can sting like salt in a wound. It's what I love about Steven Curtis Chapman. He doesn't give pat, one-size-fits-all answers to the big questions about life. It's because he has suffered . . . and suffered long. If you do not know this about our friend Steven, then you are in for an enlightening surprise as you turn the pages of Between Heaven and the Real World. It is indeed real, pointing the reader to the only Answer that suffices--Jesus, the One who wrote the book on suffering. Steven Curtis Chapman knows Him well. And Lord willing, you'll know Him better too, for having heard Steven's heart in this remarkable book."

Joni Eareckson Tada

"To me, SCC has always been the gold standard of Christian music. His influence on me and my music has been more that I could ever say in words. No doubt Steven is a phenomenal songwriter, musician, and artist. However, as I have gotten to know him more, I have come to realize that the power and impact of his music comes from a place of deep humility. I am honored to call Steven a friend, and so happy to recommend his story to you in Between Heaven and the Real World."

Chris Tomlin

"Millions have been inspired by the music of my friend Steven Curtis Chapman--his words and melodies have found their way into countless hearts, ushering in the life-giving truth of Jesus. I believe this book will do the very same thing--for the 'up close' Steven is just as inspiring as the one we find on stage. As he tells his personal story of faith through this book, many will find hope, strength, and inspiration for their own journey."

Matt Redman

"When Steven wrote the song 'The Great Adventure,' I wonder if he had any idea how adventurous his life would be. While no one can anticipate the highest highs and the lowest lows of their journey, Steven has invited us to experience all of it with him through his honest music and storytelling. We are all changed for the better as a result of it."

Amy Grant

"We all have a story. But few of us have a story as dramatic and redemptive as the one of Steven Curtis Chapman. His music has touched millions of hearts. May his story touch even more."

Max Lucado

"I have had the great honor of knowing, sharing the stage with, and making music with my good friend Steven Curtis Chapman. This book is an amazing insight into the heart and spirit of a living legend in Christian music. One who not only has given us incredible music and messages in the past but also continues to create great music now that inspires and encourages."

Mac Powell

"By any measure, Steven Curtis Chapman has left his mark on the music industry. Not only has he been recognized with countless awards and accolades, he is loved by people all over the world. How amazing that with all his success, his legacy will be bigger and longer-lasting than any of the trophies. What Steven and Mary Beth have accomplished in the world of adoption is unparalleled. Caring for the widows and the orphans is a great command, and I don't know anyone who has answered that call with greater passion than my friend Steven Curtis Chapman."

Michael W. Smith

"I cannot express to you the impact Steven Curtis Chapman's music has had on my life. You know how when you hear a song and it immediately takes you back to a specific moment in your life? Well . . . Steven was there when I came to know Christ. He was there when my father passed away. He was there when I surrendered to ministry. He was there when I got married. He was there when my first child was born. I could go on, but then you'd be reading two books. Needless to say, this man is very important to me, and I'm proud to call him my friend."

Bart Millard

"Steven Curtis Chapman is one of those men who raise the bar for all of us. I have admired him for as long as I can remember. He has always been a role model of humility and gentleness to me. At the same time a man in the trenches, putting action to his heart for the orphan--building Show Hope--forever expanding the hearts of thousands of families who have welcomed a child into their lives. Steven truly inspires me as a husband, father, songwriter, and artist."

Toby McKeehan

"It's been my privilege over the last eighteen years to call Steven Curtis Chapman a friend. But you don't have to know him personally to know his heart or know his story. His music and lyrics have spoken to millions. He's the Michael Jordan of Christian music. When you read Between Heaven and the Real World you will come to know a man who has walked the walk with an incredible grace and a rock-solid faith. If you like his songs, wait till you read this book!"

Ernie Johnson Jr., studio host, Inside the NBA on TNT

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