I was looking through the photo album on my phone today and came across this picture of Sarah and Bowen. I remembered the first time I saw her smile. I was standing in a field, in a sea of people, and there she was. I knew that I wanted to see that smile, that face…forever.
When it comes to the course of our personal lives we’re all curious to see the future, and we get to, on the other side of it, looking back. I’m standing on the other side of ten years of marriage to Sarah, and when I look back I see way more pain than I anticipated. I also feel a far deeper love than I ever imagined. We’re continually learning to embrace our story, realizing that without struggle it isn’t a good one.
I’ve been away from my family for almost two weeks now, and it will be another nine days before I get home. I haven’t been away for this many consecutive days in over a year. I’m homesick, the girls are getting weepy, and Sarah is starting to feel lonely. When I saw this picture I felt the need write a post that honors her for all of the sacrifices she makes to support the work I’m doing on the road with Sanctus Real.
It would be easy for Sarah to be angry and treat me with contempt when I’m away, while she’s at home taking care of responsibilities that are rightfully mine. Instead, she shows me love and support. When I don’t know how to be a good husband from a distance she doesn’t silently and bitterly hold on to her expectations. Instead, she teaches me how to give her what she needs. She is a dear and genuine friend to me and so many others. I’m filled with gratitude when I think of how she has sacrificed what little consistency we had left in our home after Bowen was born, so that I can be out here on the road. Sure, there are times that she wants to shake somebody or breathe a little fire down someone’s neck; and I don’t blame her. I’m just glad it’s the kids and not me…you know I’m joking. Her grace and patience in the midst of difficult circumstances is a true example to me.
Sarah, your smile still steals my heart. On our way through a little hell on earth, I’ve been so thankful for that little piece of heaven to hold on to.
Heather F.
October 1, 2011 at 4:05 am
So sweet! Made me tear up. Love you guys and thankful, you continue the work God has started in you, it will be complete when He returns! God sees everything and He is using you both to touch so many lives. Hang in there! Prayers for you guys.
Lis
October 1, 2011 at 6:36 am
What an amazing testament of LOVE! God Bless this family in Jesus’ name.
beth beck
October 1, 2011 at 6:41 am
That’s so beautiful and honest. We’re thankful for Sarah’s ability to let you go, so that we can all soak up your music. Recently, I had an especially grueling week with travel and conflicting priorities. On the plane, I put in my headphones and listened to a shuffle playlist. One of your Sanctus Real songs came on. Soon, I realized I had a huge smile on my face. The words uplifted me and took me out of the “poor me” zone.
Each of us has a path God placed us on Earth to fulfill. Some have paths that bring spotlight and praise. Some are behind the spotlight making sure it shines as brightly as possible. All work together for God’s greater glory. Thanks for being an imperfect genuine family unit that we can learn from.
Lynn Rickman
October 1, 2011 at 6:43 am
Your family continues to touch your heart. My spirit lifts and I smile when I see your posts in my email.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your family. Y’all have inspired so many.
Nicole Hudnall
October 1, 2011 at 7:39 am
This is the love that the Lord describes in 1 Corinthians. Wow! Thank you so much for sharing and may your love for each other continue to grow in the Lord’s way! Praying for your family as you are on the road blessing other families with your voice and words.
Kelly Wagner
October 1, 2011 at 7:50 am
What an awesome post and testament to the relationship that you two share. There are many who would give all to have that kind of relationship…I’m sure it helped get you through the really tough stuff in the last year with everything that went on with Bowen…Hope those 9 days goes quickly and that you’re home before you know it!
Jeri
October 1, 2011 at 7:53 am
I so look forward to your updates. Many times my eyes well up with tears and this was one of them
These are such loving and powerful words, Matt.
God has truly blessed the Hammitt family in so many ways!
Bowen is such a cutie and that picture is filled with love : )
God’s continued blessings on your family and marriage.
Jeri
Anna
October 1, 2011 at 7:56 am
You both are lucky to have each other. Very sweet post.
Krista
October 1, 2011 at 8:32 am
That is SO very sweet Matt!
Someone said to me the other day when I was telling them about Annabelle, “You know, going through something like that can take a real toll on a marriage.” They looked at me knowingly, I think worried about hubby and me.
My response was, Going through pain like that can either tear you apart if you let it, or you can choose to let it bring you closer. Scott and I chose very early on that we would let it bring us closer, as we refused to have our marriage be a victim of our circumstances.
It’s odd though. We did pretty good DURING all the pain and time away from each other while Annabelle was in the hospital. But it’s almost gotten harder after the fact. I think maybe the adrenalin rush of having to deal with something so enormous has fizzled and it leaves (us) sometimes tired and grumpy, especially with each other.
But… we work on it continually. We are still a work-in-progress, and probably always will be!
I LOVE that you wrote this blog, because it shows that you are WORKING on it, making an effort to lift up your wife and honor her. Which is super super sweet! I think every woman reading it went… “Awwww!!!!!”
Lauren Senter
October 1, 2011 at 10:08 am
This post did indeed make me go, “awwww.” :] Matt & Sarah, praise God for the years of love, joy, peace, hardship, struggle, and pain He has given you and the ones still to come. Every moment He gives you is an opportunity to grow closer to Him and closer to one another. Your family is continually in my prayers and thoughts. :]
Beth Tyler
October 1, 2011 at 8:34 am
Sarah is truly an amazing woman!
Nancy
October 1, 2011 at 8:34 am
Good Morning Matt and Sarah,
I want to take the moment to say, THANK YOU for be an example of what a marriage is like when two loving people move in balance with the love and light of Jesus Christ our Savior.
In this year of being able to take part in your lives, your triumphs and worries, I am truly bless because I have grown so much through your experience. I am able to be more ground and appreciate my own life’s struggle because of both of you. My lose of eyesight and getting it back is no longer a tear drop but is a blessing for me and all who take a moment to hear the Grace and Mercy of Jesus at work, I truly love and respect both of you.
Yes Matt, there will always be ups and downs, and both your sacrifices for all to hear the word and love of our Holy Father and Jesus at work is so special more than anyone can fathom, but when two people love each other and have a world built around faith, there is no obstacles that can’t be overcome. Thank you so much for allowing us to share and be a part of your lives. I can’t think of two better people to be our adult role models. May God continue to Bless both of you and your beautiful children. All of you will always be a part of my prayers, Cudos to you both <3
Alaina,
October 1, 2011 at 9:09 am
aww very cute lol the pic <3 = )
Jean
October 1, 2011 at 9:11 am
What a sweet post. Some marriages never figure out what you guys have in 10 years. Hope the next 9 days go by fast!
Laurie Kirkendall
October 1, 2011 at 10:45 am
What a beautiful tribute to Sarah, Matt. I am sure she knows your heart and that you would rather be with her and the kids everyday, but I am also sure she appreciates how hard you work for each of them too. What a beautiful and blessed family you are! You guys need a “date” when you get home and see the movie Courageous…it’s fantastic and about being men of God to your families! You, are an awesome man of God! Blessings, Laurie
Susie Michaud
October 1, 2011 at 11:18 am
That was such a beautiful post! Made me get all teary-eyed! My husband is out in New Jersey working now…..it is hard waking up on a Saturday morning seeing the lights to the fish tank off, not hearing the sound of my husbands shaver and coffee grinder, and having our little girl run downstairs asking how many more days til Daddy comes home instead of jumping up on the counter helping her Daddy turn the coffee grinder on while gigggling,saying it sounds like a chainsaw! We so much appreciate what he does for us though, and your Sarah is a huge inspiration and example to me of how I want to be for my husband!
Pam Abbott
October 1, 2011 at 11:53 am
Loved the concert last night and hearing your story. I’ve gone through some hardships lately, as my husband of 34 years had an affair and decided to leave. But what I’m going through has no comparison to what you live with. Bowen is adorable and my eyes were opened. Thank you for sharing. I needed to hear that I’m not alone in my life of sadness and turmoil. We all struggle with hard things. I will pray for your family and for Bowen. (I ‘adopted’ a little boy with the same exact birthday as my oldest grandson – 1/19/07 while at the concert
Bettina
October 1, 2011 at 11:59 am
I, too, love to see any post regarding your family. Having spent so many moments in the past year praying for your family makes me always wonder what new lesson or adventure God has taken you through. Thank you for your honesty. Any christian knows that the new life in Christ isn’t always easy, but to know that Christ is with us through it all is so amazing. Thank you Sarah for your example of how to be a godly wife. Thank you Matt for sharing your testimony through your music and on stage. I love your newest CD! It has been a blessing to listen to the lyrics!
Holly Andrew
October 1, 2011 at 12:19 pm
What an ispiration you both are to your children. You have a beautiful love story and we thank you for sharing it with us. Sarah, thank you for sharing time with your husband with us so that we get to personally hear the gift God gave him. As someone who is going lucky enough to go tonight to see them tonight in concert, I wanted you to know that. My 10 year old daughter is going with me and I am having her read this post so she understands how much this really does mean.
God Bless,
Holly
Mallory fields
October 1, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Matt and Sarah, I’m so glad you all are doing well. Bowen is such a precious baby boy. When you look at his pictures you would never think he had a heart condition or a heart problem. People say that about me until they see me in a two piece bathing suit then they go wow Mal you did have surgery! I’m so sorry Matt that you have been on the road so much I hope you get home soon to tue whole family!!!! Glad all is well I wish you all the very best as the years go with Bowen and the girls!!!!
Gabriele
October 1, 2011 at 2:14 pm
What a wonderful witness to a godly marriage. You are both such a sweet couple. Hold on tight:-)
Jennifer Hood
October 1, 2011 at 2:52 pm
What a beautiful moment captured in that picture. You can just see the love and pure joy on her face! Justin’s away in Albania on his first mission trip. He left last Monday and doesn’t get back until Friday. We’ve never been apart like this since our kids were born. It’s very strange, but I count it as a huge blessing that after 10 years of marriage and the storms we’ve been through, that I still miss him, even more so than I would have at the beginning of our marriage. It sounds like you guys can relate to that, too. Again, what a blessing to have that kind of marriage!! Hope the rest of your time away goes quickly for all of you!
Jennifer
Jessica T
October 1, 2011 at 2:53 pm
OH that is SO sweet!!!
Brenda
October 1, 2011 at 4:37 pm
That is such a beautiful post! Sarah is definitely a wonderful inspiration to those of us striving to be that Proverbs 31 woman of excellence! Thanks for being such a great encouragement to me.
Aleisha
October 1, 2011 at 4:41 pm
That post was great! love the picture of Sarah and Bowen. Seeing Sarah’s grace and patience over the last year has just amazed me and has blessed my life , I fail daily as a mom and pray that God would give me more patience and grace to make it through the day , to be a better mom. Sarah you are awesome. Matt , I am listening to your cd , i just bought it and it is wonderful, . God bless
Nan Lowery
October 1, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Beautiful, Matt; thanks for sharing your heart. And, Sarah and girls, thanks for making the sacrifices so that the rest of us can be blessed by your story and Matt’s music. Continuing to pray for your family.
Micah Peacock
October 1, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Sweet : ) You are both so blessed.
Bunches of Love and Prayers,
Micah
heiresschild
October 1, 2011 at 10:47 pm
beautiful post. it makes me think of the scripture, “men, love your wives as Christ loved the church.” you’re doing it Matt.
Karen Winters
October 1, 2011 at 11:37 pm
This is a beautiful picture, I love the smile on Sarah’s face. I was just thinking a couple of weeks ago, how busy Sanctus Real’s schedule is and how long it would be before anyone got to get home to see their families and how difficult it had to be on both the families at home and the guys on the road not being able to see any of their family members. Asking God to increase the profits and decrease the time away.
Tammi T. (a mom of an HLHS boy)
October 1, 2011 at 11:46 pm
We just returned from seeing the movie “Courageous”. The fact your blog post is made to honor Sarah shows us your resolution to love your wife and family. (Many other posts you’ve made have done this as well.) Thanks for being an example to many, Matt.
God bless you Sarah and may He keep you strong while your honey is on the road.
nicki
October 2, 2011 at 2:03 am
Matt–I’ve been listening to Sanctus Real for a few years now and keep up with your blog and all that your family has gone through this last year. I got to see you play last weekend at Crossroads Church in Corona, CA, what a great night of worship!! Listening to you sing ‘All of Me’ was awesome!! I just wanted to say ‘Thank You’ to all of you, as well as your families, for making the sacrifices that you do so that the message of Jesus can be heard all around the world. You guys are awesome!!
nicki
October 2, 2011 at 2:04 am
P.S. Your family is beautiful!
Lauren Kirby
October 2, 2011 at 9:00 am
love this! thank you both so much for sharing your lives and struggles. such a testiment.
Ed Bennett
October 2, 2011 at 12:01 pm
Its always so good to read your posts and see how God is continuing to bless your family, and how He continues to work in all your lives.
Congrats on 10 years of Marriage, God truly has blessed you through out those 10 years, and so thankful you have each other to lean on and depend on when this life gets tough. May He continue to bless you with many more happy years together, and may you continue to love one another just as much each and every years as God continues to see you through the next 10 years and more!
Blessing to each one of you, and may He continues just to draw you close to Him, as He continues to Minister through your music and through this ministry.
Pastor Ed
Andrino Family
October 2, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Thank you Sarah for your family’s sacrifices. I feel bad we will be seeing sanctus real in slc this week. And I am greatful to get to see them. They have been a blessing to our family. But at the same time its gotta be hard on you guys. Thanks for your family’s sacrifice. We pray for your family often. Love in Christ, Andrino family. 8^) 8^)
8) 
8) 
8) 
and soon 
Kristen Arispe
October 2, 2011 at 5:53 pm
So sweet! I love this post. God bless you Sarah. Love in Christ. and continued prayers for you all.
Karen Rader
October 2, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Sarah (and all the other families), thank you for sharing your hubbies with the world. Matt and Sarah – thank you so much for sharing your lives, trials, and tributes with us! Your blatant honesty and love for your families, friends and most of all God is an inspiration to us all! Can’t wait to see you when you play in Grove City!
Judy P
October 2, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Matt, so good to realize you understand Sarah’s sacrifice, but I’m sure she is aware of God’s plan for both your lives and it makes it so much easier. We know that whatever a person sows that is what they will reap. You both are sowing seeds for the kingdom although yours may seem a lot more exciting, hers is just as important.
You have a wonderful family who I feel so very special to be a part of now and in eternity. God Bless you and I love Bowen. He is such a blessing to me!
Judy P
October 2, 2011 at 8:14 pm
One more comment, I hope I will one day meet your wonderful family here. I would be so blessed to hold Bowen in my arms.
Ashley Shook
October 3, 2011 at 8:30 am
I love this post. I will randomly get a thank you from my husband that makes me feel similar to how Sarah will feel about this post I imagine. See I am a military wife, so many of my days are filled with loneliness and it is easy to let bitterness creep in while our men are away doing their jobs while we are stuck at home doing theirs and ours, but Steven Curtis Chapman’s new song, Do Everything, has kept me grounded. Hang in there Sarah. Even when the days are long and hard and the nights are cold and lonely, we are never truly alone. Your story and journey has been a great inspiration to me. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us.
Kathy Torgerson
October 3, 2011 at 10:54 am
We are grateful too, for a wife and family that are willing to share you to further God’s Kingdom. We were at Overlake on Saturday night enjoying an amazing night of worship. Thank you for all you do. We continue to keep Bowen and your family in our prayers.
Rose
October 3, 2011 at 4:49 pm
I am so blessed to read your posts. When we hear “Lead Me” I tell my 20 and 17 year-old daughters that they should be looking for that kind of man, and my 15 year-old son that is the man he needs to be. The days away from your family must be hard, but we are so blessed by your music. It seems so obvious to me that you are doing what God has called you to do. Sarah, too. Can’t wait to see you in Murray, KY!
Janice
October 4, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Awesome post – your concert in Universal City was great. I wish you could have sang more songs.
Kelly Enright
October 4, 2011 at 3:46 pm
Matt, in a world where it is acceptable to just cast a failing marriage aside as a mistake and move on, you and Sarah are a shining example to others. You’ve shown that with a little patience, a lot of constructive communication, and God as your center anchor, marriage is not just a partnership, but two lives joined together as one. May God continue to bless your union and the family that has grown from it.
While I agree you are a lucky man, I believe that Sarah is equally lucky. You truly do complete one another.
Cynthia Tobin
October 5, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Was at your concert here in Kennewick, Wa last nigt. Was volunteering to help for World Vision and had 126 sign up to be sponsos. I loved your songs and even bought a cd after the concert and was 2nd inline to get autograph. I loved Bowens story and really touched me, I have a friend who is going through something similar with her own son who was born on fathers day this year. Will give her your website for hope, encouragement and most of all support.
Thank you for going on this tour with Casting Crowns and will continue to come back and check on Bowens progress and success.
Shauna Jimmie
October 6, 2011 at 10:35 am
Hi Matt,
My husband and I were at your concert with Casting Crowns and The Afters last Sunday in Langley, BC. Mark Hall mentioned that this was a longer tour and everyone was feeling withered. I just wanted to say that the singing and worshipping has uplifted and encouraged us. Your sacrifices are helping God’s word to be spread. You are doing God’s will. We are keeping all of you in our prayers.
Thank you for your testimony.
Keep up the good fight!
Linda Hooten
October 7, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Hope you get home soon. Wish I could see you guys in Amarillo tomorrow night. Just can’t afford it this time. Stay safe and get home to that beautiful family of yours soon. God bless!
Mallory Fields
October 9, 2011 at 12:03 am
Hey you all I check everyday to see if y’all have updated? But I guess you guys are both very busy beinging parents to Emmy and Claire and Bowen. Well, whenever y’all get a chance can y’all please update again? I would really appriciate that a lot. Well for now bye!!! Stay healthy Bowen do what I did on Friday after school, go and get a Flu Shot if your old enough to get one.
Debbie Tuter
October 9, 2011 at 3:10 am
I first heard your story on K-Love and was heartbroken for your family when little Bowen was born. Your love for your family just pours out of you in your testimony and music and I pray that Bowen continues to get stronger and that God will bless him with a miracle that only he can perform. Thankyou for sharing yourself with me tonight in Amarillo. I cried the first time I heard “Lead Me’ because I can only wish that my husband were that person in your song. Your family is so blessed to have you and you are blessed to have them. God “Leads Me” everyday….and lifts me up when I hear your songs. May God keep you safe on tour and truly Bless you and yours.
Celina Campos
October 9, 2011 at 12:09 pm
I just wanted to say, that although time has passed, and Bowen is home..you’re story continues to touch so many lives. For me, I am a blessed mother of two, and reading about your journey gives me such gratitude for the blessings of my own children. I pray that Bowen continues to light your family with his beautiful spirit and smile. And thank you for sharing this amazing journey with the world, it is one that will stay implanted in so many people; including myself. May God bless your family, and I will continue to keep you all in my prayers. God’s work is truly being done through the grace of your music, and your real life experience you have shared with the world.
Melissa
October 9, 2011 at 7:46 pm
Thanks for being such a true testemant to God’s love and faithfullness!! Seeing the things you and your family have gone through make me cheerish the small things in life much more!!
Page Family
October 10, 2011 at 11:02 am
Congrats on the ten years! It is admirable on how you both are a reflection of the love of Christ and how you are able to share this with so many others. We are glad Bowen is well and will pray for your family even more as you are on your road trips, that you all will be able to stay connected and see the love you have for each other.
Renee L
October 12, 2011 at 10:26 am
Sarah IS remarkable. A real, compassionate, strong woman. Miss you friend.
Heather
October 13, 2011 at 10:15 am
I just wanted to say thank you for writing the song “All of Me” and sharing Bowen’s story. We first heard this song at the casting crowns concert on Oct 8th. My husband and I are 19 weeks pregnant and have been told so many scary things that could be wrong with our baby girl, Emalee, after she is born. After hearing this song and the story behind it, we have decided to enjoy this pregnancy and not hold back any love for her no matter what the drs tell us!!! Terminating the pregnancy was NEVER an option but like you talked about in your song I felt myself holding back my love for her because I was scared of what might happen. Not anymore!!!!! We are relying on God because He is the great physician and loving Emalee everyday of this pregnancy!!!! You, Bowen, and your family will be in our prayers!!! Thanks again for the wonderful song and your testimony!! God is working through you!!!
Emily
October 13, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Such a sweet posting! I am sure Sarah appreciates it so much! I know you must be sooo happy to be back home now! Sarah, you are an amazing woman, wife, and mother! You set a great example for teenagers like me.
Erin
October 14, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Nicely said. How beautiful and refreshing it is to see a husband pour out his love and respect for his wife. Thank you for sharing with us
Kristen
October 17, 2011 at 7:41 am
This site is new to me, introduced by a friend, but as one that blogs on an ongoing basis I want to encourage you both how well written and expressed your thoughts are. Thank you for sharing from the depths of the honesty of your hearts. May God’s kingdom be advanced as you allow your life to be poured out before others.
Lauri
October 18, 2011 at 11:53 pm
Thank you matt for such a beautiful song. It truly made me think back when my son stephen was born 2000 and all that I was going through at that time with the news of his heart defect and Down Syndrome diagnoses. My son and I had broken hearts at that time. Mine was with my husband. I believe my stephen was my miracle that saved me and my marriage. I have been blessed for 11 yrs. with my beautiful son. who is sooooo amazing. A true reflection of Gods love. happy to say Iam still married. Going on 16 yrs. I have a beautiful family, two boys, and God blessed us with a girl, two yrs after stephen was born. Life does go on, even when we get hit with the unexpected. It is who we give it to, is what makes us stronger and love harder. continued blessings to you and your wife and beautiful family. Lauri
Robin
October 20, 2011 at 11:38 am
Beautiful and so is baby Bowen. How is he doing? We have not heard from you lately and anxiously waiting for any updates. Thanks.
God Bless!
Tina (mom of an HLHS angel, Titus)
October 20, 2011 at 3:48 pm
I am so excited to be seeing Sanctus Real at Rupp arena tomorrow. Thank you Sarah for your understanding of God’s plans for Matt’s ministry. Being a minister’s wife, I understand how hard it is sometimes when it seems everyone else’s needs come before yours, in reality it is God’s work and we have to stand by our man’s side, even if it is miles away. Thank you for sharing Bowen! He is such a handsome little miracle. God bless your beautiful family.
Kim Liebert
October 22, 2011 at 12:33 pm
You guys have such a beautiful family and so blessed by His grace and love. I just saw Matt back on Oct 7th in Albuquerque,NM with Casting Crowns. I just came across the video I took of All of Me on my phone that I shot at the concert. Thank you Sarah for sharing Matt with all of us so we can hear his gift. We all appreciate the sacrifice you are making, and hope you know it’s VERY appreciated!!!! God bless the Hammitt family!
Laura Rice
October 23, 2011 at 5:24 pm
Love your hearts!
Your post’s passion reminded me of a song from the past, Daryl Hall’s “Sara Smile”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7eo9exxyNw
Janice Ruiz Laelle Ruiz
October 30, 2011 at 2:07 pm
You are an amazing family and may the Lord forever bless you with his love and grace.
Heather Eckman
November 6, 2011 at 6:50 pm
What an inspiring post. My husband has taken a new job with lots of travel and long hours- i feel that resentment that you speak of often! If your lovely wife can handle it with her very full plate, so can I with my three healthy, older, self sufficient teens/pre-teens. Thanks for being an inspiration!
Elijah
November 9, 2011 at 9:40 am
Matt,
It’s just amazing what God is doing in and through your family. Happy belated birthday and many blessing’s to you all while you grow as a family and you and the guys as a band.
Joyce
December 13, 2011 at 10:21 pm
I thank you so much for your honesty with your story: with the love, and with the struggles. I’m a 23 y/o still waiting for God to send that awesome dude into my life, but it’s so great seeing models of Christian marriages in the meantime; the deep joys and the struggles that you’ve overcome. It helped me realize that nothing is “too big” for God in relationships in my life (friends, family), and is so encouraging. I’m sure it will be later on, too! Thanks and blessings to you both!