Just a few days after his birth, Bowen, whose name means “small, victorious one,” underwent his first open heart surgery. The surgery went well, but the next night he suffered cardiac arrest and Matt and Sarah feared they would lose him. After an hour of CPR on his tiny chest, still open from the surgery, Bowen was revived and placed on life support. Slowly over the next few weeks, Bowen became stronger and no longer needed to be on life support or even oxygen. However, he had other complications including a stroke and being diagnosed with hyperinsulinism.
Bowen has been released to home care until his second surgery, scheduled for February 2011. His third surgery will take place when he is 2-3 years old. Through Bowen’s experience with HLHS, the Hammitts have become part of the community of families that have a child affected by a congenital heart defect.
First hand, they have gained awareness of the needs of these families – practical, financial, emotional, and spiritual. They are in the process of starting of foundation from which to they can draw resources to assist families who have needs in any number of these areas.
Matt is the lead singer, guitarist, and one of the founding members of Grammy-Nominated, Dove Award winning band Sanctus Real. With eight No. 1 hits on the Christian music charts and 15 years on the public stage, Matt has a unique platform to champion awareness for congenital heart defects.
On September 13th, 2011 Matt released his first solo album entitled "Every Falling Tear," inspired by Bowen's experience.
*taken from bowensheart.com
Footprints
Matt Hammitt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's happened through all these years
Down in the basement, looking through the ages
I can see it so clear
Things from this old house
Really mean something now
Hanging round everywhere
I used to write it off
Just a picture on the wall
But now that I've lived some life
Been through some bitter times
I can understand
That one set of footprints in the sand
Oh, those lonely roads that I walked
Sleepless nights that I thought
I was on my own
But those footprints behind me
They tell the story
You carried me all along
Things aren't what they seem
Sometimes there's more than what we see
Like that poem that I used to hear
Hanging round everywhere
I used to write it off
Just a picture on the wall
But now that I've lived some life
Been through some bitter times
I can understand
That one set of footprints in the sand
Ooh, yeah
And when I stop to look back
I can see your faithfulness
Written in the prints that you leave
You are more than here with me
Oh, Lord, you carry me
You are my strength when I'm weak
I see what's ahead of me
When I look back
At that poem that I used to hear
I saw it everywhere
I used to write it off
Now it's hanging on my wall
I still have some life to live
One thing, I'm sure of it
You'll be with me to the end
And I see that one of your footprints again
You carry me, you carry me so I can rest, I can rest
You carry me, you carry me so I can rest, I can rest
You carry me, you carry me so I can rest, I can rest
You carry me, you carry me so I can rest, I can rest
The song "Footprints" by Matt Hammitt is a powerful reflection on the faithfulness of God throughout life's journey. The opening verses speak to the significance of memories and how they gain deeper meaning over time. The lines "Things from this old house, really mean something now" allude to the concept that experiences from the past, which were previously overlooked, now hold a great deal of insight and wisdom. This is particularly true of the poem that the singer used to write off as "just a picture on the wall." Now, after "living some life, been through some bitter times," the meaning behind the poem has become clear. The singer now understands that the "one set of footprints in the sand" refers to the moments when God carried him through the toughest times of his life. The song looks back at the past with gratitude and forward to the future with hope.
The chorus of the song conveys a message of comfort and reassurance. It describes the moments when the singer felt alone and walked "lonely roads" and endured "sleepless nights," and how he discovered that God was alongside him all along. The footprints left by God tell the story of his faithfulness and carry him through the hard times. As he moves forward through life, he has a new sense of confidence, knowing that "You'll be with me to the end." The song ends with the refrain "You carry me so I can rest," which emphasizes the idea that God is a source of strength and comfort in times of struggle.
Overall, "Footprints" is a poignant reflection on the transformative power of life experience, the significance of memories, and the steadfast love of God. It underscores the idea that, even in the midst of life's most difficult moments, there is always hope and a sense of divine presence.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, it's amazing, flipping these pages
Reflecting on the past is awe-inspiring
What's happened through all these years
Recalling memories from years ago
Down in the basement, looking through the ages
Searching through old belongings
I can see it so clear
The memories are vivid
Things from this old house
Objects with sentimental value
Really mean something now
Memories have a newfound significance
Like that poem that I used to hear
A familiar poem with hidden meaning
Hanging round everywhere
The poem is frequently seen
I used to write it off
Ignoring the poem's deeper message
Just a picture on the wall
Viewing the poem as a mere decoration
But now that I've lived some life
Gained wisdom from life experiences
Been through some bitter times
Weathered difficult moments
I can understand
Grasping the poem's true meaning
That one set of footprints in the sand
God was there in difficult moments
Oh, those lonely roads that I walked
Feeling alone during difficult times
Sleepless nights that I thought
Struggling with worries and anxiety
I was on my own
Feeling isolated and alone
But those footprints behind me
God was always with me
They tell the story
God's presence is a testament to His faithfulness
Things aren't what they seem
Appearances can be deceptive
Sometimes there's more than what we see
More to life than meets the eye
And when I stop to look back
Reflecting on past experiences
I can see your faithfulness
God's unwavering loyalty
Written in the prints that you leave
God's presence is evident
You are more than here with me
God is always present
Oh, Lord, you carry me
God is a constant source of strength
You are my strength when I'm weak
God provides strength in moments of weakness
I see what's ahead of me
Looking to the future with hope
Now it's hanging on my wall
The poem has become a meaningful decoration
I still have some life to live
Looking forward to future experiences
One thing, I'm sure of it
Absolute confidence in God's presence
You'll be with me to the end
God's presence is constant
You carry me, you carry me so I can rest, I can rest
God provides rest through life's struggles
Contributed by Lily C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
JDDfilms
Footprints in the sand poem:
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:
“LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
“My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
sparkybirdly
Why isnt this song popular? This is so good! Keep it up!😀😀
Dolby D
i agree, truly lovely :)
sopar Tampus
It will be... one day... it's just everyone hasn't heard it yet. Artists like Hillsong, Bethel, Elevation, and Toby Mac are in the spotlight.
Derek Bohm
@Dolby D is
Derek Bohm
@Dolby D is
Marie Francois
It's because the world don't want God, it's sad to say but it's true. You, I and few want God🙏❤️
JDDfilms
Footprints in the sand poem:
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:
“LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
“My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
Selactive
Thank you sharing this poem! I have never heard it before and it is so lovely. ❤️😊 God bless! ✝️🕊🙏🏻
Marie Francois
Amen
George Siebelink
My mum battled for years with depression and other mental illnesses. She passed away December 2017 to cancer. She had this poem everywhere around her flat. Beautiful song