“My wife and I aren’t shy about sharing that we’ve had some pretty major struggles,” admits Matt after his wife implored him to be a better spiritual leader in the family. “I think the challenge for me in the song, and hopefully for other men as well, is every time I hear it, every time I sing it, I ask myself, ‘what kind of man am I?’ Not yesterday, not tomorrow, what kind of man am I today? Have I invested in my family emotionally, spiritually the way that God has called me to reach out to them and to lead them.”

Implementing this shift in daily priorities, Matt is now walking together with Sarah through one the most difficult points yet in their marriage. Parents to Emmy and Claire, the couple is struggling to bring to term their first baby boy, Bowen Matthew Hammitt. Bowen, which means "small victorious one," is 26-weeks-old and has been diagnosed with a serious heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart (HLHS).

“On April 12th of this year, Sarah and I walked into our nineteen week ultrasound excited to find out whether we were having a boy or a girl. Since we’ve already been blessed with two beautiful girls, we were excited to find out it was little boy! However, shortly after the ultrasound, our OB [obstetrician] entered the room and said she had some bad news.

“Knowing Bowen is sick has brought me face to face with the sobering reality that none of us are promised tomorrow and has pulled that nagging ache, the one to make every moment count, straight to the surface of my daily life,” confesses Matt on a blog he and Sarah created to give updates on Bowen at http://bowensheart.com/.

Again finding encouragement and strength in the song “Lead Me,” Matt and Sarah share the story of the song on video at www.sanctusreal.com. Hoping to help other couples struggling in their marriage, Sanctus Real also leads corporate prayers that can be found on the website.

As the song “Lead Me” continues to gather radio airplay, here is what media have been saying about the song and Pieces Of A Real Heart:

“‘Lead Me’ is a surefire hit…This song is a ‘must own’ for all husbands, fathers and young men looking for an honest portrayal of the prayer of a Christian man asking God to lead their lives.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com (“A+” album review.)

“We put every track to the test and can say that the superb production quality and heartfelt lyrics go a long way toward making this their best album yet.” – Napster.com

“This album is more mainstream in its pop/rock appeal… the album is nearly perfect.” – The Album Project

“With honest lyrical prose and heightened musical charm, Sanctus Real re-energizes their stay as one of Christian music’s favorite bands.” – CCM

“Pieces Of A Real Heart is an album that finds strength in brokenness, navigating the tension between humility and confidence, joy and pain…a solid album and a great addition to the latest chapter in Sanctus Real’s career.” – JesusFreakHideout.com

“On their fifth studio album, Sanctus Real reached a place very few rock bands ever ascend to…Hammitt knows what to say and how to say it, offering his own experiences and ponderings as counsel without coming across as trite or even the least bit holier-than-thou.” – All Music Guide

“Pieces Of A Real Heart offers pop-rock songs of worship even while addressing real-life issues and questions. Listeners will also appreciate Sanctus Real’s transparency and honesty.” – Charisma

“Sanctus Real continues to grow in their craft. This is their best album to date!” - CMSpin.com

“They’ve developed a more refined and mature pop/rock sound.” – ChristianityToday.com

“There are many amazing songs on this new project… it does not disappoint.” – StereoTruth.com

“The American rockers have gone from strength to strength down the years and in Matt Hammitt have one of the best vocalists on the current CCM scene.” – Christian Marketplace

“The Sanctus Real library is a must for every Christian’s music collection. This current album will not disappoint. Five stars for Pieces Of A Real Heart.” – Everyday Christian

“Pieces Of A Real Heart is by far the band’s best record to date…” – thebridgelive.net

“The songs on this album are…excellent, with insightful lyrics and memorable hooks…” – Cross Rhythms

“With Pieces Of A Real Heart, Sanctus Real remains a cut above similar popular Christian pop-rockers with superior lyrics, and clear, sharp production.” – The Phantom Tollbooth

“Singer Matt Hammitt’s voice is very distinct and crisp as he sings with heart and emotion…Sanctus Real still packs a powerful musical touch.” – TitleTrakk.com

“…Pieces Of A Real Heart, is really really good…I encourage you to go beyond the music and allow yourself to really hear the lyrics.” – The Gospel Blog

Popularly known for its captivating recordings and live performances, Toledo, OH-based Sanctus Real is all about living out their lives as “real” Christians, not only on the stage and as they interact with fans, but in the quieter moments of their lives as husbands, fathers and fellow believers. The band creates compelling, authentic music that lives up to the meaning of their name: to be Holy (Latin meaning of “Sanctus”).

With 14 No. 1 and Top 5 radio hits, Sanctus Real’s 2006 breakthrough album, The Face of Love, landed at No 2 on the Billboard Top Heetseekers chart while the band’s most recent release, We Need Each Other, garnered the band a GRAMMY nomination. Pieces Of A Real Heart is the result of the band maturing and growing as songwriters, musicians and individuals, while retaining its aggressive edge and incorporating a more diverse musical palette of instrumentation and themes.

For all the latest Sanctus Real news, including is summer tour dates, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.

For more info on Sanctus Real, visit the JFH Artists Database.