Handling the tension between our stage and our home can wreak havoc on our family. Especially when all of the hard work of reaching the pinnacle of our career becomes a reality. The time our stage demands at that point can radically steal from those we love the most. For Sanctus Real’s Matt Hammitt, his stage became a glaring mirror of how he was failing at home.

Matt is a Grammy-nominated Christian singer, perhaps best known for Sanctus Real’s hit song, “Lead Me.” In this episode, Matt takes an honest look at how fulfilling his dreams of life on the road with Sanctus Real ultimately came at the cost of his family. He reflects on his challenging newlywed years—including hopping into a 15-passenger van with his band and wife, Sarah, immediately after their honeymoon—as well as the times he was thousands of miles away when crises hit at home. A particular tipping point came with the birth of his son, Bowen, who was born with a life-threatening heart defect.

After years of living in an unhealthy cycle of communication and conflict, Matt realized that although he was a man of good intentions, he needed to be more than that—his family needed him to be a man of action. Here are some highlights from this episode:

* The heart and irony behind Sanctus Real’s hit song “Lead Me”* The struggle many men face putting their family’s emotional and spiritual needs first while also financially providing for their physical needs* Matt’s son, Bowen’s, live-threatening heart defect, the doctors’ encouragement to abort the pregnancy, and how the diagnosis affected Matt + Sarah’s marriage* Why good intentions aren’t enough when it comes to leading your family* How Matt answered the call to be a better husband and father, and his challenge to men to be the spiritual leaders of their families

Show Notes:

Go get Matt’s new book Lead Me: Finding the Courage to Fight for Your Marriage, Family, and Faith, click here.

Click here for Matt Hammitt’s website and upcoming speaking schedule.

For Marriage or Family / Leadership Coaching through Famous at Home, click here.

Click here to sign up for and find Your Family Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide to Establishing Your Family Vision and Values.