Footprints in the Sand

The story starts in 1969 when, at the age of 44, Bill Stephens went through a near-death experience that changed him instantaneously from an agnostic to a spiritual seeker, erased his lifelong fear of death and eradicated his crippling addictions. He "...exploded into a brilliance beyond anything I could imagine, and I was immersed in the warmth and joy of a Living Presence that loved me and accepted me totally."During the experience, Stephens saw a face in the light that he later identified as the great 20th century spiritual master, Avatar Meher Baba. That was the beginning of the author's love affair with God. His compelling book includes many personal and graphic stories of the ups and downs of treading the Path of Love by following the divine footsteps of the Master.The author has written many previous books about science and the oceans, marine animals, and undersea research. But this is his finest work because it comes straight from the heart.

I was enthralled, inspired and tickled by the range of potent, poetic images, intimate and fascinating life details and real insight into the nature, direction and synchronicities of following a God-Realized Master in today's world. Along with the inspirational material, superb metaphors, and wisdom, I think the book fills a significant niche. [Special appreciation by the way for the material on Repeating God's Name, tidbits like VP Gore's contact with Meher Baba, and the light touch in much of the poetry.] We've never before had published biographical material about American followers of Meher Baba that readers can identify with. I admire the home-movie quality the author brings to this volume. Allan Y. Cohen, Ph.D., clinical psychologist; author of Mastery of Consciousness (Harper), co-author, Understanding Drug Use: an Adult's Guide to Drugs and the Young. (Harper)

This book is brimful of God's presence. It weaves His shining light between the sentences, dancing with the words. The real-life vignettes are wonderful!