Footprints in the sand have and will always be one of my favorite poems. I remember sitting at my mother’s desk as a young girl reading this poem taped to the back of it. I would sit there for hours pretending to be a grown up and read this poem over and over again. There is something about the water, whether it is the ocean, lake, springs, streams or even a pool that has always been so calming to me.
I can remember times in the darkest days I would walk the beach and that spirit of depression seemed to be lifted instantly.ย I mean really, who can stop that massive amount of water from continuing on and on and on?
I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets
of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to me
and one to my Lord.
When the last scene of my life shot before me
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
There was only one set of footprints.
I realized that this was at the lowest
and saddest times of my life.
This always bothered me
and I questioned the Lord
about my dilemma.
โLord, you told me when I decided to follow You,
You would walk and talk with me all the way.
But I’m aware that during the most troublesome
times of my life there is only one set of footprints.
I just don’t understand why, when I needed You most,
You leave me.โ
He whispered, โMy precious child,
I love you and will never leave you
never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints
it was then that I carried you.
Did you know that there are several different versions of this poem?
I started researching to find out who wrote the Footprints in the Sand poem but only found that all versions are somewhat different yet have the same message.
Since seeing this poem as a little girl, its impact on me has been profound. During some of my darkest seasons, I always knew/felt like Jesus was carrying me through it. I always knew in my heart and in the back of my mind that I’d come out victoriously!
Knowing that the Footprints in the sand poem was one of my favorites, my family members would always pick me up posters, jewelry, key chains or wall art with the Footprints in the sand poem on it. These are some of my most cherished presents that I still have to this day.
Has this poem changed you? Have you gone through a struggle that was so bad you honestly didn’t think you were going to make it out?
If so, I’d love to hear how Jesus picked you up and carried you through the storm.ย
Y’all Be Blessed,
Audrey