Footprints in the Sand (author unknown)

Wednesday, July 22, 2025

Today I was reminded of a poem that I first read many years ago. As I searched for it on the Internet I couldn’t help but notice that there are different renditions of this work. And, interestingly enough, no one is exactly sure who wrote it. 

So I picked a version that I liked and have pasted it here. 

Footprints in the Sand 

One night I dreamed a dream.

As 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.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that at many times 

along the path of my life,

especially at the very lowest and saddest times,

there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, 

so I asked the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,

You'd walk with me all the way.

But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,

there was only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why, 

when I needed You the most, 

You would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, 

I love you and will never leave you.

When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you."

I thought this was especially fitting in light of my husband’s sermon last Sunday. I hope you will reflect on it. 

LORD, Thank you that you love us enough to carry us through our difficulties. We need your fellowship and encouragement and we need your protection and strength.