Footsteps in The Sand

Footsteps in the sand, commonly referred to as footprints in the sand, is amongst the best known poems in the western world. It is also one of the few poems that has ever had so many people saying they wrote it and producing different versions.

Many people have used the words of Footprints in the Sand as a message to believe in God and through that belief they uplift people. It is featured on hundreds of cards and printed on everything from blankets to posters that are seen all over the USA and further afield. Tens of thousands of copies of it are send out every Christmas as well as at other times when someone may need a spiritual uplift.

The battle to prove authorship has been a long running one and in some part it may well be driven by financial rather than any deep need. None of this should take away from the powerful inspirational message that has made so many people happy over the years.

Words are powerful things and the words to footprints in the sand have proved over the years that they can help lift people out of a depressed mood and remind them that their is someone more powerful than they are. If you are looking for a gift for someone who is feeling a bit down or maybe you want to inspire someone then getting them a framed copy of footprints in the sand really does make sense.

Footsteps in the Sand

While there are many variants of the poem available, the most important thing is to find the version that speaks to you. We are all touched by different words and the English language is wonderful in the way that different words can be put together and bring out such strong emotions in people.

We have included the version of Footprints in the Sand that we know best below, I hope it moves you as much as it moved me every time I read it. I have a copy of it hung on my wall above my desk and when the work day seems to be over powering me I will sit back and read it.

It doesn’t matter if you have the words on a tatty old hand written card or on a hand woven parchment as long as you read and understand the words and the sentiment.

Footsteps in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,

“You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”