Below is the version of Footprints in the Sand by Mary Stevenson, written in 1939. This version of the poem is the oldest version and on On May 3, 1997 proof of authenticity was given to Mary Stevenson for this poem.
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 were one set of footprints.
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 have only been
one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
“The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you.”
– Mary Stevenson
Thanks for sharing. Even though it’s in the web elsewhere, the fact that you took time to share means a lot for the kingdom of God.
What’s it being “in the web” it’s actually ON the web, “in the web” would be like a fly caught IN a spiders web. Anywho, what’s that got to do with them posting the original version here? Not to mention it’s worded multiple different ways all over the web so, it’s nice to see the original by the original author.
Since I was a little girl, this has always been one of my favorite poems. And where we are in 2023 and it still holds so much weight and meaning in my life. Prayers and blessings to the family of the original author Mary Stevenson, and prayers to you woman of God for sharing.
Thank you so much Ciara for your sweet comment. This is my favorite poem of all time as well. I still have the poem that my mom had hanging up when I was a child. It not only brings back such wonderful memories but it also reminds me that although mom may be gone, Jesus will never leave me.
Be Blessed,
Audrey
Most beautiful poem ever written. It makes me cry 😭 every time I read it. Amazing
Me too! It’s a poem that will forever stand the test of time and generations. 💕
Be Blessed,
Audrey
For me the same too.
Always get emotional when I read it.Have the picture of the footprints in the sand on a beautiful wooden plack in my house.
It’s 27 November, 2023. So many things have happened in my life. I have been so low and even now as I write I feel heavy. I searched for this poem and just as it has from 1993( in my teens when I came across it after my Grandma had died here in Nigeria and through the years after: my parents’ passing, cousins, uncles, and my eldest sister’s passing) it once again reminds me that God carries me in the deep, deep, darkest and most painful of times of life.
Initially, I read this poem last Oct., a mo. before my 74th birthday. I feel whole for the first time in my life. Such a profound piece.
This poem touchest the depths of my soul & brings tears to my eyes.I must’ve read it hundreds of times in my life , the emotional response is the same.I like to always read it aloud….it seems more impactful.
I remember this poem growing up, and it has given me the strength to carry on in life. I found the poem again in 2016,after I tried to take my life. I still struggle today either my mental health, but this oem helps me carry on.
This is my favorite poem and has brought me great joy when thinking about God. I’ve had many times thought the same, why has He forsaken me during my time of need. This poem reminded me that He hasn’t nor ever will. Thank you Mary Stevensen for putting into words and showing me how much God loves us and is always there, even when we don’t think He isnt.
This is my favorite poem and has brought me great joy when thinking about God. I’ve had many times thought the same, why has He forsaken me during my time of need. This poem reminded me that He hasn’t nor ever will. Thank you Mary Stevenson for putting into words and showing me how much God loves us and is always there, even when we don’t think He isnt.
I have several autoimmune diseases with several spine and skeletal injuries that took me down 17 years ago that were not diagnosed or treated for over 6 years. I have been in anguish many many times, have been in constant pain since child hood, and have been on deaths door many times. Mistreated, maltreated, and kicked to the gutter by many many doctors and quite literally left to die. At times the pain was unearthly and indescribable. All of this follows a bad choice in a woman i proposed to and a business partner that took $60k from me leaving me homeless in pain and very sick. Before that i escaped alcoholism. Before that a 10 year marriage to a woman that made good on her promise 9 years prior. To take the kid or kids as leverage and not allow them to see or talk to me. That lasted 8 years. Now at 49 the pain is worse than ever. Only my left hip has been “fixed” and i am very sick again. This poem has remined me of who and what i am regardless of how this world and the people in it treat me. As i look back. I see twice as many single footsteps as I do two set, and I realize how much The Lord really loves me. Because he has carried me for over half of my entire life, and held my hand the other half. For this I am thankful, grateful, and at peace with most things even when I know i will need to be carried again. No matter how bad life gets He is always there to love me even more and carry me. It is not humanly possible for me to still be here and even be very happy through everything had I not known about and been reminded of the single set of footprints.
Thank You
Joe
Spiritual growth is why we come here. Everyone who comes to this world gains some sort of experience so this is a part of our common purpose. The other part is whether our experience is of lasting permanence and value. It is all-important we seek out companionship with the Savior Christ Jesus in our passage here. Life is an apprenticeship with an eternal purpose.
I first time saw this beautiful poem framed in my friends room it really caught me then I forgot it after 20 year I searched it on Google thanks to Google reproducing it for me and for having such a wonderful masterpiece of poetry in your library too much thanks for Mary Stevenson