You may know the poem entitled “FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND.” It is beloved by many and has offered hope during past decades. It likely inspired the song, “FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND.”

Whether I hear the poem, sing the song, or read Scriptures that remind me that I have a comforting Presence with me always, I find that His footprints fill me with hope. May they do the same for you.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND (the poem):

“One night a man had a dream…. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: ‘LORD, You said that once I decided to follow You, You’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed You most You would leave me.’

The LORD replied: ‘My son, My precious child, I love you, and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.'”

(Author Unknown)

Even if His footprints are unseen, His presence is felt, and it gives me hope to trust in the Omnipresence of One Who never leaves nor forsakes me. He is also omnipotent (all-powerful) and omniscient (all-knowing), so I can totally rest in Him and trust His unfailing grace to carry me through life’s greatest difficulties.

I think the FOOTPRINTS poet understood this truth well and expressed it beautifully. Because of my own experiences I can add a sincere “Amen.”

“Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.” (Psalm 77:19)

Even the most talented artists don’t always lead charmed lives. Sometimes the extraordinary beauty of their artwork that blesses us most comes after great suffering.

Sam Butcher is an American artist who has experienced the painful loss of 2 sons by death and has faced struggles that included bi-polar disorder, depression, anger, and excessive alcohol. Yet his artwork carrying the name, “Precious Moments,” brings hope, peace, and beauty to multitudes.

I plan to share more on Sam’s art and legacy in a future blog and will end today’s post with a poetic explanation of how he ultimately faced his struggles. Do you doubt that precious moments and hope can follow profound pain and suffering in one’s life? Read the poem below to understand how Sam Butcher found personal hope and peace he desperately needed.

“The sad loss of a loved one Can be so hard at times; I understand, because I lost Two precious sons of mine. I lost my way and wandered In a valley of despair, Because my heavy burden Was too much for me to bear. But then I heard a still small voice So warm and tender; It was the voice of Him, who said I’m here, just trust in me. Then all at once, I felt a touch. It was the hand of God So gentle, warm, and soothing Like a balm in Gilead. We need not be afraid, my friend, When sorrow comes, because The Lord will bless us and keep us By the power of His love.”

(Samuel J. Butcher)

Tag: suffering

FOOTPRINTS POEM: HOPE IN FOOTPRINTS

You may know the poem entitled “FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND.” It is beloved by many and has offered hope during past decades. It likely inspired the song, “FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND.”

Whether I hear the poem, sing the song, or read Scriptures that remind me that I have a comforting Presence with me always, I find that His footprints fill me with hope. May they do the same for you.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND (the poem):

“One night a man had a dream…. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

The LORD replied: ‘My son, My precious child, I love you, and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.'”

I think the FOOTPRINTS poet understood this truth well and expressed it beautifully. Because of my own experiences I can add a sincere “Amen.”

SAM BUTCHER: PRECIOUS MOMENTS AND HOPE

Even the most talented artists don’t always lead charmed lives. Sometimes the extraordinary beauty of their artwork that blesses us most comes after great suffering.

Sam Butcher is an American artist who has experienced the painful loss of 2 sons by death and has faced struggles that included bi-polar disorder, depression, anger, and excessive alcohol. Yet his artwork carrying the name, “Precious Moments,” brings hope, peace, and beauty to multitudes.