Thoughts and Sharing of "Footprints"

"Footprints" is a wonderful story I heard today in a special farewell mass for Anna. This poem was shared by Anna's daughter in memory of Anna because Anna loved and felt the poem deeply. "Footprints" touched me profoundly too. I sobbed a little after I ate the daily bread because I had received the confirmation from our Lord Jesus that He will always be with me, through ups and downs. I rarely go to weekday masses and have no connection with Anna and her family. It was God who cleverly arranged everything so I could receive this special message from Him. This morning, I already felt the eagerness to attend today’s mass at O'Connor Hospital. After the mass, each attendee received a seashell and a little bottle of sands scooped from Anna & her husband's beach house on Alviso Street, Santa Clara, in memory of Anna.

I've recently been through a lot of tough times at work and in life. As soon as I got back to my office, I decorated my work desk top with the seashell and bottle of sands. I want these meaningful gifts to constantly remind me that our Lord Jesus is by my side every hour, every minute and every second.

Thank you Anna, who ever you are, by accidentally attending your farewell mass my faith in Lord had been increased. Maybe it wasn’t an accident at all, as God had planned this long in advance! Like our Lord Jesus said in today’s reading, you're very close to the heaven (Him). I'll always keep you in my prayers and memories.

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Footprints

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 of 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 precious, 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.

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Carolyn Carty, 1963