I bought this cross with footprints in the sand this morning. My hubby, the clueless one, asked me, “Haiyor….that is a cross, how can you all (Christians) step on something like that!”
Me, “Haiyorrr…this is the most beautiful story. You need to read what footprints in the sand means.” And I showed him the little story which was printed behind the cross.
Long before I turn to Christianity, I found this little story or can I call it a poem the most comforting thing. I searched and found that it was written by Mary Stevenson (Zangare) in 1936.
FOOTPRINTS 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 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 in the sand,
is when I carried you.”Mary Stevenson
Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson, All rights reserved
(poem taken from The Official Footprints In The Sand)
Back to hubby (and I believe a majority of people who don’t know much about Christianity), he still wonder how we can put footprints on a cross. I told him that the symbol of the cross is not something like what some worshipers treat their symbolic object. Of course, we treat the cross with reverence and respect but we don’t idolise it. To us, the cross reminds us of the times when Jesus, before His death, was spitted on, mock, stripped naked, kicked and tortured badly. We are reminded of the sufferings we have to go through in our life. And this little cross (which costs me RM15) is the reminder that we never walk alone.
The above is one of the Station of the Cross at St. Anne’s Church, Bukit Mertajam. (you can see more photos of St. Anne here.)
I hope the poem Footprints in the Sand will touch your heart as well.
Amen!
R’Amen. Why lar din post early-early?
Amen.
Thanks Aunt Lilian, I’m having some rough time now and this post comes in the most appropriate time, reminds me that I’ll never be alone.
Beautiful! It’s my favourite reminder. I have a bookmark of it in my bible. Some of my friends carry it in their purse as a reminder too. 😉
Wow… I haven’t been to St. Anne’s church in BM before. They have all the stations outside?
That’s really nice! Mana beli ar? Tak tau KL sini ada onot, if got I oso want to get one!
wow..that poem is beautiful! amazing!
Hi,aunty Lilian..I’m not sure whether you have seen this flash or not but I just want to share with you in case you havent…
http://www.donghaeng.net/english/footprint/footprint.swf
it’s a new version of Footprint…God Bless!!
Amen.
where did you get it? Will be a good christmas present. I also loved it the first time i read the poem. I used to have a huge poster of it hanged in my room.
wmd – From the Chinese apostolate who sell outside Cathedral of Holy Spirit. I think this is from Dr. Marina’s Catholic shop in Bayan Baru. Forgot the name but it was featured in The Star. (wait they pay me commission baru I publicise lah LOL. I also needy person mah, cos they say the profits go to charity)