You are looking at the footprints of your life and you see that there are times where there are TWO footprints (which you realize is God walking beside you). Then, you notice that in the really tough times there is only ONE pair of footprints and you get upset and say, "Hey, God, how come in the rough spots you left me all alone?" And God says, gently, "My child, it was in the toughest times that I carried you."

That story is popular for a reason. There can be something quite touching about it. It connects with our natural wish to feel that, even when we don’t recognize it, God supports us in our struggles.

Recently, "Footprints II" has been making the rounds on e-mail. Below is my edited version of the "new footprints" story. Enjoy.

You have a dream that shows you two sets of footprints. One set goes along steadily, consistently. The other footprints look disorganized, confused, with zigzags, stops, starts, turnarounds, circles, etc.

This goes on for a long time, but eventually you notice the two sets of footprints coming more into alignment. The two begin to travel together in stability.

This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: The footprints that had been parallel to each other begin to step together, tracing almost the exact same path, with one large print and one smaller print just inside it. This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually there is only one set of footprints.

This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A veritable mess of prints. You are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends.

As you consider these powerful dream images you begin to have a conversation with God. You say, "God, I understand the first scene with zigzags and fits. I was a new believer; I was just learning. But you helped me learn to walk with you."

GOD: "That is correct."

" ... And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps; following you very closely."

GOD: "Very good. You have understood everything so far."

" ... When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like you in every way."

GOD: "Precisely."

"So, what happened, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first."

There is a pause as God answers with a smile in her voice. "You didn't know? That was when we danced."