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. It connects with our natural wish to feel that, even when we don’t recognize it, God supports us in our struggles.

"Footprints II" is a revised version that periodically makes the rounds on email. It too connects with something about God that we sense but long to know is fully true. Below is my edited version of the new footprints story. I hope you will find a truth or a surprise in it that gives you a bit of joy.

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 puzzled and somewhat upset by this change of story. 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 beginner at living a live of faith and grace; I was just learning."

GOD: "That's right."

" ... And when the smaller footprints were inside the larger, you were helping me to learn to walk with you."

GOD: "You've got it."

" ... When the smaller footprints grew and filled in the larger, I suppose that I was becoming someone who was walking with the kind of purpose and love that you have.

GOD: "Yes."

"So, what happened? Are you saying I regressed or something? The footprints separated, and this time it seemed more chaotic 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."