It was then that I carried you.

The Footprints poem comes to my mind as I try to wrap my mind around the pain that local families are feeling tonight. I will not pretend to know how they feel at this moment. To be honest, I don't even want to know. Instead, I will pray. I will pray for God's peace and comfort. I will pray for His guidance in the days to come. I will pray for rest and good health. I will pray that each person mourning these losses will have a friend or loved one by their side. I will also be selfish and pray that God never lets this happen to the ones I love.

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.