FEET OF CLAY

©2005, Wanda L. Harrell

“Feet of clay” is from the Bible (Daniel 2: 31-40). King Nebuchadnezzar (monarch of what is now Iraq) dreamt of an image with a head of gold, breast and arms of silver, belly and thighs of brass, and legs of iron. The feet of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreamt image were made of clay, so when a stone hit the feet, the entire image collapsed, shattering into pieces. Daniel’s explanation was that Nebuchadnezzar was the head of gold (a great king), but after him would come weaker kingdoms (feet of clay). Today we consider the term “feet of clay” as a person who is regarded with high esteem, but with human weaknesses or vulnerabilities.

FEET OF CLAY 

Respected by many for the writings that flow from my pen,

I earnestly pray my public knows I am only a woman.

Human weaknesses oft ignored by the human eye

Many frailties and imperfections of the spirit have I.

Amidst turmoil’s dark shadows of weakness, I lost my way,

Eternally drifting about without direction; going far astray,

Because on my own, I am merely a woman with feet of clay.

From the heavens, the Almighty heard my confused cries,

Knowing my weaknesses were wrought by the one who lies.

Wandering aimlessly about on the human path of living,

I rejoiced for God’s mercy on me, His divine forgiving.

In the confusion of my twisted way and the seeds of sin I’d sown,

He had pity on me when I could not find a straight path on my own.

Explaining His Son’s precious blood paid the price to clear my way,

His sacrifice would allow me to walk straight in the bright light of day,

Because on my own, I am merely a woman with feet of clay.

Weaknesses gave me a burdensome and dreadfully heavy step

Until I realized God would help me with my failings and regrets.

He knew each and every weakness, each tiny flaw, and He corrected

Those weaknesses, even when hidden, ones mankind had not detected.

I am forever humbled and thankful the price had already been paid

With the sweet sacrifice his Son, Jesus Christ, long ago made,

Because on my own, I am merely a woman with feet of clay.