A Poem By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

...when I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

when I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and need HIS strength to carry on.

when I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.

when I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far to visible
but, God believes I am worth it.

when I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I will call upon His name.

when I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
who received God's good grace, somehow.


I read this poem for the first time a few years ago, and it is simply perfect!