Christian by Maya Angelou

Christian
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 too 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 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.

One of the teachers at Hawaii Baptist Academy had this posted on her classroom bulletin board during the 2004-2005 school year. She didn't remember where she got it and I have yet to find the source. But, for me, it says it perfectly.

This is the definition of a Christian.