I am a Christian
By Maya Angelou
When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not shouting, “I’m clean living.”
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 grace somehow.
I wish Maya Angelou had written this but she did not. It was written by Carol Wimmer in 1988. There is a disclaimer on Ms. Angelou’s page.
https://web.archive.org/web/20060210133139/http://www.mayaangelou.com/Contact.html
Thanks for the heads up! I had this poem in an old book of mine and it had her name on it. Thanks a bunch for the clarification and God bless 🙂