Maya Angelou - Christians

I fell in love with this because often people think Christians are perfect, have no troubles, have it all together, etc..

Christians - 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!

What an uplifting poem. I always find such solace and encouragement in Maya Angelou's writings. Thanks for sharing this one, Dotsie!

Beautiful description!
Oh, but what a blessing to know we've received God's grace and that we're not alone with our infirmities and uncertainties!

I love this woman and all she stands for and the things she believes and says for all to hear. I was so proud to have a poem in Cosmic Brownies along with one of her poems....She is awesome.

What a beautiful poem. Thanks for posting it Dotsie! Chatty, you are very blessed indeed to have had one of your poems published along with one of Maya's. I know that Maya has several books out there, I am wondering if anyone could let me know which one would be my best bet to find something to read at a wedding?

I agree - Maya Angelou is a very special spirit. Many of you Boomer girls had your poems included in the "Cosmic Brownies" book I edited for Sun Rising Poetry Press and believe me, I couldn't be more thrilled that Maya contributed a poem to the collection. As you remember the theme of the book was "life's little lessons learned" and she certainly captured the theme with her poem.

I've seen her on television many times and she just seems to very graceful and eloquent - what an extremely talented woman.

Thanks for posting the poem Dotsie....it's really wonderful!

Beautiful! Thank you for posting it. I'm thrilled that I'm included in the anthology with such a wonderful poet.

[ May 19, 2006, 09:54 PM: Message edited by: DonnaJ ]

Thank you for posting this poem! It speaks so authentically and really expresses the true nature of the type Christian I strive to be. Give me someone on the journey, rather than someone who feels that they "have arrived" anyday!

BethyB, welcome. Great to hear your voice. I hope you'll go to the Welcome forum and introduce yourself. We want to know more.

Welcome BethyB! Glad to have you here!
Yeah, I agree with "on the journey". I guess we are all, one way or the other, on the journey. Our final destination is heaven-at least, that is my blessed hope!!!

Song, you say it's your hope, but you know it's your gift!

That poem by Maya Angelou brought tears to my eyes because it is sooooooooooooooo TRUE!
Dotsie, thanks so much for that inspiration!!!!!

bamgibbs, I just read it again andhave to agree. It's perfect. I wish more people understood Christianity the way Maya describes it. I often think we are judged as holier than thou and I think that's sad. I believe it's a turn off.