"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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Share this with somebody who already has this

understanding, as reinforcement.

But more importantly, share this with

those who do not have a clear understanding of what it

means to be a Christian, so that the myth that Christians

think they are "perfect" or "better than others" can be dispelled.