What does it mean to be a Christian

12. July 2008 by Pastor John.

I just received this poem attributed to Maya Angelou via my e-mail.  I thought it was worth sharing.  It is very powerful and very moving.  Please see my comments which follow the poem.

Beautiful Christian Sister
By Maya Angelou

‘A woman’s heart should be so hidden in Christ
That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.’

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!

Last week I spoke about Christianity embracing paradox-two competing concepts which seem to negate one another, and unable to be held simultaneously.  I bet Maya Angelou could write an equally moving poem about the pride I feel (not of my own, but of that owned by knowing of a loving parent), the good I’m compelled to do, the power I feel to tell others of God’s saving power, and the righteousness Christ has clothed me with.

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