Poem: “When I Say … “I am a 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 that 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 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.