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 good grace, somehow!
Maya Angelou
2006-12-12 03:22:50 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is what Christianity should be about.
It is reinforcement for those who already have this understanding.
It can be shared with those who do not have a clear understanding of what it means to be a Christian
It should be considered by Christians who think they are "perfect" or "better than others".
God Bless.
2006-12-12 03:24:12 · update #1
I think that is SO awesome.
that is how I feel!!! there are a lot of questions on YA about Christians, their posturing/judging, etc. I wish I had this poem to hand out--it says all that I want to. she really is one of the best poets EVER.
thanks for sharing!
2006-12-12 03:25:28 · answer #1 · answered by Netty 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋
It's a Maya Angelou poem.
I just find anything about Christians about as boring as any subject on the face of the planet. There is nothing more boring and nothing more unimportant.
Your personal religion and belief system is infinitely personal and intimate with your creator. Why would you want to shout it from the rooftops in front of so many people you don't know.
Angelou is an artist and this has nothing to do with anything. She has other more important works.
I think Christians are missing something, something very key. This is why we see so much of them making a spectacle of themselves.
"Spectacle" is what it is, all of it, these days. Beyond the intimate and personal relationship; and that should never be discussed. It shouldn't have to be.
2006-12-12 03:29:37 · answer #2 · answered by Vik 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I'm a big Maya Angelou fan, however, I hate this poem.
This is why I think Christianity is a negative thing to some people. It shows a complete lack of self-esteem and confidence in yourself. By saying you are weak, flawed, and need someone to guide you through life is showing that you are a person that has ZERO confidence and pride in yourself.
That's just sad! People should be strong, independent, and prideful of everything they have accomplished in life. You got yourself there, not your god.
Depending on something that you don't even know is there is just depressing. You shouldn't have to be co-dependent on ANYONE or ANYTHING!
If this was talking about a husband/wife instead of your god, you would be told to seek counseling.
2006-12-12 03:27:05 · answer #3 · answered by Heck if I know! 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
A humility often missing here. This kind of Christian would not impose rules on other people via laws. Sadly, too many Christians have taken that tact and forgotten to see their own far too visible flaws.
2006-12-12 03:29:08 · answer #4 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell that to the people on YA who consistently claim that they hold themselves to a "higher standard" than the non-believer.
If more people would carry themselves like Maya Angelou, Christians wouldn't be quite as despised the world over as they currently are...
2006-12-12 03:27:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
What I think is that people should stop cut and pasting it as an answer to random questions. I'm getting sick of seeing it, and it doesn't tell me anything.
2006-12-12 03:25:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Amen
2006-12-12 03:26:48 · answer #7 · answered by WonderWoman 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Nice one! True christians always forgive and educate, because everyone has the potential to become a better person!
2006-12-12 03:26:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
You need god to clean your mess, clean up after yourself
2006-12-12 03:27:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
"There's a world of difference between truth and facts. Facts can obscure the truth." Maya Angelou
Not a fan...
2006-12-12 03:25:31 · answer #10 · answered by mutterhalls 3 · 4⤊ 3⤋