When I say, “I am a Christian”
[It was a common and accepted practice in biblical times to credit a famous person as the author to gain more credibility and readership. So Moses becomes the author of the Torah and St. Paul writes to Timothy twice. An earlier post on this blog show a reflection usually credited to the martyred Archbishop Oscar Romero when in fact it was written by Bishop Utener. The following poem is oftener ascribed to the famous poet Maya Angelou, but was actually written by Carol Wimmer during a difficult time in her life.]
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost!
That’s why I chose this way”
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble –
needing God 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 pray for strength to carry on
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek His name
When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved
Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer
HEARTS ON FIRE 