What Does It Mean to be A Christian?

I recently came upon this in my folder of memorable articles and in light of her death recently, I want to share this beautiful poem by Maya Angelou.

 

Beautiful Christian Sister

 

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!

 

 

I absolutely love this! 

 

Being a Christian doesn't mean I am immune to life's challenges and it certainly doesn't mean that I know and understand how to deal with all that comes my way.

It doesn't mean that I know all of God's ways or pretend to understand why

bad things happen to good people.

It doesn't mean that I always react in a godly way to all that I encounter on a daily basis.

It doesn't mean that I am perfect; far from it.

It doesn't mean that I always act in a way that honors God.

It doesn't mean that I always represent His character.

It doesn't mean that I never fail.

 

To me, being a Christian simply means that I am a sinner saved by grace and I recognize that. 

It means that I have someone who walks by my side through the hard times I experience.

Being a Christian means that when I don't understand, I choose to trust Him, knowing He is always good and I am always loved.

It means that when I fall, I am forgiven.

It means that when I am weak, He is strong in me.

It means that I don't have to depend on my own strength, I have His grace to draw on.

It means I don't have all the answers.
Most of the time, I don't even know the questions!!!

I thank God every day for His mercies!