Beautiful Christian Sister

I have been in a real funk lately. My best friend from Cali sent me an email yesterday with this poem, by one of my fav poets, Maya Angelou. It really struck a cord because Cali-girl knew I needed a reminder that I am unconditionally loved by God, Family and Friends. Nice to hear because I am really, really tired and get bogged down by the fact that:

• Ok. Here is the obligatory bullet.
• I wrote about ten reasons and promptly deleted them.
• Gave them to God.
• I'm resting in him.
• No therapy bill.
• I feel better.
• The world doesn't need to hear me whine.
• Or know my hurts.
• God has them in the palm of his hand.
• Enjoy 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 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 to 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!

_______________________________________________

P.S. I became a Christian in 2002. If you are a family member, you have my letter sharing my story. If you want to hear it again, I'm willing and I've grown in faith abundantly since I wrote it, it's all much more concise now. Love you all.