When I say "I'm a Christian"

My pal Katie sent this to me this morning, and I found it so inspiring that I wanted to share. I would say "I couldn't have said it better," but that's so inaccurate. I couldn't have said it half as well.

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BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
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 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!'

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When I stand before God, at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me!"
~Erma Bombeck

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."
{this one's my new favorite!}