Martin Luther King Jr.

From Jake: "This is a poem by Maya Angelou which I came across somewhere. It's appropriate for our time but I think especially now as we approach Dr. King's birthday. "

Christian 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'm 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 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 grace somehow.

-Maya Angelou-