When I say I'm a Christian...

I read this a long time ago and thought it was really a perfect way for me to try and relate to others, mainly my oldest friends who are not believers. I want desperately for them to really understand I don't think I'm better than them because I am a Christian. I know sin very well, and I let sin consume my life for a long time. I am not the person I was just over a year ago, and I thank God for his grace every day. I was talking with these friends the other day about girls who are "high-maintenance" in terms of relationships with men. I asked in general if my friends thought I fell into this category. One answer surprised me. One of my oldest friends told me I was not high maintenance but I set my expectations too high when talking about potential relationships. Huh?! All she had to base this on is I expect the guy to pursue me, and if he doesn't I refuse to be the one to pursue him. What if she knew my expectation was to have a guy running towards God with all of his heart, one who has dedicated his life to serving the Lord? What if I told her I wouldn't date someone who hadn't died to themselves? To be honest I wish I had said it, so is life I guess. I am pretty sure I have friends who think I am crazy or "holier than thou" for being a Christian, so why haven't I sent this poem to them? I read it over a month ago and thought about sending it. Here's to on the spot conviction, after I post this I will be sending it out as an email to my oldest friends...

"When I say I am a 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 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!