When I say that I am a Christian

When I say that

''I am a Christian,''

I am not shouting that

''I am clean living.''

I'm whispering

"I was lost, but 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've 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'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.

Amen.