Amazing Grace

Christians

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!

I'm sure many of you have seen this poem before . . . I know I have read it several times over the years. But it showed up in my e-mail box this week so I thought I would share it. I just love this poem - it is so true and honest and is definitely the definition of what I think a Christian is!

And I am so thankful for the good grace God pours down on us everyday! But I admit that it took me a while to fully understand what God's grace really meant in my life. It's easy to talk about it - but to actually feel His grace and accept & receive it definitely took some time.

What is grace?

"The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you. There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too."
Frederick Buechner

"Grace is the activity of God motivated by His love - accepted by the receiver through faith."

~Author Unknown

And have you ever really listened to the lyrics of "Amazing Grace?" I just love this song, especially verse 3 . . .

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

There are many days I feel weak . . . weak from grief, weak from the stresses of life, weak from worries and fears. And it is during those times that I know that I need to cry out for God's grace to help carry me through the day. Once I just let go and admit that I can't do this on my own (some days that is so hard to do!) and let God's grace pour over me - then I feel His strength take over and my weakness disappear. Grace is available to ALL of us - we just have to reach out and take it. What an amazing gift God gives us all in GRACE!

May God's grace shine down on all of you today!