When I say, "I am a
Christian" I'm not shouting, "I am saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this
way"
When I say, "I am a Christian" I don't speak with human
pride
I'm confessing that I stumble—needing God 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 pray for strength to
carry on
When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of
success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the
debt
When I say, "I am a Christian" I don't think I know it
all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught
When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be
perfect
My flaws are all 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 heartache, which is why I seek His
name
When I say, "I am a Christian" I do not wish to judge
I have no authority...I only know I'm loved
Copyright 1988
Carol Wimmer Used by Permission
NOTE FROM MS. Wimmer
10/27/04
Hi Marie,
I am the author of the poem, When I say, “I am a
Christian” which is protected under copyright law
TX-5-064-953 in the United States Library of Congress.
Unfortunately, someone has taken the liberty to revise
the wording of the poem and then pass it through
cyberspace. More recently, Maya Angelou’s name has been
added to the altered version which is an additional
problem for both Maya Angelou and myself.
I'm sending you this notice because you are featuring
the altered version of this poem on your site. The
accurate reading of the poem is as follows:
(above)
If you believe that the original wording of my poem is
worthy of posting, you may do so with my blessing.
Otherwise, I’m asking that your kindly remove the
version you have on your site as it is a copyright
infringement.
Thank you for understanding,
Carol Wimmer
THE DEVIL'S
BEATITUDES
If Satan was to write his beatitudes, they
would probably go something like this:
1. Blessed
are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to
spend an hour once a week with their
fellow Christians. They are my best workers.
2. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and
expect to be thanked -- I can use them.
3. Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church --they are
my missionaries.
4. Blessed are the trouble makers --they shall
be called my children.
5. Blessed are the complainers --I'm all
ears to them.
6. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's
mannerisms and mistakes -- for they get nothing out of his
sermons.
7. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited
to his own church -- for he is a part of the problem
instead of the solution.
8. Blessed are those who gossip --for they
shall cause strife and divisions that please me.
9. Blessed are those who are easily offended --for they
will soon get angry and quit.
10. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to
carry on God's work-- for they are my helpers.
11. Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his
brother and sister -- for he shall be with me forever.
12. Blessed are you who, when you read this think it
is about other people and not yourself -- I've got you
too!
WE ALL NEED TO BE REMINDED
THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN TO ANY CHRISTIAN.
Thanks Thelma for forwarding 4/10/03
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