Life as a Christian Woman

WHEN I SAY, “I AM A CHRISTIAN”
by Carol Wimmer

When I say, “I am a Christian,”  I’m not shouting, “I’ve been 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 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 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

I stumbled across this poem today, and found it’s simplicity beautiful. I also thought it was quite timely, even though it was written 21 years ago.

Many of you have been hearing about the controversy surrounding Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean, who, when asked whether she supported gay marriage, said that her beliefs did not allow her to support it.(click HERE to view her interview at the Miss USA pageant). Many believe she lost Miss USA because of her answer, and she has been lambasted in the press.

Whether or not you agree with Miss Prejean’s opinion, she is allowed to have an opinion. She said that she was raised to believe that marriage was between a man and a woman. She also responded that she was glad that she lived in a country where people could make up their own minds.

Her opinion is the majority opinion in this nation. Yet she is under attack from many varied groups for her statement. Blogger Perez Hilton, who was the questioner at the pageant, attacked her in such vile language that, frankly, he should be embarrassed.

Now photos have surfaced of Miss Prejean posing provocatively. And web sites around the nation are using the same line: Seems like Miss Prejean is a sinner, too!

Wow, what a news flash!!!

When you are a Christian, you are held to a certain set of values and standards. Not standards set by a religious order or church, but to standards set by God, laid out in the Bible. You don’t get to pick and choose, Christianity isn’t a buffet (to quote Christian Family Radio). I am also not defending Miss Prejean. I think the photos were wrong.

But we are also all sinners. We are so far from perfect that we can’t see it from where we are standing. And when we fail, the spotlight shines all the brighter on us.

Christians don’t know it all. We don’t want to rule the world. We want Christ to rule the world! We don’t want the glory. We want Him to have the glory!

I am not advancing Miss Prejean’s agenda, because frankly I don’t know what it is or what she is truly “about.” But the words she spoke that night were based on her faith and her beliefs. I would hope to be brave enough to do the same under the same conditions. But I doubt I would. The shiny crown would probably sway me to say the “correct” answer.

(by the way, when you watch the video clip, notice the applause for her answer).

Re-read the poem above. Let it sink in.

Humble words.