Christians

I visit the Spectrum Health in downtown, Grand Rapids, to receive a treatment called "phlebotomy" every Tuesday. While I have visited the same place for almost three months, I had a very pleasant encounter with the hospital chaplain today. She came to me and introduced herself as a Catholic sister. She asked my name and thought that my first name sounded as hard as Dutch last names. I told her that my name means eternal blessing, explaining that "Young" means "eternal" and "khill" is "blessing." My name is my life ever since I became a Christian!

Today, I have been thinking about what it means to be a Christian. The American Heritage Dictionary defines a Christian as "one who professes belief in Jesus as Christ...; one who lives according to the teachings of Jesus." I like this simple definition. However, I also appreciate how Maya Angelou described it:

When I say "I am a Christian,"
I am not shouting "I'm clean livin."
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 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 am a Christian! This identity brings joy to me everyday. This identity also reminds me of my relationship with God: I am His follower and Christ is my master! This identity also points me to the fact that Christ is my true hope.