I am a Christian

In the last few days, so many people have commented on how wonderful Doug & I are for adopting Katie, how special we are, and other similar sentiments. It is not us - it is Christ working through and in us. Trust me, I don't want to be the mom to a child that may have life long developmental issues - it's not fun. Neither of us wanted to disrupt our comfortable life, cash in a retirement account, sell our fun car or generally be put out - BUT - more than we didn't want all that, we want to be obedient to God. We want to answer the call on our lives that He makes. We want to live a life solely sold out to Him and what He desires. We want to live our lives as followers of Jesus - as Christians.

There are many places through out the world where it is hard and even life threatening to be a Christian. My daughters' birthplace is one of them, and being in China always makes me appreciate the freedom of religion we have in this country - even as those in power try to suppress our voice - we still are far better off than many other places. We can proclaim our faithfulness to our Savior - although we are often far too timid or concerned with what people will think of us.

When I say "I am a Christian" - there are many differing images & perceptions one could have based upon their experiences with others who have said that. I am a mom to Katie because I am a Christian.

I wish that I could put it as eloquently as the writer of this poem did:

A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER

By Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ

That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say.... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean living,'

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 always 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 unlimited 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 because of Christ 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, through the Spirits regeneration.

I am Katie's mom, through Christ who strengthens me and without whom I could not do this. It is pure joy watching this little girl be knitted into our family. I feel so blessed that God would chose us - unworthy and imperfect, broken and sinful - to do His work in her world. So, we are nothing special, what we are doing isn't anything to boast about - what God is doing is special and is what we proclaim.