In January 2020, I was invited to a traditional Burns Night celebration. Each guest was asked to bring a
poem to share. What I did not know was that Burns Night is a Scottish tradition where the life and
poems of the poet Robert Burns are celebrated. The meal includes haggis, neeps, and tatties (turnips
and potatoes).
While I scurried to get ready for the evening, no poem was satisfactory. I looked for my favorite
Elizabeth Barrett Browning poem, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” I read it and reread it,
but it didn’t feel right. I did not want to recite this one, either. So, I decided I was just going to write one.
With just twenty minutes to spare, I partnered with Holy Spirit, and the following poem was born:
I Am
a simple woman
with an EXTRAordinary mind—
the mind of Christ!
I Am
fearfully and wonderfully made.
Yes, I Am His masterpiece;
I was not made to fade.
I Am
forgiven and justified;
healed, whole, and sanctified.
Not moved by what I see
This is who I BE—
Redeemed and perfect,
anointed and holy,
an overcomer,
called and glorified
I Am.
I Am
a chosen generation,
a royal priesthood,
a holy nation.
Predestined to create
just like the Creator
in His likeness and image
I Am.
Yes, I Am
a NEW creature,
partaking of HIS divine nature.
Walking by faith and not by sight;
trained as a princess warrior
with His authority.
From rest,
declaring and decreeing,
I fight!
By His death, and
by His grace
I was set free.
Death, mortality
has no hold on me.
I Am,
I Am.
I remind myself
I Am
the head and not the tail,
not set up to fail.
Jesus has paid the price,
and that will suffice;
I Am.
I Am
the dwelling place of God,
His masterpiece,
I Am.
By His blood, His bride,
His friend
I Am.
This is my story,
a reflection of His glory
I AM.
I was extremely encouraged and excited to share this poem with the guests at dinner that evening. I
hope it encourages you.