Charlotte’s Song
Charlotte was sick of being sick. She was tired of not being able to do anything. All she could do was sit or lie down. All her friends and family were busy doing important things, but there was nothing she could do but be sick. She didn’t like it one bit, and her frustration came out in anger at the people around her. She wasn’t a happy person and she knew it. But one day, a preacher said something that started her thinking about God. She liked the idea, but certainly God wouldn’t like her anger and frustration. She would have to work on getting over that first! But no, the preacher told her, she could come to God without getting “all cleaned up” first. Could it be? Would God let her come just as she was? What a relief! Charlotte was so happy to be accepted by God with all of her ugly feelings, that she wrote a song for others to learn about this, too. Maybe you know this song. It is called, “Just As I Am” by Charlotte Elliot. The words are below and we’ve added a few notes to help understand some of the older language.
Just as I am, without one plea [Just as I am, without any reason for you to want me],
but that thy blood was shed for me [you died for me],
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee [and you invite me to come to you],
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not [Just as I am, without waiting to get myself all clean]to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, [I come to you who will wash me clean]O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about [Just as I am, all confused with doubts and questions]with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, thou wilt receive, [Just as I am, you welcome me, forgive me, clean me, and answer my worries because I believe you died for me.]wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; border: 5px solid thistle;” title=”Charlotte’s Song” src=”https://joniandfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/charlotte.jpg” alt=”Charlotte” width=”190″ height=”225″ />Charlotte was sick of being sick. She was tired of not being able to do anything. All she could do was sit or lie down. All her friends and family were busy doing important things, but there was nothing she could do but be sick. She didn’t like it one bit, and her frustration came out in anger at the people around her. She wasn’t a happy person and she knew it. But one day, a preacher said something that started her thinking about God. She liked the idea, but certainly God wouldn’t like her anger and frustration. She would have to work on getting over that first! But no, the preacher told her, she could come to God without getting “all cleaned up” first. Could it be? Would God let her come just as she was? What a relief! Charlotte was so happy to be accepted by God with all of her ugly feelings, that she wrote a song for others to learn about this, too. Maybe you know this song. It is called, “Just As I Am” by Charlotte Elliot. The words are below and we’ve added a few notes to help understand some of the older language.
Just as I am, without one plea [Just as I am, without any reason for you to want me],
but that thy blood was shed for me [you died for me],
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee [and you invite me to come to you],
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not [Just as I am, without waiting to get myself all clean]to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, [I come to you who will wash me clean]O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about [Just as I am, all confused with doubts and questions]with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, thou wilt receive, [Just as I am, you welcome me, forgive me, clean me, and answer my worries because I believe you died for me.]wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
