Perceptions #200205

"A Story About Just As I Am"

Author Unknown

(Editor's Note: We have not been able to establish the accuracy of this story. We did think it inspirational and chose to share it with you)

In the 1830's a little six-stanza poem was circulating all over England was even being translated into foreign languages. As popular as the poem was, its writer was unknown.

A physician carried a copy of the small poem with him as he stopped at the home of Anglican minister Henry Elliot and his invalid sister, Charlotte. Medically, there was nothing he could do for Miss Elliot, but the poem might bring her a bit of cheer. As the paralyzed lady read the words, tears flowed from her eyes and a smile broke upon her face. The pleased doctor departed knowing he had brought a bit of happiness into an otherwise unhappy life.

Little did the doctor know that Miss Elliott read the poem from memory. Though confined to her room, she had written it some years earlier to help her brother raise money for an orphanage. After she had written it she mailed it to a publisher, but she had not heard from it since. Her joy overflowed with the realization that the poem was generating funds in growing amounts to help defray the cost of the orphanage.

The poem? Written 150 years ago by an invalid spinster and set to music, we still sing today. It's first stanza reads like this:

Just as I am without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come!

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