“Carefree Charlotte” was how Charlotte Elliott was known for the first 30 years of her life—she even made part of her living as a comedy writer. But shortly after her 30th birthday, it all changed forever. What Charlotte didn’t know at the time, was she would spend the next 50 years of her life bedridden with constant pain and exhaustion. She hated God and cursed him for making her a prisoner to her own bed.

When her father invited a pastor over, she lashed out at him for talking to her about this God at whom she was so angry. But the pastor immediately saw right through her and said, “You have become tired of yourself and are holding on to hate and anger.” She was immediately broken and convicted by his words, as the pastor said “Come as you are to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” 

Soon after that she began writing hymns about this wonderful love she began to know. We still sing one them today, “Just As I Am,” which was later used as the altar call song for Billy Graham crusades, as well as the title of his autobiography, as well as a Johnny Cash album.

Just how were you when Christ saved you? How are you today?

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, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not


To rid my soul of one dark blot,


To thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,


O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about


With many a conflict, many a doubt,


Fightings and fears within, without,


O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;


Sight, riches, healing of the mind,


Yea, all I need in thee to find,


O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,


Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;


Because thy promise I believe,


O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thy love unknown


Hath broken every barrier down;


Now, to be thine, yea, thine alone,


O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love


The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,


Here for a season, then above,


O Lamb of God, I come, I come!