I stopped in to pick up some things from my daughter’s home on March 17th, and my little Emmie was dressed in green for preschool. She asked if I had green on and when I said no, she came over to pinch me; but decided to give me a tap on the arm instead followed by a huge bear hug and kiss. When I think of St. Patrick’s Day, the color green definitely comes to mind. Green clothing, green beer, green river in Chicago, green clovers, and Irish ballads and dancing at Irish pubs.
What I didn’t know about this Irish holiday is who Patrick really was and why he was considered a saint. “Patrick grew up in a family of privilege in Great Britain. One day, he was abducted by pirates who brought 16 year old Patrick to Ireland. They forced him to work as a slave for six years. In the midst of suffering, starvation, and loneliness, Patrick called on God. One night, he heard the voice of God directing him to a ship that would help him escape Ireland and bring him home to his family. Following the voice, Patrick was delivered safely home. He spent year studying the Scriptures and training to be a priest. Then, against all reason and the direction of his family and friends, Patrick returned to the land of his captivity to bring the Gospel to the people living there.” Revelation Media email 03/17/2021
“For daily I expect to be murdered and betrayed or reduced to slavery if the occasion arises. But I fear nothing, because of the promises of Heaven; for I have cast myself into the hands of Almighty God, who reigns everywhere. As the prophet says: ‘Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you.’” --St Patrick
Father God, I love this story! Only You could take something horrific and turn it into beauty that touched not only Patrick’s life, but all who crossed his path. Perfect Love casts out ALL fear! Thank You that St. Patrick listened to Your Voice and did what You asked even when his friends and family did not understand. I can’t wait to meet him in Heaven someday and hear his story personally. Amen.
Cast all you anxiety on Him, because He care for you. 1 Peter 5:7 ESV