Top o’ the mornin’ to ye!
‘Tis St. Paddy’s day, it is, and I’m celebratin’ a wee bit o’ me Irish heritage. Aye, for though this stab at an Irish way o’ talkin’ might well pain the ears o’ any current sons an’ daughters o’ Eire, I’ve got more Irish blood in me veins than aboot any other, so today’s a day for the wearin’ o’ the green.
That was fun. ☺
Truly, though I’ve also got Swedish, Danish, Scottish, English, and a wee bit o’ French in me, the Irish from both my parents is probably the strongest strain. The way the lively lilt of Celtic music stirs me seems more than mere coincidence, and the thought of not being allowed to worship the Lord through it always makes it strike closer to home for me when I think of other cultures who haven’t been allowed to worship Jesus in ways indigenous to their people.
But on this day, I’m grateful there is so much more in this world than the walls and cultural clash that I often write about—there is joy and music and the beautiful life and color that God’s diversity brings through the myriad of cultures He has created. And I’m thankful for a day to remember a good chunk of my own cultural heritage—a hotheaded people who’ve come through much struggle and pain over the centuries, yet to whom the man we honor today brought the gospel in a way they could understand, transforming the entire country. This true story of Ireland’s Christianization was brought powerfully to life for me in reading Linda Windsor’s Fires of Gleannmara Series a year or two ago—a wonderfully crafted trilogy blending gripping characters, fascinating history, adventure, romance, and spiritual battle into stories I found hard to put down. I recommend them.
Even today, the Emerald Isle is not without strife. Yet God is at work in Ireland today. While writing this post, I’ve been listening to one of my favorite CDs—Revival in Belfast by Robin Mark. This album of Irish believers worshipping the Lord rarely fails to move me, set me itching to dance, and turn my heart towards Jesus anew.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
For a wee St. Patrick’s Day present, I invite you to meet the man himself—in the person of a gifted actor for the Lord who travels the world performing one-man plays of John Wesley, William Wilberforce, and St. Patrick…and has seen many come to know Jesus as a result. Click here to find clips from his dramatized rendition of the Confession of St. Patrick—methinks you’re in for a bit of a treat!
Photos taken during four days in Dublin with fellow study abroad friends, near and in St. Patrick’s cathedral.
That was amusing! Thanks for speaking Irish 🙂 Does that make you multi-lingual?
Hmm…somehow I dinna think so. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it, though, Sarah!
Fun post! I don’t think I’ve ever celebrated St. Patrick’s day as much as you. I’m inspired! Today (what is left of it), I shall be known by my original Irish last name, Stephen O’Hurley!
Haha–I like it!