I’ve always loved the story of Saint Patrick. No—not the green beer, shamrocks, bagpipes or corn beef (not that there’s anything wrong with those things). Sadly—many don’t know that there’s more to this extraordinary story of Saint Patrick.
The reason that I’m especially fond of Saint Patrick is because my mother 
Patricia was named after him. She was Scotch-Irish and born at the bottom of Edinburgh Castle—in the Grass market area. Sadly, she passed away back in December. Today she would be 92-years-old—St. Patrick’s Day.
I played the song ‘Amazing Grace’ with the bagpipes in her final hours—miraculously her moans of pain subsided and her breathing calmed down.
My mother always told me that when her mother passed away—I was born and that gave her peace she stopped grieving. Ironically—4 days later Felicia and I received our first grandchild—her name is Grace. Is that ‘Amazing?’ For some strange reason our son Preston and his wife Morgan chose that name.
It is very coincidental (God-Wink moment) since I ran legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly making Amazing Grace the official state hymn. Many thanks to my colleagues—both Republican and Democrats for voting for it.
St. Patrick is an important figure in the history of Christianity and Ireland. His life and legacy continue to inspire people around the world. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, Patrick was captured by Irish pirates when he was just a teenager and taken to Ireland as a slave. During his captivity, he turned to God and began to pray fervently.
Related: Tennessee General Assembly Passes Bill Making Amazing Grace Official Tennessee Hymn
After six years of slavery, Patrick escaped and returned to Britain, where he had a dream/vision that led him to become a priest. He was later sent as a bishop to Ireland to spread the Gospel. Patrick arrived in Ireland in 433 AD and began preaching the message of Christianity. He faced many challenges and opposition, but he was able to convert many people—including powerful chieftains and kings.
He would often use various unorthodox methods to explain the Holy Trinity, and one of his most famous ones he used was the shamrock. 
According to legend, he used the three leaves of the shamrock to explain the concept of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—which are all one God.
His life was difficult and he faced many hardships and difficulties in his mission to spread the gospel. He traveled extensively, built many churches, and often performed miracles to show the power of God. Patrick remained humble and focused on his faith—even during his success.
Related: Have you ever read St. Patrick’s autobiography?
He wrote in his memoir, The Confession, which is still read today and provides insights into his spirituality and devotion.
Patrick died on March 17, 461, and his legacy lives on. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world, and many people wear green, attend parades, and enjoy Irish food and drink. In Ireland, the day is a national holiday and is marked by religious services, music, and cultural events.
The impact of St. Patrick on Ireland and the world is immeasurable. His life and teachings continue to inspire millions of us, and his legacy is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. Patrick’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that with faith and determination, anything is possible.
