If Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson portrayed Saint Patrick as a superhero with mind-boggling Hollywood special effects, perhaps the world would gain a greater interest in and appreciation for one of the greatest impact players in world history. He is a genuine hero in the faith and incredible masculine example of perseverance, an absolute essential for success in life.

Do you know the real story?

For years there has been a character on Saturday Night Live named Debbie Downer. Maybe you've seen her on YouTube videos replaying her skits.

A depressed-looking, bug-eyed, frumpy woman, Downer had a knack for sharing negative information when others were trying to celebrate. Hang with me for a moment as this commentary starts with a Debbie Downer moment.

—Patrick was not Irish.

—As a young man he had no interest in God.

—He never drove out any snakes because there were none in Ireland.

—His use of a shamrock to teach the Trinity is cute for children, but it's just a myth.

—There is no such thing as a leprechaun.

—Patrick didn't drink Guinness beer, because it didn't exist.

Waaaah, waaaah!

Now, I'm not a party pooper. I enjoy a celebration, but I enjoy it even more when I understand what's legitimate and what's legend.

With St. Patrick's Day and all the green, the parades, parties with Irish stew and toasts to the "luck of the Irish," let's get behind the blarney to focus on an incredible man of God who transformed a nation through the proclamation of the Gospel and the planting of churches.

The Real Story of St. Patrick

Years ago when I ministered in Ireland, I recall the descent of the plane and how absolutely awestruck I was as I beheld for the first time the Emerald Isle. This deep green countryside is the picture conjured up in the hearts and minds of tens of thousands of Irish celebrants who annually dye the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day. And in celebrations throughout America, this special feast day is a sign of spring, bringing welcome relief after the cold of winter.

But what's really behind this day and the man we honor? After all, he died over 1,500 years ago on March 17, 461.

Patrick was born in Britain in AD 390. He was raised in a Christian family, but his interest in God was almost nonexistent. He also was illiterate.

Teens are often apt to wander, and Patrick sure did, reaping the consequences. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by thugs and taken hostage on a ship to Ireland.

Imagine the trauma and grief his parents experienced while praying for God's miraculous intervention and the return of their son.

For six agonizing years, he was trapped as a slave, working as a shepherd on hills where he tended the sheep. He was alone. He was scared. In desperation he began to cry out to God to rescue him from his plight.

Picture your teenage son or daughter on that hillside, trembling and fearful for their very life.

Yet God was at work in Patrick's soul (just as He is in your wayward son or daughter!). In his classic Confession, he painfully wrote, "I would pray constantly during the daylight hours" until finally God broke through and revealed Himself in a dream and specifically said the following to this young, lost soul: "Your hunger is rewarded. You are going home. Look, your ship is ready."

Patrick Departs

Risking his life but pierced to the core by the call of God on his life, Patrick journeyed some 200 miles to the Irish coast! He bravely boarded a ship that was going to Britain, and he knew instinctively God was taking him back home.

This young man returned to his family, transformed by the grace of God (wouldn't it be great to see this homecoming captured on video?). In time, he even entered a Christian training center, a monastery, to pursue the calling to full-time vocational ministry as a Catholic priest.

Patrick excelled in his understanding of the Scriptures, and his character impacted his superiors and peers. Eventually, they affirmed him in becoming an overseer/bishop in the church.

Patrick Returns

Three decades after his initial abduction, Patrick sensed God stirring his heart. The Holy Spirit was directing him to go back to the pagan land of Ireland to evangelize the people mired in deception and darkness... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

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