This week Celtic Lent is going to be looking at some stories, accounts and writings that relate to ourLent journey. Stories have alway been key to Christian community. Gathering and sharing and remembering can be inspirational as we attempt to navigate our lives around the stuff we encounter.

So …. which stories, characters or creative wrings have inspired you? Here’s a few that have stayed with me over the years, some have been historical characters, some people I’ve met, and some I’ve read in novels, heard in songs or seen in films. All of them have encouraged me and been enlightening as I was searching for some light at the end of tunnel.

Saint Brendon. His story inspires me as he stepped into the unknown. With some mates he jumped into a boat to take the gospel to other lands which he wasn’t even sure existed. On top of this the common understanding at the time was that the earth was flat, so Brendon was literally willing to sail off of the end of the earth in obedience to God!

For similar reasons, Abraham inspires me. He was asked to move by God. He did so even though he had no idea where he was going.

Ken and Connie cousins were two amazing saints that looked after me, loved me, and took me to St Mary’s church in Weymouth. They became aware that my home life was not great and so they lovingly took me under their wing. They sponsored me at my confirmation and stayed in touch until they died. I remember them both as totally devoted to Christ and this showed in the love they had for others around them. They inspired so many and their greatest delight was always to see others start their journey with God.

I remember I was struggling with a mass problem and this clip from Patch Adams floored me and had me streaming tears in the cinema. This short clip really has changed how I approach life and I totally believe that God spoke to me through this scene.

That’s a few of my key stories …. would some of you like to share yours?