Divine Inspitation

St Columba Church, Kilmacolm, built 1903 was designed by William Leiper. It is a beautiful building neo-gothic in style and the tower houses a bell by Taylor of Loughborough one of the most renowned bell makers in the country. It is a truly imposing building and can be seen from every point of our little village.

I spent many of my formative years going dutifully every Sunday to services here, Sunday School and singing in the junior choir. Those who know me know that God and I had a parting of the ways may moons ago, did he forsake me... the answer is no but I found that the mortals who did his bidding were more interested in securing my money than in saving my soul, that is a very simplistic view of a more deep rooted questioning of faith which to me was always more than attendance at a Sunday service and my offering to the collection plate.

I have never been one of those hypocritical Christians, who in times of crisis turns to God or the church as a crutch in hope and expectation of an answer, sadly the answer we seek is not always there! My friend's dad died last year and; he was my friend too and sporting partner for many years. I was humbled to be asked to write and deliver a eulogy for my friend and for the first time in what seemed half a lifetime I was actively involved in a service in this building. Taking my place at the lectern I took a moment to reflect on the beauty of this house of worship and to survey the faces of the expectant faithful. The somber atmosphere shattered by my voice, the sole voice in the silence as it reverberated around the building... this is merely an aside to my thought for today if you will pardon the pun.

Every so often someone you love needs that love, to know you are there for them no matter what, I am fiercely loyal to my few close friends, when they need me I am there for them, today has been a blue day for that self same reason... I send my love, my positive energy and my support and for them and no matter what, no matter when no matter how I will be there for them

Really Best Viewed Large!!!