Kim Wilbanks

I am happy to report on this fine St. Patrick’s Day, I am nearly one-third Irish!  I recently got my results from one of those DNA test sites that are so popular right now and I was excited to learn that the largest chunk of my DNA is Irish. 

My husband and I visited Ireland a few years ago and I fell in love.  The Irish countryside is unbelievably beautiful and truly as green as they say.  The people were jovial, friendly.  And the music, oh, the music.  It was so much fun to peek into a neighborhood pub and see a multi-generational group making music together.   A couple of times, we were even treated to an Irish jig.  (Here are a few pictures from that memorable trip but keep reading until the end).

St. Stephens Green Park, Dublin

How now brown cow?

Ring of Kerry

When in Ireland

Torc Waterfall

Adare, Ireland

Adare, Ireland

Near Killarney

Ring of Kerry

Sneem, Co. Kerry

Beautiful flowers

Killarney Jam Session

Ross Castle

Sheep on Cliffs of Moher

Lady’s View

My Ancestry

I wasn’t completely surprised to learn of my Irish ancestry.  I have seen family genealogies, particularly on my father’s side, that record ancestors from the Emerald Isle.  I hoped to  have more DNA from Great Britain as I am fairly obsessed with all things British, but the United Kingdom came in third.  What surprised me the most was to find the second largest chunk of my DNA is from Scandinavia.  Maybe that’s the source of my blue eyes. 

So my ancestry is Irish, Scandinavian, British and Western European with a dash of Iberian peninsula.

My parents were so enthralled with this that they soon followed suit.   They even purchased DNA kits for everyone in the family for Christmas.  The results are trickling in and it is very interesting to see everyone’s DNA breakdown.

My True Heritage

Genealogies are interesting.  It is fun to see where your ancestors are from, what your DNA shows.  But I have another part of my heritage, my genetic make-up so to speak, that is even more important.  I don’t have the DNA or bloodline of Jesus in me but, as a believer, I am covered by the blood of Christ.  The blood that he shed to pay for my sins covers me (figuratively) and allows me to be with Him forever. 

¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:16-17

How about you?  Do you know your ancestry, from which countries you hail? More important, are you part of God’s family through faith in Jesus Christ?  I sure hope so, because one day there will be an amazing homecoming in heaven with every nation, tribe and tongue participating.  You don’t want to miss it!