Last week I reached out to a distant relative in Estonia.  I had never met Mihkel before, but apparently we share DNA. 

Thankfully, he is fluent in English because my Estonian is a little rusty.  By rusty, I mean non-existent. 

I have been looking for information on my Great Grandfather who left Estonia in 1917 and Mihkel has been helpful in translating some copies of documents I have.

One of the most intriguing parts of the conversation was when he told me about jus sanguinis, which translated is “the right of blood”.  Because my great-grandfather was an Estonian citizen, I am considered an Estonian citizen, and that can’t be taken away. 

I guess all I have to do is ask.  Even though technically I have something I didn’t know I had, and it’s something that according to Estonian law I can’t lose, it’s not mine unless I take steps to claim it. Which is kind of cool.

Christianity also has jus sanguinis, the right of blood, but that privilege doesn’t come from our blood, but from the blood of Christ. 

Our citizenship in heaven is guaranteed by the blood of Jesus, check out Ephesians 2:12-13, but just like my Estonian citizenship, it is a right that has to be claimed.


Have a great week and remember: To see what is really possible, you will have to attempt the impossible.

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