Dogwoods

I took this picture of one of the dogwood trees lining my parents driveway. How beautiful these magnificent and delicate trees are. One of my favorite spring stories is that of the dogwood. How much we have to be thankful for. Give praise to the Lord for His greatness whenever you see this majestic tree and hear this moving story.

The Story of the Dogwood

It is said that at the time of the crucifixion of Christ, the Dogwood was a very large tree, big as an oak.The Dogwood was so even-textured,firm and strong that it was chosen as the timber for the cross. Thus to be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree. Jesus sensed this. He--who noted even the sparrow's fall--whose last compassion was for a repentant thief--similarly forgave the repentant Dogwood Tree for its unfortunate fate. As he was nailed upon it, he sensed the painful remorse of the tree. In gentle pity for all the sorrow and suffering of every living thing, he said to the tree,"Because of your share of my suffering, never again shall the Dogwood Tree grow large enough and strong enough to be put to such a purpose as this."

He said, "Henceforth,the Dogwood shall be slender and bent and twisted,that it might forever remain unmolested by the tools of cruel men. And the blossoms shall be in the form of a cross. Two long petals and two short. And in the center of each petal there will be nail prints, Crown with rust and stained with red. And in the center of the flower will be a crown--of thorns. And all who pass and see the Dogwood tree. Will remember me."

Author Unknown