Growing up in Atlanta, spring always brought with it an amazing and plentiful display of flowers and greenery. I have many memories of time spent outside, simply admiring the seemingly endless variety of flowers the newly warm weather would bring.
My very favorite flowering tree has always been the dogwood. It’s flowers always held a special meaning for me, based upon this story. I don’t remember actually hearing the story told, I just remember knowing it.
If you haven’t heard it yet, Easter is the perfect time. What a perfect reminder of God’s indescribable gift 🙂
The Story Of The Dogwood Tree
As a child I heard this tale,
Long ago during the days that Jesus
was here on earth in the form of man
there were many dogwood tree’s.
The dogwood was comparable in
size to the oak tree and other
monarchs of the forest. Because of it’s
firmness and strength it was
selected as the timber for the cross,
but to be put to such a cruel use
greatly distressed the tree.
Sensing this, the crucified Jesus in his gentle
pity for the sorrow and suffering of
all said to it: “Because of your
sorrow and pity for My sufferings,
never again will the dogwood tree
grow large enough to be used as a cross.
Henceforth it will be slender, bent and twisted
and it’s blossoms will be in the form of a cross
two long and two short petals.
In the center of the outer edge of
each petal there will be nail prints
brown with rust and stained with red
and in the center of the flower
will be a crown of thorns, and all who see
this will remember.”
~ Author Unknown
I grew up with a dogwood tree, and loved it! I read your blog often and have followed your family’s plight, and it is very inspiring. Have a very Happy Easter, and I hope Jude will be with you soon!
Thank you so much for posting this story, I had never heard it & Dogwood is now MY favorite!
Thanks,
Amanda
My all time, all time… favorite tree. Love the story, love the photos, wish I had an entire yard filled with them.
Stefanie,
I love this story! Thank you so much for sharing. What an appropriate time to share this story!
I wanted to tell you (if you didn’t already know) that yesterday Oprah did a show on Autism. I would have taped it and offered to mail it to you but I don’t have a VCR. I know if you haven’t seen it you can probably order a copy on Oprah’s web site.
From what I’ve seen of Isabelle she does so many things that autistic children just don’t do.
I know that through your love & God watching over her, she is going to continue to thrive.
Have a wonderful Easter!
Danielle
Wow, what a great story! I never heard this & now it is a FAVORITE!!
Thanks for sharing this!
Wishing a JOYOUS EASTER to you & your family!!
HUGS,
Patricia/NYC
We have a Dogwood tree, but here in MI we aren’t quite in bloom yet. Can’t wait though!
Beautiful….
That was so special. I have always loved the dogwood too.
Hey – can you e-mail me. I will be in Macon next week!
Loved the pics- indeed beautiful! THanks for posting the story as well! Very beautiful!