Sunday, July 08, 2007

The Legend of the Dogwood

My hubby and I are clearing 18 acres of land upon which we will build my store and our new home over the next year. The property has never been developed so it is beautifully wooded, offering almost every variety of tree you can imagine. In the mix of trees, we were thrilled to find lots of Dogwoods scattered throughout the property. That's always been one of my favorite trees and the blooms were a beautiful sight this spring.

While doing a little gardening research on the web, I came across a story that intrigued me. Mind you, this is just Christian lore, but the beautiful sentiment touched my heart as I hope it does yours.



The Legend of the Dogwood

At the time of Jesus Christ's Crucifixion the Dogwood was the size of the Oak and other forest trees. So firm and strong was the tree that it was chosen as the timber for the cross. To be used thus for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, and in his suffering said to it, "Because of your regret and pity for My suffering, never again shall the Dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross." Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross...two long and two short petals. And 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 it will remember.

13 comments:

Rosemary said...

I never heard that story before.
Thanks for sharing.
Rosemary

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story. I've not heard this before. Thank you for sharing.

Lucinda

Retroboutiques said...

Loved that story, thank you!
Arlene

Anonymous said...

Yes, I know the story...I cry when I think about what our Jesus went through on the cross. Thanks for sharing your sweet story...

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

Laurie, that is a wonderful story. I also love the scripture you have on here about the light, and the picture of the hands trying to hold the light in. You have a great blog I love it. Nita

LivingTheLife said...

I love that story...thanks for sharing it...have you heard the very similar story about the sand dollar?...this story reminded me of it...if I find it...I'll forward it....sorry...I guess that is kind of cruel to bring it up and not have anything to share...such a tease!

Enjoying your endless energy and looking/drooling at your blog...your new place sounds like a slice of heaven on earth!

Blessings...
"T"

LivingTheLife

ShabbyInTheCity said...

Oh! So glad I came today. Come see my mom's dogwood and click for a gorgeous view :)

Anonymous said...

I've never heard of this story before but it is truly a beautiful one. More imoportantly is what Jesus did for us - he died in our place so that we may have eternal life!

Miss Rhea said...

That is lovely, never heard that before. Thanks for sharing !! You have a lovely Blog ! Blessings,
Rhea

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Just checking in to say hello; hope all is well with you!

Margo said...

Time to update your blog girl. It was good to see you in Canton, I'll pop by again next month.
Margo

Toni said...

So, are you really 'clearing' it or just removing a little to build your store? You should leave as much natural there in place as possible so it looks like a little gem hidden in the woods!

Anonymous said...

Hey! I love that story! I'm doing a research paper on it! Good luck with your store! You should leave some dogwoods around it!

Inspired in Christ,
MMM