The Dogwood Tree

Hard to believe just a few short weeks ago a freak storm system blanketed our backyard in white fluffy snow:



Now, the tree branches are covered in white again.



Only this time, the white is of the springtime variety:





There's nothing quite as beautiful as when the dogwoods bloom in Georgia. They bloom around Easter each year, which always makes me think of the following story. It's a great visual reminder of all we celebrate this time of year.

The Legend 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 trees.

The dogwood was comparable in

size to the oak tree and other

monarchs of the forest. Because of its

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 its 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