Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Legend of the Dogwood

I took these photos of our two dogwood trees out back. The white one is full grown and the pink on was planted right after we moved here. We certainly enjoy them every Spring.
Tuesday was a rainy day and you can see the water collected in the flower centers. I love the veining and color variation on this pink blossom. How beautiful!
This blossom from the white one is actually still green since it is so brand new. Click each picture for a really close view at one of God's natural beauties!
Legend of the Dogwood (no Biblical basis, but a nice poem to share)
At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross. To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said. "Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals. "In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember."
Although there is no Biblical basis, when I see a dogwood blossom I think of the sacrifice Jesus made for my life. :) Thanks for stopping by. Hope this made you smile today.

2 comments:

Connie said...

Natalie, thanks for sharing this wonderful information about the dogwood. I never knew it and will certainly look closer at them now.

Valerie said...

What a beautiful story, I have never heard anything like that about the dogwood tree.. Thanks for sharing Natalie!! Also, I just finished watching the movie August Rush, and wow... You have got to see that!! Take care!