Monday, July 23, 2007

Mamaw's Dogwood Tree

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree

1Peter 2:24


The trees are God's great alphabet:

With them He writes in shining green

Across the world His thoughts serene.~Leonora Speyer


As legend has it, the cross on which Jesus was crucified was made from a dogwood tree.When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew to a very large size. Its branches were strong, and for Christ's cross, its timber was chosen.
Being distressed at the use of this wood, Christ made a promise that never again shall the Dogwood tree be large, but would have slender and twisted limbs, with cross-shaped blossoms. Thus, the dogwood tree is small. It could never be used for a cross again. The petals would have four bloodstains marked in each flower, representing the nails that were driven in His hands and feet, the petals also make the shape of a cross and in the center of the blossom would be a crown of thorns with bright red, clustered fruit representing the blood of Christ. The lovely tree and blooms bear symbolic signs of how the greatest love of all mankind was slain. This, to be a reminder that all who looks at the tree will remember Christ and the pain He endured.


It still grows and blooms every year very near to the time when Christ was crucified and rose from the dead. He grew the tree so that we might go free. And was crucified on the tree he created.


My mamaw Cantrell loved this story of the dogwood tree. And my mamaw Gargus had a dogwood tree. Together in heaven they will see the dogwood tree that is forever. Planted by God himself. Sharing it with each other, and sitting under it. Watching and talking about the welfare of their searching grandson.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

15 comments:

Enemy of the Republic said...

What a beautiful post, Lance! Lately, I've been talking with my son about trees--that they have a heart, they connect to the earth which is our gift from God, and as we abuse the gift, the earth will react. My son is such the scientist that he was giving me all this data about carbon and oxygen, and I said: I'm not talking about science. I'm talking about the spirit. It's not about the greenhouse effect; it's about what we do to God." I gave my husband a book (see if you can find it) called The Meaning of Trees, as he is a carpenter--I think you know that.I don't know how to work with wood, but he does and he can tell you about any type of wood. I don't think it is coincidence that Jesus was a carpenter instead of a farmer or a merchant. Something about wood spoke to him and it is also meant to speak to us.

Doug said...

What a great entry. Thanks for the post.

Anonymous said...

I have heard this story of the dogwood and what a lovely thought of your Mammaw and Jesus sitting in heaven under one and talking of you... Loved it!

Unknown said...

Most certainly another wonderful post, my dear Lance!!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful story, never heard that before -

Given55 said...

God bless you sir.

Renae said...

Excellent post, once again, Lance!

Anonymous said...

Hi Lance!
Thanks to share with us this great story. And thanks to care!
How have you been my friend?
Blessings!
Sónia

Rudy said...

As always ... you writing style always make me feel more and more comfort.

Nice post Lance.. keep it up...

regards

Qhoen

Dorko said...

Love the stories that reaffirm faith and that all things can, will, and do, eventually
...testify of Him.
Another favorite is the legend of the sand dollar.

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful. I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing.

Love and Blessings,
AngelBaby

sobeit said...

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http://sobeit89.squarespace.com

Anonymous said...

I had never before heard the analogy that 'trees are God's alphabet.' What a timeless image! These living creatures remind us of the universal themes of continuity, changing with the seasons and pure beauty.

IJ Hanna Lucky said...

You are blessed!!! great post

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

"The most important of life's battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul."

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