The dogwood tree

The legend of the dogwood says that this tree was once the size of the oak and other forest trees. It was so strong and firm that it was chosen as the timber for Christ’s cross. This greatly distressed the tree.

Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed the tree’s regret and told it: because of your sorrow for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood grow large enough to be used as a cross. It shall be slender, bent and twisted. Its blossoms shall form a cross – two long and two short petals. And at the outer edge of each petal will be nail prints, brown with rust and stained with red. In the center of the flower shall be a crown of thorns. And all who see it will remember.”

We remember the cross as necessary to reveal our sinfulness and God’s love. Indiana is known as the Crossroads of our nation joining the East, West, North, and South. In the same sense the cross is the intersection of the holy love of God and sinful man.

The cross of Christ reveals how bad we are and how good God is. Jesus’ life of perfect love gave hope, healing, and help to those in desperate need. But in return for all of God’s goodness, sinful humans stilled nailed Jesus to the cross. Why?

Why we would rather go with our way rather than with God. Though this leads to frustration, we still persist until we lost our perspective. But God never gives up on us. His persistent love paves the way for us to regain what we lost.

“Winter’s grip will eventually let go, but God’s grip of love will never let go. We welcome you in His unconditional love.”