I don’t know about you, but Good Friday affected me even when I was wandering in the wilderness. I couldn’t keep from thinking about what Christ did for me. Thankfully, after thirty years (at least it didn’t take me 40 years), I returned to the fold. The story of the Prodigal is very near and dear to my heart.
The photo was taken the night my mother passed into Jesus’s arms. We walked out of the hospice facility and the three crosses are what we saw–God’s way of easing our pain.
The legend of the Dogwood:
The legend holds that the tree was once very large, like a Great Oak tree, and because its wood was strong and sturdy, it provided building material for a variety of purposes. According to the story, it was the dogwood tree that provided the wood used to build the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Because of its role in the crucifixion, it is said that God both cursed and blessed the tree. It was cursed to forever be small, so that it would never grow large enough again for its wood to be used as a cross for a crucifixion. It’s branches would be narrow and crooked–not good for building at all.
At the same time, however, the tree was blessed so that it would produce beautiful flowers each spring, just in time for Easter. To remember God’s promise to the tree it is said he gave it a few traits so that whoever looks upon it will never forget.
The petals of the dogwood actually form the shape of a cross. Upon close examination, it can be seen that the blooms of the tree always have four petals.
The middle of the Dogwood flower has a tight grouping of resembling a “crown of thorns.”
And the tips of each of the petals are indented, as if they bear a nail dent.
There are even colors in the petals that bring to mind the drops of blood that spilled during the crucifixion.
Another verse I like is from 1 Thessalonians 4:13. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.”
Good Friday…And then there was Sunday!
to be continued…
Comments 28
Wishing you a blessed and beautiful Easter!
Author
Thank you, Terri. Blessings to you this Easter!
Good job and beautiful photos. Love the one of three crosses that comforted you then and the dogwood and legend now–I had not heard that story before. Have a blessed and meaningful Easter.
Author
Thanks, Delores. I love the legend of the dogwood! Happy Easter!
Good Friday is painful to think about, but necessary.
Author
Yes, Priscilla…but Sunday is coming! Thanks for stopping by!
https://www.dtodayarchive.org/images/file/Crucifixion_Medical.pdf
Author
Oh, my, Gail. Very hard to read and know that He did that for all you will call on His name!
That photo and verse carry a lot of meaning. Thank you for sharing that, and also for sharing the dogwood legend.
Only God could bear the punishment we deserve, and Jesus did it for us. His mercy keeps us from the punishment we deserve. His grace gives us the forgiveness we don’t deserve. Only a loving God would do this. We give thanks for Good Friday, and rejoice and give thanks for Easter.
Author
Amen, Tim!
Many blessings this Resurrection Sunday.
Author
Blessings to you, too, Lisa!
Thank you for this beautiful and touching Good Friday post. I had not heard the Legend of the dogwood either, but will remember and share it especially with my grandchildren. Like you said…and then there was Sunday. A Happy Easter blessing to all.
Author
Happy Easter, Debra!
Powerful post, Pat. It truly blessed my heart. I can’t help but be amazed at the many ways God continues to bless and take care of his children. The three crosses he provided to comfort you…oh my, what a precious confirmation of his loving presence.
The Legend of the Dogwood was a blessing to read and a great reminder of the price Jesus paid for us. Thank you for sharing these things today. My heart is a bit overcome by emotion right now. Again, thank you for the post.
Happy and blessed Easter
Author
Good Friday has always been an emotional day for me. Hope you have a blessed and Happy Easter, Barbara.
It is beyond my comprehension that He would die for me, but He did. Amazing grace.
Author
I’ve thought about what He did for me so many times, not really able to comprehend it, Kay. Amazing Grace, indeed.
Pat, this is such a lovely blog today. Thank you! I have heard the story about the dogwood blossom but not the tree. Happy Easter to you and all!
Author
Thanks, Gloria! I love the legend of the dogwood. 🙂 Happy Easter!
Thanks for sharing the photo and verse. They are so meaningful. I’ve often been guilty of getting up on Good Friday and failing to give much thought to what took place that day. This morning was different. I have been thinking about it off and on as I go about my daily tasks.
Have a wonderful Easter, Pat!
Author
I know, Edward. It’s so easy to slip into our routine and forget. But like you, I’ve thought about it off and on all day. Maybe because it’s also Passover in Israel.
I enjoyed your blog, thank you so very much. May you and your family have a Very Happy and Blessed Easter.
Author
Thank you, Alicia. And I hope you have a lovely and blessed Easter!
Wishing you a wonderful Easter!
Author
Thank you, Diana! Hope you have a wonderful Easter, too.
Have a blessed Resurrection Day.
Author
Thank you, Lucy. Wishing you a blessed Easter, too!