The Dogwood's Humble Strength

Drive anywhere around Roanoke right now and you will find the valley bursting with dogwood trees. Gorgeously dusting the area with their white or pink petals, these trees usually pop out in full bloom in late April. And this weekend, the town I reside in honors these trees with its 59th Annual Vinton Dogwood Festival - - a fun family event including craft booths, dancing shows, a carnival, parade, and my favorite - - funnel cakes. Thank you dogwood trees for providing us with another reason to eat those fabulous sweet treats!

The dogwoods have always been my most treasured spring tree. Delicate and fragile in appearance, they don't tower over other blooming trees like the pear, cherry, redbud, or tulip trees. The shape of the dogwood is intricate due to its branch structure. Many have multiple trunks and dozens of complex branches that allow them to grow in various directions. They do not dominate in stature. But their character and gracefulness is flawlessly unique and beautifully creative.

Dogwood trees also actually house some of the strongest wood. Dense and "highly prized for making loom shuttles, tool handles, roller skates, and other small items that require a very hard and strong wood," * the dogwood trees are not only beautiful, but also strong and useful.

Upon examining a white dogwood petal, it may symbolically be compared to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ - - with four points and rust stained edges - - it is a natural painting of the Lord's wounds on the cross. There is no better story of humility than that of the Lord who although fully God and One who could have waved His hand and destroyed His enemies, humbled Himself, suffered, and died for us. Jesus did not stand on a mountaintop and scream his worth to the world, forcing everyone to repent and follow His way or the highway. Nor did He proclaim His perfection. He humbly and perfectly lived it. Jesus completely broke Himself and prayed, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."

In all honesty, I don't think I would've taken what He took. When I am being attacked or am in an uncomfortable situation, my humanity wants to fight back, defend myself, even claim my own worthiness and then speak of the other person's unworthiness. Christ did not do those things, so neither should we. It is better not to participate and if necessary, to remove ourselves from the situation so as to not sin further or say something we will regret and never be able to take back. That is the stronger choice.

Overall, the dogwood tree is the beautiful representation of humility, delicate beauty, usefulness, and surprising strength. It is a picture of Christ-likeness. It's towering cousins may seem superior in appearance, similar to how people who pridefully puff themselves up may seem to have it all and think they are walking the better path. Personally, I prefer the dogwood tree over others, just like I am more comfortable interacting with and learning from people of humble and delicate character. I would also like to be that kind of person.

* Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornus_(genus)