Dogwoods Of Life

"Dogwoods bring me hope..."

I see the hope of new life springing forth. The barren hills and trees, once dreary brown, are budding with new life.

Dogwoods seem to remind me of the promise of eternal life. After the barrenness of winter, they are the first trees to burst forth in an array of white. It’s breathtaking how beautiful these trees are, clothed in their raiment of pearly flowers.

It’s been a difficult winter season. I lost two beloved cousins to disease and death. One suffered nearly five years with the unexpected diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease that robbed him of a long life on this earth. JC’s loved ones gathered around to bid their farewells. Another cousin, Mary, saw the return of her breast cancer that quickly ravaged her body. She died before I could return to Memphis to see her again. And then my dear friends lost their beloved daughter, Rachelle, to cancer after a long and arduous struggle with lymphatic cancer.

"My cousin Mary Simoneau, on the right, went home to Heaven on January 29, 2025..."

"My cousin, JC Collins and his beautiful family. Rest in peace: February 17, 2025..."

Death and disease robbed my loved ones of life. But like the passing of winter, I know they are more fully alive than ever before. As believers in Christ and His resurrection, they have sprung into abundant life. They have passed from death to life.

Spring is a sign from heaven that there is the promise of new life. And after the barren winter of suffering and loss, we have the promise of eternal life as evidenced by spring!

My loved ones are clothed in their eternal bodies now. They have passed from death to life. And like the signs of spring, I hold onto that hope.

Dogwoods remind me that one day too, I will be clothed in garments white as snow!

What about you? As you look to the dogwood trees and new life budding forth may your heart be encouraged.

Beloved:

I am the resurrection and life. I know your hearts grieve the loss of loved ones. But in just a little while you will see them again. I redeemed death with My very life. Look at nature as a sign of My promise to you.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’” (John 11: 25)

“Who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name for the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” (Rev. 3:5)