The Crucifixion Tree

This tree stands in the middle of a cemetary, not far from the high school where I spent those tumultuous years of my life.  Years later, after his own life had been torn apart by addiction, my dad found solice and communion with God in this quiet and holy place.

Through the years of his solitude in Danville, he took pictures of this tree.  On the reverse of each picture he would write and those words I share with you now:

“Crucifixion Tree – I’ll be down there this week – river in the distance – GW to the right.  This is Holy Ground.”

“Galatians 2:20.  A sacred place where I ’die daily’ to the human and surrender to the Spiritual: ‘In my hands no price I bring, simply to the cross I cling.’”

As my brother and I entered his home mere hours after his death, this picture, onto which he had fashioned a cross with white tape, was displayed prominently upon his kitchen table.  And on the reverse are the words that speak volumes of this weonderful man of God – this prayer warrior – who is my Dad:

“I hang on this tree and quote Galatians 2:20 before I start walking and praying.”

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“and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  -Galatians 2:20