"Elliot's Cross"....

The night Elliot was diagnosed with cancer she went outside in her backyard and looked up at the Heavens. She said it was clear night and the stars were plentiful. She told us God spoke to her so plainly that September evening by saying, "Elliot, I made these stars and I love them -  but I love you so much more". 

"Lift your eyes and look to the Heavens : Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing".  Isaiah 40:26 

From that point on throughout her fight, she was constantly looking UP.  She was physically and spiritually looking UP.  Elliot began noticing "crosses" in the sky not too long after her diagnosis. The "cloud crosses" that she began noticing were actually being created by airplanes leaving their vapor trail in the sky and intersecting with other vapor trails. Most of the time, the "cross" would disappear quickly since it was just a vapor.  These "crosses" became her symbol and other people began noticing them too. It was a constant reminder to think about Christ, and to pray for Elliot.  Even now, I have heard several people say that their children have looked in the sky and have mentioned, "Mrs. Elliot's" cross. Elijah Brooks is very quick to point out any "cross" that he sees in the sky. Last week, I was taking the kids on a walk. It was a beautiful day, hardly a cloud in the sky.  I use that time to pray typically - I have prayed about Elliot more times than imaginable while walking around my neighborhood. We turned down our street and Elijah Brooks says, "Look, there's Aunt Elliot's cross".  I look up, and there is a rather large "cloud cross" right over our house in the distance. It always gives me comfort to see these now because in some way, it makes me feel like she's not too far away. I tried to drink in the sight and etch it in my mind because I didn't have my camera with me on my walk.  I figured it would be disappearing quickly, so we looked intently at it, prayed, and kept walking. By the time we arrived back home, we noticed that it was still there, right over our house - it had not vanished in seconds like these typically do.  It remained in it's shape at least 10 minutes while we walked home.  I ran inside and grabbed my camera thinking I could take a quick picture since it was still  there - I was able to take several thankfully.  We parked the bike and stroller and went to the backyard to play - we played outside for at least another 30 minutes - the "cloud cross" never disappeared. This particular one held it's shape for well over an hour, right over our house. It was amazing - it was so comforting.  I do believe that was a blessing that morning straight from the Lord to my aching heart.

Make yourselves stop during the busyness of life and do what Elliot did, and look UP.  You will be amazed at what you see - you will see Christ, high and lifted up, watching over your life - and you may even see a "cloud cross" or two.  

"I lift mine eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 
He will not let your foot slip - He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 
The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 
The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore".  Psalm 121