A Tribute To Cathy Elliott

Disclaimer: Obviously I am not an actual angel. However, I feel like God speaks to my heart and I would love to share it with you. Please enjoy.

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Thank you. Janice Austin Bates 

Since I love to write, back in about 2012 I joined a Christian writers club called Quills of Faith. It is a group of wonderful Christians who enjoy writing as much, or more, than I do. Among this group of people we have all levels of writers. They go from those who are attempting to write their first piece, to authors who have many published books, and even ghost writers for famous people. Whatever level they are at, they are always interesting and inspiring.

Before I joined Quills of Faith I attended a different writers group. At one meeting we had a special speaker named Cathy Elliott. I didn’t know her, but she came across to me as probably being a world renowned writer, and I was in awe. About a year later I walked into my first Quills meeting and was so excited to see Cathy sitting there. She was one of the leaders of this group and I knew it was where I belonged.

I believe most people have a few friends in their life who make up an elite group you think of as the nicest, kindest people you have ever known. For me, Cathy is a shining star. I have never heard her say an unkind word to or about anyone. Every time I have ever seen her she has been so encouraging, and giving me so many compliments. All of those kind things she has said to me does not speak to who I am, but to who Cathy is. Heaven knows I have many flaws, but she never seems to see them.

Sadly, on February 1^st Cathy passed away. We found out that around 2:00am a fire started in the wall of her house. She apparently died from smoke inhalation without ever waking, so her passing was gentle. She went to sleep in her bed and woke up when Jesus took her by the hand and lead her home to heaven.

You might have noticed that I do not speak of Cathy in the past tense. That is because I know the only part of Cathy that died that morning was the human body she lived in. The best part of her lives on. She is now enjoying the rewards of the wonderful Christian life she lived here on earth.

Many singers or musical groups have put out an album they call “The Best Of”. The part of Cathy that lives on is “The Best Of Cathy”.

Cathy wrote articles for magazines, short stories that were published in daily devotionals, and in books that are collections of encouraging  true events. She also wrote a story for a group of books about Amish people. She loved learning about their lifestyle.

What seems to be her signature style is cozy mysteries. In case you don’t know what cozy mysteries are, they are gentle murder mysteries such as you would have seen on the TV series, Murder She Wrote. Cathy is extremely talented.

Missing Cathy right now are her friends and family, including her beloved children and grandchildren who she always calls her “grandgems”. I love that.

I am looking forward to the day I will see her again. For right now, in my mind’s eye I picture Cathy in heaven, sitting at a beautiful, ornate antique desk. Because she is an antique lover, her fingers are furiously pounding on the keys of an old manual typewriter.

She is writing her newest novel. It is not a murder mystery, but a travel mystery about what she is experiencing in her travels throughout  heaven. It is her finest work yet, and among other adventures, she will continue writing this masterpiece forever.

When you pass away where will you be spending eternity? That is something that can only be determined here on earth. Cathy loves the Lord with all her heart. She is always thrilled whenever she can influence someone to serve the Lord. Remember, like Cathy, you too will live on forever somewhere.

Jesus died for your sins, but to spend eternity with Him you must give your heart to him and invite Him in as your savior. You cannot get to heaven by good works, or earning your salvation. It is a gift from God you can accept or reject. The choice is yours, and it is a lifelong commitment. Are you willing to follow Him forever? It will be worth it. Whatever you decide here on earth, it will be for all eternity.

If you died in your sleep tonight, where would you wake up?

Think about it.