Friday Five: Companions on the Way

Dante had Virgil as a guide. Before he had younger siblings, my oldest child had an imaginary friend named Patrick. Betsy had Tacy. Laura Ingalls depended on her brindle bulldog, Jack. All of them were companions on the way.As we take the beginning steps of our journey through Lent, who would we take as a companion? Name five people, real or imaginary, you might like to have with you as guide or guardian or simply good friend.

First, my constant companion, The Husband, who when I said "I think I have to be a minister" replied by saying "I have been called by God to go where ever you go." He's traveled across country with me three times! and been there through college and seminary and in my first call to encourage and support me in every possible way. Is it any wonder I sometimes call him Ruth?

Revgals, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. I really don't know how I got along before I found you all. Thanks to Dona Quixote for naming these as the cloud of witnesses.

My support group of first call pastors and mentors who are always available for venting and advice.

The Preachers Kid who was my academic advisor in college and is still always there to take my phone calls, have lunch and generally keep me balanced - humbles me when I need it and lifts me up when I need that.

Liz Curtis Higgs, author of Bad Girls of the Bible and Really Bad Girls of the Bible, whose writing continues to encourage and inspire, especially when I am feeling unworthy.