Who are your walking companions?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12 :1
God has gifted us a rich history of past and present “witnesses” to our faith that accompanies us if we only seek their wisdom and listen to their stories.
I love the image of one or two fellow pilgrims emerging from the cheering crowd along my path and coming along side of me for a spell. A road to Emmaus moment. Sharing our story with and in the presence of Christ – learning and growing deeper.
When I was in formation to be a spiritual director, we were asked to walk with a spiritual person for two years –soaking in the story of their lives, immersing in their writings and gleaning lessons for our own journey. Dorothy Day still walks with me today as a friend, a companion and a witness.
Henri Nouwen has come along side of us since then and added to the depth of our conversations and conversions.
In 2020 two new friends stepped out. I participated in an online course about the Interior Castle and Teresa of Avila and have been blessed with new insights, a refreshed spirit, and challenged by her words and love of God. My prayer is that she continues to teach me into the future.
My surprise new walking partner who just emerged is Howard Thurman. I recently joined the Renovare Book club and we are reading his book Jesus and the Disinherited. Other than knowing a few great quotes by Thurman, I really didn’t know his story. We watched a PBS video about his life and knew this new companion would be with me for a while. My affirmation appeared in this video when I saw parallels between his life and my great Aunt Anna – both living ahead of their times, both pacifists and both taking a stand even when their position was not accepted, safe or popular. My prayer is I stay open and listen to his challenging words and wisdom.
I believe God sends us many lights to lead our way if we only ask, pay attention and be open to surprises along the way. Companions can appear from history or even present day, still living ones. I am thankful God continues to shape my heart and spirit in many ways.
Who are you walking with? Who are your companions?
You speak of the importance of choosing our companions wisely, Jean. I never cease to be amazed at how God brings the right people into our lives at exactly the right time. Friends, mentors, bloggers, writers, saints from the past.
Thank you, Lord.
yes yes so true. God sends just the right people at the right time. I get impatient but the All Knowing knows best!
Jean…thank you..i love that perspective…this year ive walked with cardinal sarah and his book on silence…and gary zimak..his conforting words on fear…anxiety ..worry…and of course you and your comforting blog…
Yes often it is their words that help shape us, isn’t it?
This year I have started most days with Dr. Charles Stanley.
Since the Coronavirus began I have been ver fortunate to become friends with a woman my age from church and we have had some wonderful time in fellowship with You Tube services. It has brought us a great friendship that may not have grown without the virus.
What a wonderful person to walk with , Denise. and what a blessing to have someone local too.
What a fascinating concept, Jean! I love the image of walking awhile with heroes/heroines of the faith who touch our spirits. For a number of years I walked with Oswald Chambers, reading from My Utmost for His Highest most every day. Sarah Young has also walked beside me morning after morning, through her book Jesus Calling. And from time to time, Charles Spurgeon, A. W. Tozer, and C. S. Lewis join me. I admire your perseverance to become acquainted with the person as well as the full gamut of his or her writings. Perhaps in 2021 I could embark on such a journey!
I love that image too – walking with them. Like in the Emmaus story. You, them and Jesus. Oswald Chambers is a great one to walk with and so is Sarah Young. I wonder about her story. Maybe we should read more about her. I know her writing but not her.
One of my constant companions is C. S. Lewis; I subscribe via Bible Gateway to his thought for the day. Always an inspiration!
Blessings, Jean!
Lewis is thoughtful and wonderful companion. And one that will draw us deeper too.