The author of From the Pit to the Gate , Linda Reid Aslin, was born in a small rural community in West Tennessee in 1944. The influence of family, extended family, church, school, and community played a vital role in her life. In fact, each of these molded her life by encouraging her to be the best she could be regardless of any task that presented itself. She met her husband, Gary, when they were freshmen at Union University. They became best friends and were married six years later. With the exception of one, their ministry was totally bivocational, characterized by many miles of travel. The author has had several occupations. She taught English, business, and music; was a university administrative assistant; and was also a real estate agent. Affectionately, she states that her most important and enjoyable task calls her Mama and Nannie.