In this familiar, beloved scripture, the image is that of the shepherd guiding his sheep through many terrains and perils to reach hillside grazing and safety. The psalmist writes, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” He uses the first person, “I.” As a survivor, you have been through the valley of the shadow of death. You have encountered this place of powerful metaphor by descending to the depths to meet your wounded soul at its most vulnerable. Slowly you have made your way to the other side. At last you have made your way through grief, your personal valley of the shadow of death.