Chaplains Corner: The Streets of San Francisco Published April 10, 2009 By Navy Chaplain (Lt.) Steve Mills TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- When I was a 19 year old E-2 (back in the days before e-mail, cell phones and texting -- yes kids, there really was such a time) I traveled home on leave. I flew into Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and had to take a shuttle to the bus station in downtown San Francisco. Realize, I'm 19 and not as "filled out" as I am now. I was a bit scared. Knot in my stomach, tightness in my chest. You know the feeling. Apparently the guy in line behind me noticed I was somewhat fearful and said in a very deep voice, "I'm going to the bus station also, would you like some company?' I turned around and there stood a mountain of a man. He was a Sailor and said his name was Jock. I said I would love some company. The shuttle bus dropped us off several blocks from the bus station. We had to walk through some not-so-nice places of town. As we traversed the path, several looks came my way from some very frightening people. But as soon as they looked at me, they saw Jock. I was not afraid at all. In fact, I was quite confident. When we arrived at the bus terminal, Jock walked me to the door of the bus and thanked me for letting him travel with me. Uh, right. It really was the other way around. I thanked him for walking with me. When we walk through the scary times in our life, the Lord has promised to walk alongside of us. Psalms 23 is a powerful poem describing this. When walking through the darkest valleys, the psalmist wrote that he would fear no evil; the Lord's rod and staff comforted him. The Lord prepared a feast in the presence of the enemies. The enemies were rendered powerless. All they could do was look on. What is your darkness? Grief, depression, PTSD, self-esteem? Name one. When I was walking with Jock through the scary streets of downtown San Francisco, I did not fear anyone or anything. My "enemies" took one look at my companion and were rendered powerless. Dear friend, when your adversary comes to you, take heart. Your God is walking right beside you and will protect you.