Clark, you wrote, "If you have experienced the pain of divorce, you may be tempted to hide yourself in the darkness. For fear of judgment and ridicule you may avoid your church and Christian friends. You may be tempted to withdraw from God."  I did the same kind of hiding from church, family and Christian friends during divorce because I already KNEW some of them had the guillotine waiting for me -- the message was loud and clear.  Because of those few individuals, I was unwilling to take the risk of attack and having to defend myself with everyone else.  It felt safer to hide from everyone rather than expose my need and place myself in the position of being shot.

I struggle with the very same issues currently regarding depression and addiction.  I know the few I can trust, know those who must be avoided at all costs, but hide myself from the rest of the people in my church, family and friends because I feel I can't handle any other shrapnel.  I would rather risk of missing out on someone's support than setting myself up as a dart board.

And yet, I've learned that God still is willing to grant us His/Her discerning spirit, which includes knowing when to speak and when to stay silent.  And God still sends individuals who love us no matter what -- assistant Shepherds sent to seek the lost sheep.  Like you, I've delayed some of the support God sent me because I wasn't ready to receive it.  Like you, I have a few obnoxiously persistant friends who won't give up on me and follow God's leadership and heart into the wilderness as long and often as it takes to reach me.

Thank you for your post.  I'm thankful for both of us that God has sent us people who care enough not to give up.  And I'm grateful we now know how crucial it is to extend that to other people.