The fall created a distortion and an agonizing disruption of intimacy. Each of us longs to break through the limitations of our existence into a blissful, unending intimacy with others. Unable to accept life as it is, we create an illusion of predictable security. Unable to face the pain of intimate companionship in an imperfect world, individuals seek short cuts and invent their own intimacy. Sexual fantasy is an expecially convenient short cut. - True Intimacy, in contrast, consists of disappointment, pain, and suffering. We have two choices: either trust God's character and accept the pain of living in a fallen world, or escape suffering by creating a fail-safe system of intoxicating control.

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