Have you ever denied something that, deep down, you know to be true? Have you ever turned from a situation or circumstance in order to avoid the uncomfortable process of dealing with it? Or maybe you have had the experience of keeping a stiff upper lip and pretending that something is not ... well, what it is.

The term we use for this, of course, is denial. We all practice it to some extent or other. Some of us deny the fact that we're a few pounds overweight. Others of us deny the fact that the cars we drive contribute to the growing danger of global warming. Still others deny brokenness and wounds that occur in our most important relationships, leaving the untended hurts to fester and grow worse.

Most of us deny some things, it's true, but have you ever known anyone who has lived their…