leader is a shepherd of sheep , and Scripture is clear that sheep are to be fed , protected , and healed . Diane Langberg , a psychologist specializing in treating trauma survivors , writes in her book , Suffering and the Heart of God , “ It is always the responsibility of the shepherd or the one with the power to maintain the integrity of the relationship — the boss , the counselor , the pastor .” Both Annie and Tricia had a strong motivation to hide Annie ’ s wrongs , of which Tricia had only an inkling at this point : that Annie , despite being married , despite having spiritual authority , not only acted on her attraction to people she had authority over but did so in coercive , harmful ways . And many people would be damaged if Tricia shared the secret .
Certainly , Annie ’ s behavior would be exposed , and she would have to deal with the fallout . While Jesus teaches us that we have no right to throw stones , sexual sin — particularly when it involves a power differential — cannot be taken lightly . We cannot ignore it , and we must never hide it .
Certainly , Annie ’ s husband would feel the pain , with his wife ’ s secret life exposed .
Certainly , Annie ’ s children would feel the pain , with their family undergoing scrutiny . And possibly , the most far-reaching damage might be to the faith of those who had followed someone they thought they could trust .
When Annie asked Tricia to keep her secrets , she isolated her from her husband , family , and close friends , shifting the responsibility of any fallout to her and trapping her in silence . We must never forget that not all abuse is physical . In many cases , deeply harmful abuse may be verbal , spiritual , or emotional . Because the effects of that kind of abuse are seemingly less severe , however , the victim can doubt
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