The Thistle Self

I'm standing before a bowl of artichokes.  I have no idea what to do with them.

Forget it!  This is too much work.  

I remember that an artichoke, as a kind of thistle, repels everything in nature.  No one comes near a thistle; it's too dangerous and painful.

But there's a great, soft heart in there, and I will find it.

I will continue to draw near to what seems so unapproachable in myself and others.  Every time I try, God shows me an authentic self, a great heart, and a beautiful soul. 

I will also let my thistle-self be found. 
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Do you have stories of unapproachable people that became dear friends?  Were you an unapproachable person that someone chose to love?