Michael John Cusick - Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle

Praise for Surfing for God

This is a dangerous and beautiful book, filled with courage, filled with hope. This book will set you free. The process Michael describes here worksIve seen it happen with many men. Thats why you should read this book. Then give it to every man you know.

JOHN ELDREDGE
Author of Wild at Heart and Beautiful Outlaw

Surfing for God is a miraculous book. A former hostage to pornography and its attendant evils, respected spiritual director Michael John Cusick shines a light on the dignity of our sexual desires, then points us to an open window through which he has led many men to freedom. Cusick explains the addicts situation clearly, placing it within its proper biblical context and summarizing the latest scientific research. He shows us that the dilemma is a spiritual one, rooted in our own disowned longings, especially our longing for God. He then delivers priceless practical direction. Any Christian concerned about the destructive effects of pornography on the contemporary church should read this book.

NATE LARKIN
Founder of the Samson Society, Author of Samson and the
Pirate Monks: Calling Men to Authentic Brotherhood

Michael Cusick has written a book where every page has at least one sentence that makes you understand this is not just everymans battle but a struggle that God has allowed so that we may really know that we cannot save ourselveswe need God. This book is rich with personal experience and professional guidance. It is a book about the wonderful mess of being sexual beings and not knowing how to live that out in the amazing way God intended. But after reading this, there is more hope, less shame, and greater freedom in imagining the dream God has for all of us.

SHARON A. HERSH, M.A., L.P.C.
Author of Begin Again, Believe Again; The Last
Addiction; and Mom, Sex Is No Big Deal!

Surfing for God is a profoundly necessary book for men. Not only does Cusick connect our sexual struggles and desires to our spirituality, he demonstrates through his own redemptive journey how to embrace the brokenness we carry, and live out of that place. This is where a true and centered life is found. Im thrilled that this book is available for those haunted by sexual struggle, and have found it deeply encouraging in my own story.

CHARLIE LOWELL
Jars of Clay

Michael gets at the heart of a critical issue in the Body of Christ, one of which we tend to see only the tip of the iceberg. I deeply appreciate many of his keen insights, observations, and practical helps. My hope is that many will be set free to fully enjoy the grace of the gospel.

DOUG NUENKE
U.S. President, The Navigators

With great clarity and skill Michael John Cusick exposes the most rampant sin pathology of our time. Then with precision, he reveals how to excise it to restore spiritual and relational health. Whether you, a friend, or a loved one is suffering this malady, you will find Surfing for God your lifesaving manual for soul surgery.

DAVID STEVENS
M.D., CEO, Christian Medical & Dental Association

Surfing for God is a breakthrough work for men that goes beyond accountability groups and explores the roots of our inordinate passions and misplaced hungers. Drawing from Scripture, brain research, contemplative spiritual practices, and years of working through his own brokenness, Michael has crafted a work of hope where death is exchanged for life, shame is exchanged for vitality and compulsion is exchanged for deep connection. This book should be a well-worn copy for men and those who work with men.

DR. ERIC SWANSON
Leadership Network, Co-author of The Externally
Focused Church and To Transform a City

All of us have addictionssome to success and approval, others to pornography and other vices. Surfing for God is a truly helpful resource for those struggling with painful and destructive addictions to pornography and sexual sin. The forthrightness of the authorone who is on his own healing journeywill be a blessing and a guide for all who struggle to take the journey from this particular bondage to the freedom that comes in embracing that which is life indeed.

RUTH HALEY BARTON
Founder, Transforming Center, Author of Invitation to
Solitude and Silence and Sacred Rhythms

The last thing we need is another book on sex that peddles platitudes or hawks simplistic solutions. Michael does neither. Tending to both the feral and the tender places in the masculine soul, the words on these pages burrow in and do a deep work.

WINN COLLIER
Author of Holy Curiosity

I am convinced this remarkable book is the answer to the prayers of people desperate for hope and freedom. Cusicks genius lies in the way he masterfully weaves his clinical expertise with the story of his own recovery to point those in the grip of an epidemic affliction toward healing and restoration.

IAN MORGAN CRON
Counselor, Author of Chasing Francis and Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me

Surfing for God is a deeply thoughtful and comprehensive resource for any man who is serious about finding freedom from sexual sin. Indispensable for church and ministry leaders!

STEVE SILER
Executive Director, Music for the Soul,
Producer of Somebodys Daughter: A Journey to Freedom from Pornography

This book is a breath of a fresh air for men who have been trying so hard to break free from the shackles of porn and yet continue to struggle. In a wonderfully authentic and life-giving way, Michael Cusick shows us that there is hope and it is found, not in trying harder, but in our embracing the truth and power of the gospel. I want every man in my church to read this book. It is that significant.

ALAN KRAFT
Senior Pastor, Christ Community Church,
Author of Good News for Those Trying Harder

Michael Cusick simply will not let men settle for petty attempts to resolve their war with sexual struggles. He challenges men to explore their hearts and discover a profound passion that can never be satisfied with the emptiness of pornography. He leads us through his personal journey and invites us to connect our deepest desires to the hope of all desireGod.

MICHAEL MISJA, PH.D.
Co-founder, North Coast Family Foundation,
Co-author of Thriving Despite a Difficult Marriage

This isnt just another book telling you not to look at porn; its an invitation to freedom and renewal. With love and grace dripping from every word, Michael leads you on a journey to discover your deepest desires and truest identity as Gods beloved child. This is far more than a simple change in behavior, this book is a doorway into a new way of living.

MICHAEL HIDALGO
Lead Pastor, Denver Community Church

Working with porn-addicted college students for over a decade, Ive learned that porn is just a symptom of broken masculinity, the cure for which is not found in trying or praying harder, finding accountability, just saying no, or setting up safeguards. But there is a Cure. Michael Cusick flat out knows men, and in Surfing for God he offers truth, demands deep reflection, gives hope, cheers you on, and invites you on a journey to recover your God-given masculinity. No gimmicks here, just truth that will set you free.

DR. RYAN T. HARTWIG
Assistant Professor of Communication, Azusa Pacific University

Michael brings hope and help in this masterful book. I encourage every man and every parent to read it.

BOB ROBERTS, JR.
Senior Pastor, NorthWood Church
Author of Real-Time Connections