Episode 70: Micah Syswerda, "The New Guy" Made New in Christ

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Thrust into adulthood as he moved across town to a new school, Micah became the new guy. He didn’t let on how uncomfortable he was, and how strong the need was to reinvent himself in his new situation. And he was totally unprepared for the onslaught of temptation that would come his way through social media. He went from Awana and pancake breakfasts to Instagram and pornography. He explains how he was then drawn into same sex attraction.

“I think right around the start of high school it became very clear in my mind, ‘Wow, this is who we are.’ And it was a very silent thing. And it wasn't like this big coming out party to myself; but I would say the words like, ‘Yeah. Be honest with yourself; be your true self.’ That's kind of everything that was being projected to me.”

But feelings of isolation and confusion only festered when he went to Liberty University, until the night Micah planned to take his life. That’s when the Holy Spirit prompted a friend to barge in; Micah’s rescue started that day.

“It all made sense. The same God who sent his son to die for our sins so that we could have everlasting life, that unconditional love, he did that despite knowing everything I was walking through-- pornography, online relationships with guys, and everything that entailed. God unconditionally loved me and he made that known.”

Micah rededicated his life to Jesus and repented. Being honest with himself, his maker, and talking to trusted friends, Micah found healing from his sexual sin and he now leads a blog called Path Toward Holiness, which gives Christians the tools to have tough and important conversations.

The Sendoff features a rap from TC Boyd the Artist, curated in honor of Micah’s story.
Micah's blog, Path Toward Holiness
Micah on Instagram

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Chapters

1. Episode 70: Micah Syswerda, "The New Guy" Made New in Christ (00:00:00)

2. A New School and the Start of Decline (00:01:35)

3. Middle School Identity Crisis (00:05:14)

4. High School Confusion and Social Media Influence (00:10:49)

5. Secret Life and Double Identity (00:22:46)

6. Struggling with Identity and Depression (00:24:55)

7. A Dark Phase of Suicidal Ideation (00:26:05)

8. A Friend's Intervention (00:26:51)

9. Finding Unconditional Love (00:27:49)

10. The Path to Recovery (00:30:47)

11. Sharing the Journey (00:32:47)

12. Understanding Unconditional Love (00:40:52)

13. Last Question (00:42:15)

14. Sendoff, "Clouds" by TC Boyd the Artist (00:44:37)