Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

“I never wanted this story told because I never wanted this to be my story.” - Lysa TerKeurstRegardless of whether we’re in a pandemic or not, the holidays bring families together - and with these gatherings, painful memories oftentimes surface and difficult conversations happen - or are avoided… At the center of these conflicts are the need for forgiveness and healing. Come to think of it, it’s not just during the holidays - issues related to forgiveness are everywhere. If this resonates with you - stay with us as Michael welcomes back popular author and President of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa TerKeurst. Lysa’s personal life has been on display the past few years - and her journey of forgiveness has been one that has inspired many to pursue wholeness and reconciliation.On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael and Lysa discuss her latest book, Forgiving What You Can't Forget. The subtitle of the book really provides the essence of their conversation, “Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That’s Beautiful Again.” As you will discover, Lysa has spent over 1000 hours studying the biblical foundation for forgiveness and wants nothing more than for you and her readers to walk in freedom and healing. It’s our prayer that you discover what forgiveness is, what it isn’t, and that forgiveness is not about forgetting. It’s about listening to the way you now share your story. And the way you share the story of what happened will determine where you are in the healing process.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What are the barriers to forgiveness?Reconciliation does not always hold hands with forgiveness.Grieving is dreaming in reverse.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“In order for me to understand the journey of the slave, I had to be on the ship.”  - Dr. Barbara PeacockMichael’s guest on today’s podcast is Dr. Barbara Peacock. An experienced preacher, teacher and minister of discipleship and prayer, Dr. Peacock trains in spiritual direction and soul care for ministry leaders and has a God-given call and desire to serve as spiritual coach for individuals and groups.Her latest book is titled Soul Care in African American Practice. It’s a fascinating look at prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care and how the transatlantic journey for the slaves was the entry point or beginning of spiritual direction and soul care from an African American perspective. As she and Michael wrap up the second half of their conversation, they will discuss the impact of Frederick Douglas, Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King, and Dr. Renita Weems. Be sure to listen the whole way through the interview as Barbara leads us in the practice of Lectio Divina.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:In Christ, nobody is better than anybody.Singing brings healing. Singing touches the soul. Singing is meaningful.Spiritual disciplines don’t have a color.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“I went on a journey of seeking an entry point for the beginning of African American soul care.” - Dr. Barbara PeacockMichael’s guest on today’s podcast is Dr. Barbara Peacock, an experienced preacher, teacher and minister of discipleship and prayer. Dr. Peacock trains in spiritual direction and soul care for ministry leaders and has a God-given call and desire to serve as spiritual coach for individuals and groups.Her latest book with Intervarsity Press is titled Soul Care in African American Practice. It’s a fascinating look at prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care and how the transatlantic journey for the slaves was the entry point or beginning of spiritual direction and soul care from an African American perspective. Dr. Peacock also uses examples of ten significant men and women—like Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Howard Thurman and others—to give leadership examples of how important soul care was to their own lives. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Soul care is a parallel to spiritual direction.Freedom is birthed out of suffering.The definition of spirituality with tenacity.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“What does it look like to follow Jesus faithfully when you’re depressed?” - Diana GruverJames Chapter 1 verses 2 through 4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” These words have comforted countless who have endured hard times, stress, suffering, and even grief. And for many who suffer through debilitating depression, these trials James speaks of can last months or even years. Relief is elusive. Comfort is unattainable. Finding joy may even be a pipedream.Michael’s guest on today’s podcast is Diana Gruver. She is the author of an upcoming book from Intervarsity Press called “Companions in the Darkness: Seven Saints Who Struggled with Depression and Doubt.” She looks back into church history and finds depression in the lives of some of our most beloved saints, including Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King Jr. Drawing on her own experience with depression, Diana offers a wealth of practical wisdom both for those in the darkness and those who care for them.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What you should say or not say to someone who is depressed.How suffering can be a blessing.The essence of the Gospel.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“The brain seems to be designed for something. And then theology says, “This is what you’re supposed to do with it.” - Dr. Jim WilderOur guest on today’s podcast is Dr. Jim Wilder. For decades, he has been delving into biblical scripture, spiritual formation, and brain science. These studies led to development of a unique model of spiritual and psychological maturation.Dr. Wilder has been training leaders and counselors for over 27 and is the author of many books with a strong focus on maturing and relationship skills for leaders. His co-authored book Living From the Heart Jesus Gave You has sold over 100,000 copies in eleven languages.A renowned neuro theologian, Jim and Michael spend a fascinating hour discussing the connection and integration of science, neurology, psychology and God.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:What is a neuro theologian?The distinction between left and right brainWhat is wholeness and why does it take so long?Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Salvation is liberation.” - Rev. Dr. Dennis EdwardsOur guest on today’s podcast is Reverend Doctor Dennis Edwards. His name might sound familiar to you as he was a recent guest of Michael’s on an episode titled, “Turning the Tables on Injustice.” Today, he and Michael will be discussing his most recent book, “Might from the Margins”.To summarize the conversation, here is the concluding paragraph of what Dennis wrote in a recent Christianity Today article of the same title. He says, “When a simple slogan such as “Black Lives Matter” is denied, scrutinized, and even vilified by vocal white Christians, it becomes increasingly necessary to assert that God loves marginalized people and that we must grow in love of ourselves. Love is power. It emboldens us, motivates us, and sustains us to fight against injustice. Jesus embodies love and power and stands in solidarity with the marginalized. In him we find might from the margins.” Michael and Dr. Edwards’ discussion is a timely and thoughtful conversation that is sure to point listeners toward deeper introspection and empathy.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Your ego would like you to think you’re more in control than you actually are.” - Ian Morgan CronIan Morgan Cron is Michael’s special guest for this episode of Restoring the Soul. Of our 149 episodes, Ian has joined us more times than any other guest.He is a master teacher of the Enneagram, a powerful tool for understanding why we behave the way we do, and how our personalities are powerfully influenced by our motivations. Ian is also an accomplished author who, according to Father Richard Rohr, “has the gift of making his human journey a parable for all of our journeys”. Among other titles, Ian has authored the bestselling book, The Road Back to You, which introduced the Enneagram to its broadest audience yet. He is also an Episcopal priest, a trained psychotherapist, and the host of the very popular Typology podcast.On this episode of Restoring the Soul, Ian will be making a very special announcement - we’re thrilled to welcome him back to the podcast and trust that you’ll lean in and pay close attention to their conversation.Click here if you would like to know more about Ian. Visit this site if you would like to learn your Enneagram type.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Why people have responded so favorably to the EnneagramLearn the definition of an Enneagram Wing & SubtypeYour deadly sin is the source of your suffering. It is the lie of your type.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“If women have the same value and worth as men in the eyes of Jesus, then they need to have the same value and worth as men in our culture.” - Ruth EverhartRev. Ruth Everhart is Michael’s guest for this episode of Restoring the Soul.She is an author, speaker, and Presbyterian pastor. Her writing explores the hidden ways religious belief shapes how we think about life, especially the lives of women. She is the author of three books: THE #MeToo RECKONING: Facing the Church's Complicity in Sexual Abuse and Misconduct, the memoir RUINED (which was awarded "Book of the Year 2017" from Christianity Today Women), and CHASING THE DIVINE IN THE HOLY LAND. She has also written articles for many publications such as The Christian Century, Sojourners, and The Washington Post. You can find these articles, or contact her, at rutheverhart.com. On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael and Ruth will discuss her most recent book, The #MeToo Reckoning. The #MeToo movement has revealed sexual abuse and assault in every sphere of society, including the church. But victims are routinely ignored by fellow Christians who deny their accounts and fail to bring accountability to the perpetrators. Ruth Everhart is a survivor of sexual abuse and discloses stories of how she and others have experienced assault in church settings, highlighting the damage done to individuals, families, and communities. She also offers hope to survivors as she declares that God is present with the violated and stands in solidarity with victims.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Lament is a way to pour out fury before God.Connection between Purity and Rape Cultures.What does it mean to “do justice”.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“How will we engage our body which cyclically bleeds most of our life and can build and birth a human soul?” - Dr. Christy BaumanDr. Christy Bauman is Michael’s guest for this episode of Restoring the Soul.She is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist who is committed to helping women come into their true voice. She offers meaning-making and storywork consulting. She is the author and producer of three works: Theology of the Womb, A Brave Lament, and Documentary: A Brave Lament. She is also a psychotherapist, supervisor, adjunct professor who focuses on the female body, sexuality and theology. On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael and Dr. Bauman will discuss her most recent book, Theology of the Womb. This is a book about the theology found in the cycle of the womb, which births both life and death. Every day each one of us is invited to create, and every day we make a decision knowing that from our creation can come death or life. Women’s voices have been silenced for a long time as society and the church has quieted their bodies. Will we courageously choose to listen to the sound of your voice, the song of your womb, and speak for the world to hear?In this podcast, we hope you will discover:When it comes to sexuality, if evil has such a heyday, then God has to have a bigger story.The rhythm of Holy Week and how it mirrors the cycle of a woman.There’s something innately in the mother heart that knows how to birth and knows how to bury.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Sometimes to get your life back, you have to face the death of what you thought your life would look like.” - Lysa TerKeurstLysa TerKeurst is Michael’s guest for this episode of Restoring the Soul.She is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the New York Times best-selling author of Uninvited, The Best Yes, Unglued, Made to Crave, and 16 other books.As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa and her team have led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey through daily online devotionals, radio programs, online Bible studies, speaker/writing training, and more.Lysa was recently awarded the Champions of Faith Author Award and has been published in multiple publications such as Focus on the Family and CNN online. Additionally, she has appeared on the Today Show as one of the leading voices in the Christian community.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Faith is what holds you together when everything else falls apart.God doesn’t want to be explained away. He wants to be invited in.Forgiveness is a decision and a process.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!