Sunburnt Souls: A Christian mental health podcast features an extraordinary and vital conversation with Michael about intersex identity, severe bullying, and his unexpected journey to Christian faith. Host Dave Quak sits down with Michael to share his story so the body of Christ can hear and understand this complex reality.
Intersex, Eunuch, and Finding Identity Michael clarifies his biological reality as a person who falls under the intersex umbrella (referred to as a "eunuch from the mother's womb" in Scripture), having both male and female anatomy and not producing secondary sex hormones. He explicitly addresses his non-alignment with the current pride community and his desire for the Church to change him into the image of Christ.
From Relentless Trauma to Reckless Living Michael shares the horrific reality of relentless bullying and trauma he endured during his school years due to his differences, leading him to drop out and eventually adopt self-destructive behaviors—including drugs, drinks, and recklessness—to numb his pain and cope with his mental anguish. He details his struggle with feeling like he "just didn't want to live" rather than actively being suicidal.
The First True Conversation with God The conversation shifts to Michael's powerful turning point: an honest, petulant argument with God where he demanded his life be ended. This led him to an unexpected journey through the Bible, Catholic churches, and eventually to the contemporary church where he finally felt called to enter. This is a powerful testimony of finding God's leading in the midst of the mess.
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