Surrender to Joy: How a Course in Miracles Healed Suicidal Despair — Susan Michel

In this episode of Divine Decode, Susan Michel— author of Surrender to Joy: From Suicide to Serenity and long-time student/teacher of A Course in Miracles — shares her path from spiritual crisis and suicidal despair to steady inner peace. Susan explains how the Course reframes the problem of suffering (the ego as fear) and teaches practical steps: recognizing innate innocence, releasing blocks to love, and “plugging into the God socket” each morning. Listeners will take away a clear, practiceable approach to forgiveness, daily spiritual attunement, and moving from external seeking to internal surrender. This conversation is for anyone navigating grief, addiction, spiritual doubt, or burnout and who wants concrete spiritual tools for reclaiming joy.

About the Guest:

Susan Michel is the author of Surrender to Joy: From Suicide to Serenity, founder of Trust: Transformational Truth, and a devoted teacher and practitioner of A Course in Miracles. For over three decades she has guided people from pain to peace through forgiveness, spiritual practice, and compassion.

Key Takeaways:

• A Course in Miracles reframes suffering: the ego is fear; love is the only true reality.

• “Nothing real can be threatened; nothing unreal exists” — a daily anchor to reduce reactivity.

• Joy is not earned or chased; it’s surrendered to and remembered from within.

• Spiritual practice begins by recognizing innocence and releasing blocks (fear, judgment).

• Daily ritual: “plug into the God socket” — start the day by connecting inwardly before seeking external fixes.

• Miracles are defined practically as actions/thoughts that arise from love, not force or persuasion.

• The world’s offers (money, status, relationships, products) can’t complete inner longing; they can’t substitute spiritual connection.

• Life’s storms are catalysts for humility and deeper surrender — pain can be a door to transformation.

• Forgiveness is a central tool: identify blocks, call on the Holy Spirit/guidance, and release resentments.

• Recovery from suicidal despair is possible through consistent inner practice, community, and reframing identity as inherently loved.

• Practical outcome: shift motivation from seeking safety in externals to sharing inner fullness with others.

• Accessible for beginners: the Course offers a clear, practiceable path rather than abstract theology.

How listeners can connect with Susan  :

• Website: www.surrendertojoy.net

• Book: Surrender to Joy: From Suicide to Serenity — available on Amazon (search by Susan Michel).

• Instagram

If you’re in immediate crisis, contact local emergency services or your regional suicide prevention helpline.

Here are reliable, widely used crisis lines by region:

United States  :  

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org (24/7). SAMHSA+1
• Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741 (24/7). Crisis Text Line
• LGBTQ+ (The Trevor Project, youth) — call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 (24/7). The Trevor Project+1
• Trans Lifeline — US [phone] (hours vary; peer support). translifeline.org+1

Canada  :  

• 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline — call or text 9-8-8 (24/7). 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline+1
• Crisis Text Line (via Kids Help Phone) — text 686868 (24/7). Crisis Text Line
• Trans Lifeline — Canada [phone] (hours vary).