Christian Poetry Collection Confronts Addiction, Shame and the Work of Healing with God

John Giertz draws from his personal struggle with pornography and sexual addiction to explore repentance, grace and learning to trust Christ through recovery

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Author John Giertz draws from his own experience with pornography and sexual addiction in "The Slow, Uncomfortable Space Where God Asks Us to Stay: Poems on Pornography, Repentance, and the Long Work of Healing." The Christian poetry collection combines Scripture, reflection questions, writing prompts and prayers as Giertz examines shame, relapse, repentance and the emotional toll of addiction. Throughout the book, he encourages men to confront their struggles honestly and seek a deeper relationship with Christ.

Rather than offering a simple path to recovery, Giertz focuses on the difficult and often uneven work of change. The collection explores what it means to acknowledge the consequences of addiction, move through setbacks and learn to rely less on willpower and more on faith, surrender and trust in God. His goal is to encourage more honest conversations among men who may otherwise feel isolated by shame or secrecy.

"I have struggled with sexual addiction for most of my life and honestly, this is not a subject I want to share. But that is exactly what needs to be done," Giertz writes. "If you are struggling with pornography, then I hope these poems can speak to some of what you are experiencing."

"The Slow, Uncomfortable Space Where God Asks Us to Stay" is written primarily for men struggling with pornography, sexual addiction or compulsive sexual behavior. It may also resonate with Christian men seeking spiritual growth, as well as pastors, mentors and men's ministry leaders who support others through recovery. The poems and guided reflections are designed to help readers examine difficult emotions, move beyond secrecy and approach recovery with greater honesty and faith.

"These poems are for men tired of hiding and exhausted from carrying this struggle alone," Giertz writes. "They are for the man willing to bring his whole self before God and begin again."

"The Slow, Uncomfortable Space Where God Asks Us to Stay: Poems on Pornography, Repentance, and the Long Work of Healing"
By John Giertz
ISBN: 9798385080045 (softcover); 9798385080052 (electronic)
Available on WestBow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble 

About the author
John Giertz is a retired communication professor, poet, and Christian writer. His poetry is inspired by the Holy Spirit and grounded in faith, prayer, Scripture, and personal experience. He serves on the media team at his local church, participates in Influencers men's groups, and has written and recorded inspirational messages for a local Christian radio station. His background includes years of involvement in recovery communities, along with experience in both Christian and non-Christian counseling.

To learn more, please visit https://www.johngiertzwrites.com.

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SOURCE WestBow Press