The Silent Seduction of Self-Talk: Conforming Deadly Thought Patterns to the Word of God

by Shelly Beach

We speak to ourselves at a rate of 1,300 words per minute, making constant assessments and judgments often filtered through sinful and selfish agendas. Women acknowledge that they are particularly vulnerable to this temptation and dangers of self-talk as they compare and judge themselves against others.

The Silent Seduction of Self-Talk provides a readable narrative and practical tools that help readers surface the inner conflicts that churn below the waterline of their awareness. These dialogues can make them blind to the Scriptural truth that the vision they hold of themselves and the reality of their walk in Christ are often polar opposites. Shelley explores real-life examples and includes tools to assist in the spiritual disciplines of self-assessment, repentance, commitment, and transformation.

Genres: Christian

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Kaylea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beach's book was a bit hard to read - not because of the writing style, but because of the subject matter.

Mixing personal experiences with Biblical insight, Beach explores the lies that swirl in many minds through self talk.One chapter specifically delves into the five lies that Satan uses in the negative self-talk: Gagging God, Opposing God, Outwitting God, Equaling God and Yielding to My Dreams.

While the book wasn't the easiest to read, it will make you stop and think about the words which swirl through your mind - and if those words will affirm your life, or in fact, pile you underneath a tremendous weight of lies and deceit.

The book, hopefully, will help you re-examine and renew the words that swirl through your head, so that you can transform your negative self-talk into a positive, life-affirming talk that can come, only through the love of Jesus Christ.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Enneagram 5 who primarily lives in her head, I need all the help I can get to overcome negative self-talk. Having heard the author speak at a writer's conference was all the more compelling reason to give Beach's work a read. It did not disappoint. I especially appreciate the author's honesty in revealing her own negative thoughts and personality traits. And the difficult steps she has had to take to change her internal dialogue. Beach gets to the heart of the matter--our hearts and our instinctive desire to be in control and then lays out biblical guidance for letting the Spirit direct our thoughts and actions. Each chapter ends with probing questions for self-reflection and action steps. True confession--I glanced at these on this first read, but now facing another 30 days of isolation due to the pandemic, I'll be rereading and working through these exercises, because nothing promotes negative self-talk like limited interaction with others. I hope to come out of this experience having better conversations with myself and God.

[Caitlyn Matson · Rating 5 out of 5]

pretty neat for sure! book notes :

* in order to crucify I must first be a student of scripture

* my life changed when i realized that my self-talk determines the quality of my love for God

* satans goal is to deflect our eyes from God and onto ourselves

[Angelica Cuany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this could have been an article instead of a book, but a good theological conversation. Very limited real-world application.

[Delores Liesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the most profoundly effective life-changing personal journeys I’ve read to date. Simple truths of God’s word combined with personal revelation that anyone can relate to makes each chapter a gate to mental and emotional freedom through an increasing intimacy with God.

In addition to personal discovery the evidences of self-talk reveal motive and action of Biblical Characters from Genesis to Revelation and cannot help but enhance one’s understanding of God’s Word and how to avoid the subtlety of the enemy’s attempts to destroy our faith from within.

The end of each chapter has suggested scriptures for prayer and questions for meditation and personal application, and a closing prayer. The back of the book has 10 sections of assessment tools, evaluations, outlines, guides and summaries. It is an excellent resource to accompany the chapter readings, for use in self-study or lay-counseling to assist in moving head-knowledge to heart knowledge and then to godly action.

I will be sharing this book with our pastor and with family and friends. It will find a place on my counseling shelf with books by others who have had a deep walk with God and a willingness to share their own pain for the benefit of others – Chambers, Bunyan, Piper, Lewis et al.

Highly recommended for personal use, counseling, and speakers or writers who wish to understand characters of history or current times. Every thinking person should read this book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I am seeking to do a little "work" in the area of self-talk, this book was a great help to me. It includes many self-evaluation exercises so that you can see where you may need to make changes in you life. There are also Bible verses targeting specific areas -- to help you in your efforts.

[Janice Venable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone struggling with a discouraging thought life.