(This is a repost/reworking of a blog from October 2017. I believe the topic is more relavant today than in years past. We live in a world of uniquely intense and emotional events. We are living in surreal times.)

We all do it. We all have the ongoing inner narrative which continually voices to the audience of one- you. Okay, some will not readily share the ongoing narrative which rolls continually on the inside of them, they have filters. Filters can be good at times. For now, let’s just admit the fact that we all experience self-talk.

Are you aware of the continual thread of self-talk which is in you? Do you realize the power of your self-talk to not only interpret, but mold your reality? I did not realize how important it was until recently. Oh, I have known about positive thinking and read books in the past about the power of being positive. But, does that really matter? Apparently it does.

In an article by the Mayo Clinic under the heading of Stress Management; “Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress”- “Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you’re optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affect your health.”

Before the Negative Naysayers get in an uproar, the article continues, “Positive thinking doesn’t mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore life’s less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.”

This is why I was prompted to share this article on this blog. Those still in the clutches of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) and those who have recently exited need the understanding of the power of controlling the narrative of self-talk which is in them.

I believe the practices of WOFF take away control of the self-talk of its members by using guilt, shame, public rebuke, segregation, threats of sickness and disease and eternal damnation to stymy and neuter the individual’s use their self-talk in positive ways. The benefits of self-talk listed in this article do not exist when you allow others to take control of your inner voice.

John, how could someone give up control of something inside of them? I know it is hard to fathom, but do you know what influences your inner dialogue? Have you ever considered what is driving your self-talk? Are you prone to be positive or negative- why? How has your upbringing and environment fashioned your disposition?

From the resource article:

“Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information.”

How many misconceptions from a lack of information influence the self-talk in you? Inside WOFF, information about the group and the outside world is filtered for the regular members. They have no unfettered access to newspapers, television, Internet, radio and other news sources.

I have doubts many of them read any of the Associated Press articles (2017) about WOFF in full and without a “guard.” Free access to information is a price paid for membership in WOFF. So, consequently the inner narrative of members is based on incomplete information. This affects the decisions they made every day.

The warnings of “one thought taking you over and driving you out of the will of God,” (away from the control of WOFF), cause members to distrust, discount and “hate” the continual river of thoughts and self-talk which may cause them to “go to hell” if they listen to it. The fears of losing what is counted as valuable inside of WOFF causes the internal struggle to tell yourself you deserved the rebuke, you deserved the discipline, after all look how wicked you are.

Many WOFF members stay because they have lost confidence in their inner voice.My experience while in WOFF was to discount and distrust the doubts raised by inner reflection.

For those who have grown up inside WOFF, they may have never believed they had a right to control the voice on the inside of them. Breaking free means taking charge of your inner voice and believing you have the right to choose.

Health benefits listed in our resource article:

“Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:
• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
It’s unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body.”

Who doesn’t want to live healthier? Who wants to stay negative all the time? Do we truly realize the importance of knowing how to control the self-talk which is in us?

When self-talk says “I can’t leave WOFF.” The answer should be – why not? Others leave and overcome the struggles of finding their way. There are resources and people willing to help you gain control of your inner narrative and find life outside the place which robs you of your freedoms- even to talk to yourself.

I have purposed to be more positive in life’s situations. When I am trying to turn out into traffic and the wait seems unbearable, I tell myself there is not a pile of other folks who NEVER were able to turn left out of this parking lot. Eventually, everyone has turned out of here, just wait a little longer.

Earlier this week (2017) I had a flat tire. This could have been a downer. But, in reality, it might have been worse. I ran over something on the Interstate and soon the indicator light came on to check the tire pressure. I took my exit and drove to the gas station up to the air pump. As I got out of my car, I looked at the right rear tire. It was low, then right before my eyes; it lost the rest of the air and went entirely flat! Yes, I ended up buying new tires, but it could have been much worse. The tire could have lost all pressure while I was driving 70 miles per hour.

Many things in life are a matter of perspective. Positive self-talk can help live a more enjoyable life and keep you going on top rather than submerged in the sea of negative. Will you use self-talk to live healthier and longer? Can positive self-talk boost your level of confidence and freedom to experience life to the fullest? I believe so, do you?

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Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

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Scripture references are Amplified Version unless otherwise noted.

(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation ) This is post number 680.