Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pages: 256 pages
Published: January 2020

Earlier this year, I participated in another Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study centered on my fellow Texan's book, Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen. I am active in this Proverbs 31 Ministry and you can visit any of the previous study books I've reviewed by conducting a simple search for "Proverbs 31" on my website. As someone who can be overly analytical and held captive by my anxious thoughts, I was very interested in the premise of this book. Allen posits that a person has an average of 9,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day and those can often be negative. She opens her book explaining that "the greatest spiritual battle for our generation is being fought between our ears." Her book is a form of spiritual self-help on how to take those negative thoughts captive so that one doesn't suffer from paralysis by analysis. 

Her writing style is contemporary and light. She shares a lot of examples, including personal experiences. Because I studies with the Proverbs 31 Ministry, I had access to her teaching videos. While these videos supplemented the book, I found them quite challenging because of Allen's voice (sorry!). But I did very much appreciate the nuggets of wisdom she shared throughout the book. Some of my favorite quotes are listed below. 

"...yet we have allowed our minds to have outright meltdowns with zero corrections (page 38)."

"Tell me what you're thinking ... and I'll tell you who you are (page 43)." 

"We are made to experience life and peace as we begin to think less about oursevles and more about our Creator and about others (page 56)." 

"In the stillness and quiet, not only do we connect with God but we are also able to more clearly identify what is wrong. Recognizing our spirals and naming them is the first step in interrupting them (page 70)." 

"Father, help me see things not as they seem to me but as they truly are (page 81)."

"Loneliness can make us thing that everything is a threat, even if there is no real threat to be found (page 92)."

"When you're looking for intimate friendships, you've got to start with emotionally intelligent friends (page 99)." 

"But our tool for defeating 'what if' is, found in two words: 'Because God (page 109).'" 

The Bible tells us that we are not to conform to the ways of the world but rather be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Or more simply put: Quit your stinkin' thinkin'! This is a perpetual battle which requires the constant equipping and preparing of one's mind, and my personal belief is that I can overcome the negative thoughts through the reading of God's Word and improving my personal relationship with Him. 

Recommendation: I think some books resonate with some people more than others. This book definitely resonated with me. Allen's down-to-earth approach backed by scientific facts and Scripture offered a well-rounded thesis on a very important and prevalent issue that many people face daily. This is a relatively short read, and I would definitely recommend giving it a shot. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.