How to Talk Taboo: A Christian Guide to Honest Confession and Brave Confrontation

by Mike Novotny, Time of Grace Ministry

Do you live in Kindoftrueville?

It’s that place where you share enough of yourself to get by but hold back the one “taboo” sin that fills you with shame. Or where you love that friend just like Jesus does but casually ignore the addictions, habits, or choices eating them alive.

A lot of Christians these days live there—trapped by fear and shame. You may even feel stuck there. But the truth is, you don’t have to stay there.

This book by Pastor Mike Novotny shows you how to face your fears, get to the other side of awkward, and bravely step into the freedom honesty brings. You’ll learn that honesty leads to grace. It’s the secret sauce for true Christian community. And it’s how you experience the fullness of God’s love.

So if you’re tired of posing, exhausted by sin management, and ready to love others enough to have tough and taboo conversations with them, then it’s time to choose honesty . . . and break free!

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2025

About the author

Pastor Mike Novotny pours his Jesus-based joy into his ministry as a pastor at The CORE (Appleton, Wisconsin) and as the lead speaker for Time of Grace, a global media ministry that connects people to God through television, print, and digital resources. Unafraid to bring grace and truth to the toughest topics of our time, he has written numerous books, including 3 Words That Will Change Your Life, What’s Big Starts Small, Gay & God, How to Heal, and Sexpectations.

Mike lives with his wife, Kim, and their two daughters, Brooklyn and Maya; runs long distances; and plays soccer with other middle-aged men whose best days are long behind them. To find all of Pastor Mike's books, go to timeofgrace.store.

Reviews

[Ryan Henning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mike's writing and speaking style. It made for an easy read, while confronting me with challenging thoughts. I want to read it again and again - and I want the people around me to read it too! I'm thinking about getting multiple copies to read with leadership and staff at my church. Thank you, Mike, for bringing up the things that God wants us to be talking about.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a book that needs to be read more than once. So much to absorb and to put into practice.
Biblically based, practical advice to apply to our lives.
Excellent for personal study, as well as small group discussions.