Permission to Speak Freely by Anne Jackson

Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace

My first impression of Anne Jackson’s book Permission to Speak Freely is that it was small and unassuming. Little did I know that inside it is anything but. Simply put, this is part of Anne Jackson’s story, mainly the bits that she has been unable to share as freely in the church. It is a common story, one that many of us will be able to relate to on one level or another. Interwoven into Jackson’s story is that of hundreds of people who contributed small parts of their lives through emails, note cards, and photos.

It is beautiful and beautifully done. The book is easy to read and full of the art that makes up our lives. I was able to share part of the book with a small group that I meet with and it helped us with our own personal time of confession. Permission to Speak Freely is an invitation to do just that, speak freely, with yourself as well as the church. There are many barriers that will need to be met and overcome in order for any one of us to be free with in community. This book encourages us to meet those head on and to let go of the shame that causes us to hide from ourselves.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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