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Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace
Permission to Speak Freely is the unique project which brings to light the original intent a sanctuary as a place of help and healing.
Told with disarming transparency, Anne shares what led to her own addictions and the ensuing lifestyle that left her wounded and withdrawn, but ultimately rescued and redeemed. She includes dramatic stories of others who also learned to abandon their fear, pride, and masks; to identify their hurts; and to find the courage to speak freely.
Their confessions, submitted as mixed media pieces, photography, and sketches, were collected from people across the world, and are included throughout the book.
Arranged in the format of essays, poetry, and artistic rendering of "confessions," this short but compelling book is written within the context of Jackson's Christian faith. She states up front that this is not a self-help book. Still, anyone who struggles with isolating secrets may find hope and consolation in her story of redemption and freedom. Her message, "You are not alone," is powerful. - Sacramento Book Review
Anne's book is a gift to anyone who reads it. She opens the door to freedom and restoration by engaging readers in story, 'user-generated' art, and biblical truth. We're reminded that confession is the key--while making it the church simply must be a safe place for this to happen. - Nick Purdy, Paste Magazine
"Anne Jackson tells the truth in such a way you can hear it. She is an objective journalist, and as such an endangered species. She's living proof that the truth, if stated clearly and objectively, can be fascinating." - Donald Miller , Author, Blue Like Jazz
"In a day where so many of us are quick with our answers, Anne is saying that the questions matter, and that perhaps we're loved by a God who can handle our questions, can handle our messes. And perhaps we're called to meet each other in these broken places. This book is an invitation to honesty and freedom, and to the possibility that we've been created to be truly loved and truly known." - Jamie Tworkowski, Founder, To Write Love on Her Arms
Told with disarming transparency, Anne shares what led to her own addictions and the ensuing lifestyle that left her wounded and withdrawn, but ultimately rescued and redeemed. She includes dramatic stories of others who also learned to abandon their fear, pride, and masks; to identify their hurts; and to find the courage to speak freely.
Their confessions, submitted as mixed media pieces, photography, and sketches, were collected from people across the world, and are included throughout the book.
Arranged in the format of essays, poetry, and artistic rendering of "confessions," this short but compelling book is written within the context of Jackson's Christian faith. She states up front that this is not a self-help book. Still, anyone who struggles with isolating secrets may find hope and consolation in her story of redemption and freedom. Her message, "You are not alone," is powerful. - Sacramento Book Review
Anne's book is a gift to anyone who reads it. She opens the door to freedom and restoration by engaging readers in story, 'user-generated' art, and biblical truth. We're reminded that confession is the key--while making it the church simply must be a safe place for this to happen. - Nick Purdy, Paste Magazine
"Anne Jackson tells the truth in such a way you can hear it. She is an objective journalist, and as such an endangered species. She's living proof that the truth, if stated clearly and objectively, can be fascinating." - Donald Miller , Author, Blue Like Jazz
"In a day where so many of us are quick with our answers, Anne is saying that the questions matter, and that perhaps we're loved by a God who can handle our questions, can handle our messes. And perhaps we're called to meet each other in these broken places. This book is an invitation to honesty and freedom, and to the possibility that we've been created to be truly loved and truly known." - Jamie Tworkowski, Founder, To Write Love on Her Arms
194 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2010
8 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Anne Jackson
25 books3 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
also publishes under the name Anne Marie Miller
also publishes under the name Anne Marie Miller
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 8, 2011
This book is beautiful and ugly. On the one side, it can be considered in the same context as those hand-crafted notes, poems, and pictures that are included in its pages. The paper, the feel of the embossed cover, and the words as they fitted together are all part of Jackson’s craft in writing. In fact, “beautiful” is a word she uses as she describes the result of confessing broken and discouraged lives.
On the other side, this book is ugly. Who would think that upstanding, Christian, young women could be addicted to pornography, willing to live behind a façade of “being good”? Who would think that a depressed and cocaine-riddled young woman could start a movement that would inspire Jackson to tell the story? In Christianity, there is an ugliness of self-righteousness that needs to be confessed and buried. There is also an ugliness of sin that needs to be confessed and for which we need to be accountable. If we are to love as we have been loved, we need to accept the ugly side of people’s lives – and, if we are honest, of our own lives.
Jackson pulls no punches. While the book is largely autobiographical, it is more an example of what lies beneath the surface of too many Christians. The book is, as she writes, the “gift of going first” in confessing something that is normally withheld by fear but, once said, opens the way for others to realize that they are not along and need not fear exposing themselves by their own confessions. The book does a service to women – as well as men – who need to know there are resources for help. We need to be comfortable in these uncomfortable situations to love the unlovely.
Reading this book will show that we are not alone in sin and we need not be alone in confession. Adopting the love of others, as instructed as a central part of Christian faith, will make us each stronger.
On the other side, this book is ugly. Who would think that upstanding, Christian, young women could be addicted to pornography, willing to live behind a façade of “being good”? Who would think that a depressed and cocaine-riddled young woman could start a movement that would inspire Jackson to tell the story? In Christianity, there is an ugliness of self-righteousness that needs to be confessed and buried. There is also an ugliness of sin that needs to be confessed and for which we need to be accountable. If we are to love as we have been loved, we need to accept the ugly side of people’s lives – and, if we are honest, of our own lives.
Jackson pulls no punches. While the book is largely autobiographical, it is more an example of what lies beneath the surface of too many Christians. The book is, as she writes, the “gift of going first” in confessing something that is normally withheld by fear but, once said, opens the way for others to realize that they are not along and need not fear exposing themselves by their own confessions. The book does a service to women – as well as men – who need to know there are resources for help. We need to be comfortable in these uncomfortable situations to love the unlovely.
Reading this book will show that we are not alone in sin and we need not be alone in confession. Adopting the love of others, as instructed as a central part of Christian faith, will make us each stronger.
September 28, 2010
Anne Jackson's book, Permission to Speak Freely, is part confessional and part permission to confess. Her book started as a question on her blog: “What is one thing you feel you can't say in church?” The question struck a nerve and went viral—a blogger bonanza.
When the responses piled up and went global, Jackson wanted to understand why. Her conclusion is somewhat obvious: We keep things to ourselves out of fear—fear of rejection, of being judged, of losing friends or reputation. You name it. We're scared to be real and, thus, vulnerable, and sometimes, we sadly have experiences to back up those fears. What is not so obvious is why Christians have a hard time either being real with other Christians or allowing other people to be real? Isn’t the whole point of our faith to acknowledge our need for grace, to accept grace from God, and to then offer it, in turn, to others? Let's face it, though. In a Facebook world, we have all become our own PR agents. We post our best and happiest moments, and our pithiest comments. We don’t post our shame and brokenness. Maybe we feel it’s bad PR for Christianity to admit our failures. That’s where we have it wrong. Our faith is exactly about how God sees us at our worst and offers us his forgiveness even in the midst of it—even before we acknowledge we need it!
Jackson is careful not to trash Christians or the church. Her intent, instead, seems twofold: First, by being brutally honest about her own darker sides, she bravely provides a model for Christians to confess their shortcomings and give God credit for being fully able to fill deal with our failures. Second, by challenging Christians to be the first to confess, she believes we offer to the world the "gift of going second." People will feel safe when you humble yourself first and confess your need of grace and forgiveness.
My only caution, as I read, is that sometimes we like to live—even wallow—in the muck of our confession. Confession itself can be sickeningly self-involved and inert. We have all fallen short in loving God or others. Only Jesus got those two things right. He loved God perfectly by loving us. And he loved us perfectly by taking the penalty for our failures, and then handing us another chance (and another and another) to get it right. What a gift! Confession should lead us to accept that gift and (the important part) move on to live in a way that reflects such inexplicable mercy. If we stop at confession and live there, we are as full of crap as when we began. We are just better at talking about it. When Jesus forgave a prostitute for a lifelong pattern of debauchery, his parting advice to her is surprisingly abrupt. It wasn’t about getting counseling, support, or new job skills. He simply said, “Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.” And with that, he announced that the time for confession was over. The time for reflecting a life of God-filled grace had begun.
Confession is the starting point for forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing. To encourage Christians to humbly admit their brokenness, and then to, likewise, listen with mercy and humility as others follow suit, is certainly in keeping with sound Christian thought. Jackson provides a poignant, even poetic, model for just that. Let’s just hope it doesn’t end there for her readers and they miss the whole point of what comes after confession.
When the responses piled up and went global, Jackson wanted to understand why. Her conclusion is somewhat obvious: We keep things to ourselves out of fear—fear of rejection, of being judged, of losing friends or reputation. You name it. We're scared to be real and, thus, vulnerable, and sometimes, we sadly have experiences to back up those fears. What is not so obvious is why Christians have a hard time either being real with other Christians or allowing other people to be real? Isn’t the whole point of our faith to acknowledge our need for grace, to accept grace from God, and to then offer it, in turn, to others? Let's face it, though. In a Facebook world, we have all become our own PR agents. We post our best and happiest moments, and our pithiest comments. We don’t post our shame and brokenness. Maybe we feel it’s bad PR for Christianity to admit our failures. That’s where we have it wrong. Our faith is exactly about how God sees us at our worst and offers us his forgiveness even in the midst of it—even before we acknowledge we need it!
Jackson is careful not to trash Christians or the church. Her intent, instead, seems twofold: First, by being brutally honest about her own darker sides, she bravely provides a model for Christians to confess their shortcomings and give God credit for being fully able to fill deal with our failures. Second, by challenging Christians to be the first to confess, she believes we offer to the world the "gift of going second." People will feel safe when you humble yourself first and confess your need of grace and forgiveness.
My only caution, as I read, is that sometimes we like to live—even wallow—in the muck of our confession. Confession itself can be sickeningly self-involved and inert. We have all fallen short in loving God or others. Only Jesus got those two things right. He loved God perfectly by loving us. And he loved us perfectly by taking the penalty for our failures, and then handing us another chance (and another and another) to get it right. What a gift! Confession should lead us to accept that gift and (the important part) move on to live in a way that reflects such inexplicable mercy. If we stop at confession and live there, we are as full of crap as when we began. We are just better at talking about it. When Jesus forgave a prostitute for a lifelong pattern of debauchery, his parting advice to her is surprisingly abrupt. It wasn’t about getting counseling, support, or new job skills. He simply said, “Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.” And with that, he announced that the time for confession was over. The time for reflecting a life of God-filled grace had begun.
Confession is the starting point for forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing. To encourage Christians to humbly admit their brokenness, and then to, likewise, listen with mercy and humility as others follow suit, is certainly in keeping with sound Christian thought. Jackson provides a poignant, even poetic, model for just that. Let’s just hope it doesn’t end there for her readers and they miss the whole point of what comes after confession.
October 24, 2011
Anne Jackson's new book is brave and beautiful. And it is what the church needs. Many churches bemoan the falling off of young adults and the challenges in staying relevant to their lives. Anne was one of those teenagers, one of those young adults who couldn't bear to be in a place that didn't welcome her as she was, with all of her brokenness. But Anne realized that we are all broken, and she uses this book to reach the brokenness in all of us - to welcome it and release it and replace it with love. And this is the picture of Jesus - inviting confession, healing the broken, and pouring out love. Through the stories and art of Anne's life and those she has met, we see a broken church. Then, in Anne's open confessions, we see that God provides the hope, help, and healing. When the church provided rejection, God provided grace. Anne writes about the church being a refuge and how it needs to return to being that space for all of us, in our brokenness and through our healing as a picture of God's love.
By giving her confession, Anne is giving all of us a beautiful gift. She is helping the church understand how it appears to those who are struggling and why young people are turning away. She is inspiring us to confess our own struggles by showing what a blessing confession can be and how it is the first step towards healing. She is providing us with a sense of community and oneness - the message that we are not alone. And she is showing us what grace looks like, providing hope to all of us that are lost.
Read this book because you want to understand young people. Read this book because you struggle. Read this book if you feel rejected or alone. Read this book if you need some hope. Read this book to experience God's grace. Read this book to learn what it means to love your neighbor in our broken world.
And then thank God for giving Anne the courage to write this book and speak to crowds with open arms using her struggles to bring all of us closer to Him. I know I did.
By giving her confession, Anne is giving all of us a beautiful gift. She is helping the church understand how it appears to those who are struggling and why young people are turning away. She is inspiring us to confess our own struggles by showing what a blessing confession can be and how it is the first step towards healing. She is providing us with a sense of community and oneness - the message that we are not alone. And she is showing us what grace looks like, providing hope to all of us that are lost.
Read this book because you want to understand young people. Read this book because you struggle. Read this book if you feel rejected or alone. Read this book if you need some hope. Read this book to experience God's grace. Read this book to learn what it means to love your neighbor in our broken world.
And then thank God for giving Anne the courage to write this book and speak to crowds with open arms using her struggles to bring all of us closer to Him. I know I did.
January 3, 2011
I almost feel like I have to apologize because I personally know the author. Not in a besties sort of way but more like in a exchange some emails, breakfast with Anne, Chris and my son, Yusef at Cracker Barrel sort of way.
However, this much is true.
I am have an intense, building up desire in my heart to preach and teach the word of God and to pastor people.
The more I grow in this desire and the more I sit under the teaching of God, Anne Jackson's writings (Mad Church Disease and Permission to Speak Freely) have been the tremendous gifts that speak to my heart and was able to stir up my emotions quite easily.
Youth minister? Angry enough to throat punch him.
Porn? Despair in my own sin.
Depression? Hoping to understand and love well.
Yet in my throat-punching anger, as a single man, I pray for God's grace and mercy for I long for a wife because I am a thousand times worse than that youth minister.
Yet in my own despair, I am so desperate for God's grace and mercy for His infinite strength in hopes I don't stumble before going to sleep that night.
Yet in my lack of compassion, I beg God for His heart and understanding. I cannot love well and I do not love well but He does and He will. Help me God.
Thank you, Anne, for this. Thank you for walking with me even when you are so far away from me.
However, this much is true.
I am have an intense, building up desire in my heart to preach and teach the word of God and to pastor people.
The more I grow in this desire and the more I sit under the teaching of God, Anne Jackson's writings (Mad Church Disease and Permission to Speak Freely) have been the tremendous gifts that speak to my heart and was able to stir up my emotions quite easily.
Youth minister? Angry enough to throat punch him.
Porn? Despair in my own sin.
Depression? Hoping to understand and love well.
Yet in my throat-punching anger, as a single man, I pray for God's grace and mercy for I long for a wife because I am a thousand times worse than that youth minister.
Yet in my own despair, I am so desperate for God's grace and mercy for His infinite strength in hopes I don't stumble before going to sleep that night.
Yet in my lack of compassion, I beg God for His heart and understanding. I cannot love well and I do not love well but He does and He will. Help me God.
Thank you, Anne, for this. Thank you for walking with me even when you are so far away from me.
June 22, 2011
this book is messy and challenging. how could it not be when it is the story of people & their lives. i love the transparency and freedom on the pages. it also made me question, think, and sometimes answer how i view Christians and the hurt + faults we carry.
September 7, 2010
Broken into three parts and containing 29 chapters,this is a very different type of book. It is artistic, creative, genuine and sometimes raw (some choice words are included.)
Having read Mad Cow Disease, I was familiar with Anne Jackson's writing style. She writes with her heart wide open and appears to struggle with the persona of the Church only to realize it is a shadow. God in real life (and His Church) are often misrepresented.
At first I was a bit disheartened by Anne Jackson church experiences. On the one hand, I understand that the Church body can never go forward until we examine ourselves to correct what needs to be corrected. On the other hand, I grow so very weary of people attacking the Church. She is what she is, Christ's bride.
Part One is a collection of the author's wayward years summed up in this quote from Chapter 8: Ghosts from Churches Past "I figured if He was who He said He was maybe He'd show me. Maybe I'd give Him another chance."
Reading on, I found what I was looking for in this book. Took a while to find it but I did find it. Chapter 16: A Conversation in Eden, page 90, I found...
"God wants to rescue us."
From that point on, I read the problems of the Church but I also read the author's realizations of God's redeeming love. Perhaps my mindset is different from Anne Jackson's. I did not grow up in Church so I cannot relate to the PK syndrome, but I do applaud her for throwing the door wide open to connect with those who've experienced disillusionment.
Photos of notes, insightful poems, and some radical questions add to the character of this book. I found this book to be therapeutic, for the writer and the reader who've experienced 'Church' all their life. There are many things we need to unlearn.
This is a beautiful book filled with life and deep questions that engages a wide audience. If not for some choice words, I would rate it as 5/5.
Disclaimer:
Review copy provided free of charge by Thomas Nelson Publishing and donated to the Celebrate Recovery Ministry of Westwood Baptist Church.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: Thomas Nelson Publishing
Having read Mad Cow Disease, I was familiar with Anne Jackson's writing style. She writes with her heart wide open and appears to struggle with the persona of the Church only to realize it is a shadow. God in real life (and His Church) are often misrepresented.
At first I was a bit disheartened by Anne Jackson church experiences. On the one hand, I understand that the Church body can never go forward until we examine ourselves to correct what needs to be corrected. On the other hand, I grow so very weary of people attacking the Church. She is what she is, Christ's bride.
Part One is a collection of the author's wayward years summed up in this quote from Chapter 8: Ghosts from Churches Past "I figured if He was who He said He was maybe He'd show me. Maybe I'd give Him another chance."
Reading on, I found what I was looking for in this book. Took a while to find it but I did find it. Chapter 16: A Conversation in Eden, page 90, I found...
"God wants to rescue us."
From that point on, I read the problems of the Church but I also read the author's realizations of God's redeeming love. Perhaps my mindset is different from Anne Jackson's. I did not grow up in Church so I cannot relate to the PK syndrome, but I do applaud her for throwing the door wide open to connect with those who've experienced disillusionment.
Photos of notes, insightful poems, and some radical questions add to the character of this book. I found this book to be therapeutic, for the writer and the reader who've experienced 'Church' all their life. There are many things we need to unlearn.
This is a beautiful book filled with life and deep questions that engages a wide audience. If not for some choice words, I would rate it as 5/5.
Disclaimer:
Review copy provided free of charge by Thomas Nelson Publishing and donated to the Celebrate Recovery Ministry of Westwood Baptist Church.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: Thomas Nelson Publishing
March 31, 2013
Permission to Speak Freely by Anne Jackson was one of the best things I have ever read. She starts off telling her personal story of how she lost trust in the church. She explained how when she was a little girl her father was a pastor, but through certain events the church kicked him out because they didn’t approve of a mission he wanted to start. Later she was abused by a youth pastor further pushing her from God. She goes on to explain her life apart from God and her problems with sexual immorality and drug abuse. She explained how she thought Christians were all stuck up and hypocritical. She felt she couldn’t go into church because everyone would judge her. Later she was able to come back to God and has been using her testimony ever since then. She started a blog site for those who were hurting to be able to talk about their problem freely with no condemnation. It’s great because if you think about it many Christians me included have at lest at one point, felt we couldn’t bring up or talk about certain topics in the church. it made me think of that one song by Casting Crowns.
“Why aren’t His arms reaching?
Why aren’t His hands healing?
Why aren’t His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren’t His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?”
It’s so true! We talk about how to bring people to Christ, yet many times we don’t help those who do need help. Christ himself said “it is not the healthy who need a doctor,but the sick.” So if we are to help the sick, why do we constantly dwell on the healthy? I would highly recommend this to anyone above the age of 12. Mainly because she does talk about some mature issues and some parents may not want their kids to read that at that age. However it is a very good read. It not only encourages us to be more open to people but also that if we are struggling with something we feel we just can’t talk about, we can always find comfort in Jesus. He wiped all our sins away long ago the day he conquered death by dying and coming back to life. So if you are stuck in that place I highly recommend this book.
“Why aren’t His arms reaching?
Why aren’t His hands healing?
Why aren’t His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren’t His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?”
It’s so true! We talk about how to bring people to Christ, yet many times we don’t help those who do need help. Christ himself said “it is not the healthy who need a doctor,but the sick.” So if we are to help the sick, why do we constantly dwell on the healthy? I would highly recommend this to anyone above the age of 12. Mainly because she does talk about some mature issues and some parents may not want their kids to read that at that age. However it is a very good read. It not only encourages us to be more open to people but also that if we are struggling with something we feel we just can’t talk about, we can always find comfort in Jesus. He wiped all our sins away long ago the day he conquered death by dying and coming back to life. So if you are stuck in that place I highly recommend this book.
January 17, 2011
Loved the theme. Loved the message. Loved Jackson's willingness to be vulnerable. Loved the artwork. Loved the "confessions" from those who responded to her blog post which asked "What's the one thing you feel like you can't say in church?"
As for the book as a whole, I didn't love it.
Perhaps it's because it's devoted to a topic I care very deeply about, and perhaps it's because many of the things Jackson wrote just sort of felt expected. Or obvious. But as much as I wanted to love the book, I couldn't.
Jackson's confessions are powerful, but as a whole, the book felt forced.
I hope books like this continue to provide Jackson a platform from which to speak, because I think her message is valuable. I just don't think this book was nearly as well-written as I hoped it would be.
As for the book as a whole, I didn't love it.
Perhaps it's because it's devoted to a topic I care very deeply about, and perhaps it's because many of the things Jackson wrote just sort of felt expected. Or obvious. But as much as I wanted to love the book, I couldn't.
Jackson's confessions are powerful, but as a whole, the book felt forced.
I hope books like this continue to provide Jackson a platform from which to speak, because I think her message is valuable. I just don't think this book was nearly as well-written as I hoped it would be.
January 22, 2014
What cannot be spoken aloud in church? Lots of things, in practice, especially difficult and shameful experiences and behaviors, when those are often the things we most need to speak of, to even begin to find our ways to healing and hope, forgiveness and love. _Permission to Speak Freely_ is a refreshing start on those stories, and the power of confession - a plea to not be so tied up in many congregations with being nice to the exclusion of the difficult and shameful, to do the hard work of cultivating compassion and making room for grace. Recommended for congregations and spiritual leaders, small spiritual groups from youth through adults, and for individual seekers.
May 7, 2011
This book is Anne Jackson's way of getting others to be real with each other, to be authentic. Authenticity is something my pastor talks about a lot at home. I think it's one of the biggest things missing from so many of our church interactions today. We are often so concerned with how others see us that we forget about those who are struggling with the same issues. Anne Jackson is amazingly down to earth and authentic about her struggles both within the church and with others. I'm glad that she has started this topic of conversation within the church.
August 21, 2010
Anne's book begins with a question she asked on her blog, "What question do you feel you can't ask at church?" From there, she dives her story as an addict, experiences of rejection, and the hope she found in confession and honest relationships.
The book is full of grace, hope, and the freedom of confession. I read it in two days and it was very encouraging. I always appreciate motivation to be open and honest about my shortcomings. Recommended.
The book is full of grace, hope, and the freedom of confession. I read it in two days and it was very encouraging. I always appreciate motivation to be open and honest about my shortcomings. Recommended.
November 19, 2011
This book probably deserves three stars, but it surprised me and spoke to me on such a personal level, that I can't help but bump it up a notch. I frequently felt that something in this book was lacking, but in the end it really did help me to better understand the relationships between myself and so many other people. And contrary to the author's assertions; the book did leave me knowing exactly what to do next. Thank you Anne.
January 18, 2013
I love this book. Honest and bold. It is inspiring to hear of her ongoing life and that it is not all just "wrapped up." And love the concept of others who confess. It seems like that is one of the big things we are missing in life. Telling others the deep things we carry and the dark places we go through.
Of course I am a huge fan of "To Write Love On Her Arms" also. So big points there.
Read this first for Len Sweet's Doctoral program at George Fox University. Recommend it often.
Of course I am a huge fan of "To Write Love On Her Arms" also. So big points there.
Read this first for Len Sweet's Doctoral program at George Fox University. Recommend it often.
November 16, 2011
As intrigued as I am by "churched" memoirs, and as angry as I am about the abuse and sin, this book did little for me past reminding me that the church is (a hospital, not a museum) a place full of sinners needing to remember that they are sinners, and pointing each other to the cross. (Yes an important understanding, but one I came to without much help from a clear thesis in the book.)
March 14, 2014
I really like the style of the book and how the author included others postcard artwork with there secrets. It felt kind of like I was having a personal conversation with her at times, or reading her journal. I also liked the overall idea of the book and how she wants people to be more open in the church.
September 4, 2014
Not an easy read, but a really excellent start to a discussion about what it looks like to begin having honest and frank conversation about shame and sin in the church. The book is a blog turned into book form, so the style and form allow for more openness and frankness instead of just a scholarly examination.
Read
July 31, 2011Good book with an important message about being authentic and talking about (and not hiding) your struggles and giving others "the gift of going second" (when you share your story and then someone else feels able to open up and tell their story and it keeps on going...)
December 6, 2013
I've not been so moved by a book in years. I want to buy copies and hand them out in the street. The need to hide my brokenness in church is not anything I had previously considered. This story, the author's pursuit of freedom and openness, really resonated with me.
October 14, 2016
A good read. I most enjoyed reading the church confessions (some were particularly catching, and it's sad that these can't be shared in the place where they most should be shared) and Anne's story. Some of the Bible lesson-y things I skimmed.
November 28, 2011
Spoke to me on a deep level. It speaks true.
July 27, 2010
This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café.
This last week I had the privilege to listen to an audiobook version of the soon-to-be-released Permission to Speak Freely by Anne Jackson courtesy of a complimentary copy from christianaudio's reviewers program.
The basic idea intrigued me: Jackson asked on her blog, "What is one thing you feel you can't say in church?" The book is an outgrowth of the responses she received from that and her own experiences.
This is definitely one of the absolute best books I have reviewed for christianaudio. It is also one of the best nonfiction Christian books I have ever read (or listened to). It very much coincides with the mission of this blog of encouraging people to be honest and authentic about their struggles and having the permission to speak freely about difficult matters.
Jackson does a beautiful job of describing the problem of restricted dialogue, not only in the institutional church, but also throughout society. It causes more damage than good.
The way she humanizes the struggles is phenomenal. It is the first book in a very long time that has brought tears to my eyes, not only from sadness of the pain we all cause others, but also because of the hope she reminds readers/listeners of.
Through her commentary on the core of problems that take our attention (like addictions to substances and sex), she also helped me remember why I entered the field of psychology and not give into the push to focus on symptom management. It reminded me to take a wider and deeper perspective with myself and others.
She states at the end of the book that she cannot give some nice, easy steps to solve the problems like most self-help books do. While it's true she does not provide a formula (which would have ruined the book), she did provide a solution: Relationships. Honest, authentic relationships where people can engage one another, challenge one another, and grow IS the solution.
It's not easy. And it takes a lot of courage. I loved her recognition of this in discussing giving the gift of going second (if you want to know more, read or listen to the book! :) ). If we can use this courage, though, the results are astounding.
However, we still have work on developing a culture, both inside and outside of the institutional church, where we can give people the permission to speak freely about anything. The church building should be a safe place, a sanctuary, where people can openly struggle. Instead, it's often turned into the exact opposite.
On a final note, I also love the fact that Jackson read the book herself. As I have said before, I prefer books read by the author, even if they are not all that polished. This book is intensely personal on many levels. It would have definitely lost some significant meaning if a professional narrator was hired.
This last week I had the privilege to listen to an audiobook version of the soon-to-be-released Permission to Speak Freely by Anne Jackson courtesy of a complimentary copy from christianaudio's reviewers program.
The basic idea intrigued me: Jackson asked on her blog, "What is one thing you feel you can't say in church?" The book is an outgrowth of the responses she received from that and her own experiences.
This is definitely one of the absolute best books I have reviewed for christianaudio. It is also one of the best nonfiction Christian books I have ever read (or listened to). It very much coincides with the mission of this blog of encouraging people to be honest and authentic about their struggles and having the permission to speak freely about difficult matters.
Jackson does a beautiful job of describing the problem of restricted dialogue, not only in the institutional church, but also throughout society. It causes more damage than good.
The way she humanizes the struggles is phenomenal. It is the first book in a very long time that has brought tears to my eyes, not only from sadness of the pain we all cause others, but also because of the hope she reminds readers/listeners of.
Through her commentary on the core of problems that take our attention (like addictions to substances and sex), she also helped me remember why I entered the field of psychology and not give into the push to focus on symptom management. It reminded me to take a wider and deeper perspective with myself and others.
She states at the end of the book that she cannot give some nice, easy steps to solve the problems like most self-help books do. While it's true she does not provide a formula (which would have ruined the book), she did provide a solution: Relationships. Honest, authentic relationships where people can engage one another, challenge one another, and grow IS the solution.
It's not easy. And it takes a lot of courage. I loved her recognition of this in discussing giving the gift of going second (if you want to know more, read or listen to the book! :) ). If we can use this courage, though, the results are astounding.
However, we still have work on developing a culture, both inside and outside of the institutional church, where we can give people the permission to speak freely about anything. The church building should be a safe place, a sanctuary, where people can openly struggle. Instead, it's often turned into the exact opposite.
On a final note, I also love the fact that Jackson read the book herself. As I have said before, I prefer books read by the author, even if they are not all that polished. This book is intensely personal on many levels. It would have definitely lost some significant meaning if a professional narrator was hired.
September 7, 2010
“What is one thing you feel you can’t say in church?” It’s a question author Anne Jackson posed on her blog, receiving a worldwide response. Readers mailed hundreds of confessions, some artistic, some simply written on index cards to Jackson who cataloged the responses on PermissionToSpeakFreely.com. Jackson uses these artistic avowals along with essays and poetry in her astounding new book, Permission to Speak Freely.
In the introduction, Jackson outlines her purpose for putting together Permission to Speak Freely; she wants to let others know they are not alone in their secrets. She is also clear that her intention is not to malign the church, but rather to allow broken hearts to express their woundedness. In the end, the author desires readers to find the irresistible hope rooted in God.
Since Anne Jackson is one of my favorite bloggers, it was with eager expectation I began to read Permission to Speak Freely, which is also like an essay-guided PostSecret book, but better! Incorporating telling art and poetry into her lush writing, Jackson produces her own mosaic masterpiece with the glass shards of her own story. Admitting her past and present struggles with mental illness, pornography, and drug addiction, Jackson offers the readers freedom to admit their own shameful secrets, first in their minds and then to close friends, small groups, or even PermissionToSpeakFreely.com.
While this book could have easily fallen into an art niche or essay niche, it’s not that kind of book. In fact, the infusion of Scripture, art, essay, and poetry make this a book that is a treasure, both visually and intellectually. At times, this book is challenging because readers are meant to wrestle with this book.
Permission to Speak Freely has changed me as a person. So many books about Christian freedom come from the perspective of male authors, the fact that Anne Jackson is a woman immediately made me more receptive to her message. And because she is a woman, I believe that her struggles resonate with me in a deeper way, which is not to say that she is not massively appealing to both genders. Her book is for everyone and really should be read by everyone. And I do mean everyone, though I fear some may not be ready for the freedom Jackson offers Christians.
Thank you, Anne, for having the chutzpah to write this marvelous book!
In the introduction, Jackson outlines her purpose for putting together Permission to Speak Freely; she wants to let others know they are not alone in their secrets. She is also clear that her intention is not to malign the church, but rather to allow broken hearts to express their woundedness. In the end, the author desires readers to find the irresistible hope rooted in God.
Since Anne Jackson is one of my favorite bloggers, it was with eager expectation I began to read Permission to Speak Freely, which is also like an essay-guided PostSecret book, but better! Incorporating telling art and poetry into her lush writing, Jackson produces her own mosaic masterpiece with the glass shards of her own story. Admitting her past and present struggles with mental illness, pornography, and drug addiction, Jackson offers the readers freedom to admit their own shameful secrets, first in their minds and then to close friends, small groups, or even PermissionToSpeakFreely.com.
While this book could have easily fallen into an art niche or essay niche, it’s not that kind of book. In fact, the infusion of Scripture, art, essay, and poetry make this a book that is a treasure, both visually and intellectually. At times, this book is challenging because readers are meant to wrestle with this book.
Permission to Speak Freely has changed me as a person. So many books about Christian freedom come from the perspective of male authors, the fact that Anne Jackson is a woman immediately made me more receptive to her message. And because she is a woman, I believe that her struggles resonate with me in a deeper way, which is not to say that she is not massively appealing to both genders. Her book is for everyone and really should be read by everyone. And I do mean everyone, though I fear some may not be ready for the freedom Jackson offers Christians.
Thank you, Anne, for having the chutzpah to write this marvelous book!
February 9, 2014
The idea was brilliant but somehow the art, illustrations and poetry didn't quite translate to the page. Muddled and fuzzy in print, they detracted from, rather than added to, the book. Some poems were just frustratingly illegible.
That said, Jackson's (or is it Miller's?) topic is an important one. So many people within the Christian church feel broken and ashamed and yet have no avenue for healing in the very place where it should be most available.
Despite its openness and laudable vulnerability, somehow this book didn't quite make it over the line for me. I felt I should like it better but somehow it didn't quite come together. Instead of the brilliant kaleidoscope that was promised, the text seemed to suffer some of the same dislocation as the printing. I got confused at several points by references to things it seemed had already been mentioned. Except I couldn't find them.
So while I admired the concept in many ways and found much of the story interesting, I felt the book was let down hugely by its production values.
Merged review:
The idea was brilliant but somehow the art, illustrations and poetry didn't quite translate to the page. Muddled and fuzzy in print, they detracted from, rather than added to, the book. Some poems were just frustratingly illegible.
That said, Jackson's (or is it Miller's?) topic is an important one. So many people within the Christian church feel broken and ashamed and yet have no avenue for healing in the very place where it should be most available.
Despite its openness and laudable vulnerability, somehow this book didn't quite make it over the line for me. I felt I should like it better but somehow it didn't quite come together. Instead of the brilliant kaleidoscope that was promised, the text seemed to suffer some of the same dislocation as the printing. I got confused at several points by references to things it seemed had already been mentioned. Except I couldn't find them.
So while I admired the concept in many ways and found much of the story interesting, I felt the book was let down hugely by its production values.
That said, Jackson's (or is it Miller's?) topic is an important one. So many people within the Christian church feel broken and ashamed and yet have no avenue for healing in the very place where it should be most available.
Despite its openness and laudable vulnerability, somehow this book didn't quite make it over the line for me. I felt I should like it better but somehow it didn't quite come together. Instead of the brilliant kaleidoscope that was promised, the text seemed to suffer some of the same dislocation as the printing. I got confused at several points by references to things it seemed had already been mentioned. Except I couldn't find them.
So while I admired the concept in many ways and found much of the story interesting, I felt the book was let down hugely by its production values.
Merged review:
The idea was brilliant but somehow the art, illustrations and poetry didn't quite translate to the page. Muddled and fuzzy in print, they detracted from, rather than added to, the book. Some poems were just frustratingly illegible.
That said, Jackson's (or is it Miller's?) topic is an important one. So many people within the Christian church feel broken and ashamed and yet have no avenue for healing in the very place where it should be most available.
Despite its openness and laudable vulnerability, somehow this book didn't quite make it over the line for me. I felt I should like it better but somehow it didn't quite come together. Instead of the brilliant kaleidoscope that was promised, the text seemed to suffer some of the same dislocation as the printing. I got confused at several points by references to things it seemed had already been mentioned. Except I couldn't find them.
So while I admired the concept in many ways and found much of the story interesting, I felt the book was let down hugely by its production values.
December 18, 2013
Near the beginning of this book Anne Miller (then Anne Jackson) wrote, "Fear wants to stop our stories." From that origination point she does her best to make sure that her story is not stopped by that fear. This book is part cafe' conversation, part confession, and part testimony. And when I say is it "part" something I mean that it is a collection of parts, pieces, life snapshots, and memoirs that are all working together in the way a group of left-handed people would attempt to reach around a blind corner; that is to say, they fully accomplish their goal but they do so in ways that at times have to be seen as awkward. But that in no way is a criticism, in fact it is this gangley lumbering that gives the book its charm. The chapters at time feel as if Miller sat down to write something else and then thought, "wait, I remember this time when..." and then proceeds to fully make her point but in wonderfully unexpected ways.
She is honest in this book. Honest about herself, about life, about Christians, about the church. What must be realized however, is that while truth is an objective reality honesty is very personal, and therefore subjective. There were a few places where I probably disagreed with her conclusions (not many, and not ardently), but in those moments I never thought for a second that she wasn't being honest, forthcoming, and straight. In this book honesty is the place where we are authentic and real and being right or wrong comes along after.
I would highly recommend this book to church people who are tired and to anyone who values honesty. There is redemption in the pages of this book, a subtle, sneek-up-from-behind-you kind of redemption that lures you in with its conversational tone and then leads you to a table in the back where you sit down to eat dinner opposite a mirror. Anne's story is anything but graceful, but it's full of grace. She speaks in a language that church kids will understand, resonate with, be tempted to look down on, and then tearfully realize is their own.
I am grateful for having read this book.
She is honest in this book. Honest about herself, about life, about Christians, about the church. What must be realized however, is that while truth is an objective reality honesty is very personal, and therefore subjective. There were a few places where I probably disagreed with her conclusions (not many, and not ardently), but in those moments I never thought for a second that she wasn't being honest, forthcoming, and straight. In this book honesty is the place where we are authentic and real and being right or wrong comes along after.
I would highly recommend this book to church people who are tired and to anyone who values honesty. There is redemption in the pages of this book, a subtle, sneek-up-from-behind-you kind of redemption that lures you in with its conversational tone and then leads you to a table in the back where you sit down to eat dinner opposite a mirror. Anne's story is anything but graceful, but it's full of grace. She speaks in a language that church kids will understand, resonate with, be tempted to look down on, and then tearfully realize is their own.
I am grateful for having read this book.
October 29, 2014
For a book, it's fantastic, and it's even better because it brings religion into it. Jackson shares many personal problems with the world, wanting to make a difference by sharing those stories. She has overcome a lot of challenges in her life, and she utilizes those experiences to help those who may need it. She talks about porn addiction, from a woman's point of view and her experiences with it, drugs, depression, other kinds of addiction, and sexual abuse. This book definitely hit a chord because I have went through some of the ideas that Jackson presents. Jackson also uses some of the mail that she received of things that people have a hard time talking about in church. Reading those letters and thoughts are eye-opening because that's something that not many people would think about. Jackson even shares her experiences when trying to talk about difficult topics in church, even though those topics are important to discuss. Church is supposed to be a safe-haven, and yet some churches make it difficult for people to share their problems. "Even though the one thing I desired was to be myself, deep down, none of us wants to be alone. The reason we crave isolation so badly is because more than our fears of being alone is our fear of rejection." Jackson has a point on why people with secrets shield themselves from the world; it's because no one wants to be rejected for their secrets. Everyone carries a certain burden, which is sometimes to heavy to lift by his/herself, which is why it is important, which Jackson emphasizes, that we all need to share in our hurts, our pains, and our secrets because we are not alone. There are people around us who care about our welfare; we just have to trust them with more than just superficial relationships but to share our secrets with one another to build a community.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2010
Anne Jackson’s “Permission to Speak Freely” is a combination of submitted entries from internet blog readers and Anne’s own story of her struggle with “unspeakable” struggles. Anne is transparent in her confession and in her struggle she is able to help others struggling with their own “unspeakable” sins. Not only does this book show us that we need to be more open with our struggles to help others, but it is a message to the church to be more willing to listen to those secret sins that currently are not spoken of.
This book shows how church leaders’ holier-than-thou words can cause irreparable damage. Their words are often the words that cause people to leave the church permanently, because they feel that they can’t live up to expectations of the church or of God due to overwhelming guilt.
Anne writes that the church is supposed to be a safe place and it’s time for it to take up that role. We are supposed to love the unlovable, protect the vulnerable, and help repair the broken because that’s what Jesus did. But, the church is failing at this task when they are critical and unforgiving. The church is for the broken and we ALL are broken. So, if the church is accepting of us, shouldn’t we be accepting of everyone else? What makes us better than anyone else?
This book shows how church leaders’ holier-than-thou words can cause irreparable damage. Their words are often the words that cause people to leave the church permanently, because they feel that they can’t live up to expectations of the church or of God due to overwhelming guilt.
Anne writes that the church is supposed to be a safe place and it’s time for it to take up that role. We are supposed to love the unlovable, protect the vulnerable, and help repair the broken because that’s what Jesus did. But, the church is failing at this task when they are critical and unforgiving. The church is for the broken and we ALL are broken. So, if the church is accepting of us, shouldn’t we be accepting of everyone else? What makes us better than anyone else?
September 17, 2010
What is the one thing you feel you can’t say in church? Author Anne Jackson posted this question on her blog and received hundreds of responses. This book is the result of that question.
To be honest, I’m not sure what I expected from this book. Perhaps I expected more of the responses Jackson received, and her answers to them. The submissions appear mostly as artwork, like a form of the popular online ‘Post Secret.’ There are confessions, but no real suggestions in how to overcome the fear people have. Yes, she tells us how we can help others, in a process she calls ‘the gift of going second.’ This involves giving our own confessions first in the hope that the other person will open up. But how can we get over our own fear of confession in the first place?
The majority of the book is focused on Jackson’s personal story which, to be honest, I could have done without. A selection of her poetry is also included. She has given herself ‘permission to speak freely,’ but sadly leaves the rest of us floundering in the dark.
I received a copy of this publication through Thomas Nelson’s Book Sneeze review program. This review is based on my own opinion.
To be honest, I’m not sure what I expected from this book. Perhaps I expected more of the responses Jackson received, and her answers to them. The submissions appear mostly as artwork, like a form of the popular online ‘Post Secret.’ There are confessions, but no real suggestions in how to overcome the fear people have. Yes, she tells us how we can help others, in a process she calls ‘the gift of going second.’ This involves giving our own confessions first in the hope that the other person will open up. But how can we get over our own fear of confession in the first place?
The majority of the book is focused on Jackson’s personal story which, to be honest, I could have done without. A selection of her poetry is also included. She has given herself ‘permission to speak freely,’ but sadly leaves the rest of us floundering in the dark.
I received a copy of this publication through Thomas Nelson’s Book Sneeze review program. This review is based on my own opinion.
September 18, 2010
Full review at http://bookwi.se/permission-to-speak-...
Short review: I am not sure how to write a short review. My blog post was over 900 words. Anne Jackson uses her own autobiography to talk about some of the messy things in life that much of the church does not like to talk about (depression, addition, porn, sex, abuse at the hands of others). She does this with only as much detail as she needs to show the healing that can come about when the church embraces the hurting. The concept of "the gift of being second" is important to the book. When you go first and create a safe place for confession or healing, it is much easier for others to go second and find their own healing. This is what the church should be about. This is a story book more than a self help book. There are not steps to healing or ways to forgive. Instead it tells stories to show the potential for healing.
Short review: I am not sure how to write a short review. My blog post was over 900 words. Anne Jackson uses her own autobiography to talk about some of the messy things in life that much of the church does not like to talk about (depression, addition, porn, sex, abuse at the hands of others). She does this with only as much detail as she needs to show the healing that can come about when the church embraces the hurting. The concept of "the gift of being second" is important to the book. When you go first and create a safe place for confession or healing, it is much easier for others to go second and find their own healing. This is what the church should be about. This is a story book more than a self help book. There are not steps to healing or ways to forgive. Instead it tells stories to show the potential for healing.
January 30, 2017
In May 2008, Anne Jackson asked a question on her blog, “What is one thing you feel you can’t say in church?”
From this has grown this book - part autobiography, part art and a sharing of other people's answers to the question, and part a book about acceptance, confession and forgiveness for the perception of 'brokenness' that links so many of the responses.
A really interesting discussion of why so many people feel they cannot admit to differences, or difficulties, or sins, within so many churches. And why it is not a cause for guilt that you have, as in one example, been raped.
To be honest it made me very glad not to have been brought up in an American Baptist Church...
From this has grown this book - part autobiography, part art and a sharing of other people's answers to the question, and part a book about acceptance, confession and forgiveness for the perception of 'brokenness' that links so many of the responses.
A really interesting discussion of why so many people feel they cannot admit to differences, or difficulties, or sins, within so many churches. And why it is not a cause for guilt that you have, as in one example, been raped.
To be honest it made me very glad not to have been brought up in an American Baptist Church...
October 20, 2011
Jackson's book effectively describes hew own journey to embrace the many pains of her life and to give them voice in context that has been less than receptive - the church. As part of this process, she invited others to share their stories of things that they wouldn't talk about in church and compiled an interesting insigth into the limits of community in many churches. She takes this further by offering some theological reflections with a view to opening up transparency and support in this context.
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