Book Review: Permission to Speak Freely by Anne Jackson

It's been awhile, or maybe never, that I've started a book and finished it on the same day but Anne Jackson's Permission to Speak Freely arrived in the mail today and it was one I didn't want to put down until I finished it and I did so tonight.


Having followed Anne's blog for the past year, I had looked forward to the release of the book that originated with a question she posted on her blog:  "What is one thing you feel you can't say in the church?"   Having grown up church and as a Christ follower, the question certainly piqued my interest.  The book showcases several of the responses she received while at the same time Anne shares personal stories of her struggles and tendency to want to hide - even from a place where we should be most free to share and feel a part of -- the church.  


The book is in no means a condemnation of the church. In fact, Anne points out in her introduction that the "confessions that are shared aren't directed at the church."  Instead, by reading them you see real people who are hurting but are wanting a place to find hope - exactly what we as individuals and churches should be offering to each other. 


The book is a fairly easy read even when sharing some very personal struggles. It will make you think and maybe even question how you look upon people you sit by in church or at work and even a stranger.  Everyone hurts, no one is perfect and sometimes we need to let our guard down and share that with others.  It's okay to have to questions, to confess the good and bad areas of life -- that we aren't perfect and by doing so we will have opportunities to share the grace and hope only Christ can provide.


So if you are ready to be challenged in your personal life, I would definitely recommend this book. - R. Dennie


Click here to learn more - Thomas Nelson product page.
Click here to read a sample - Amazon.com


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.”