Review: Permission to Speak Freely

There are so many things that people are afraid to speak out about, especially in the church. Anne Jackson, an avid blogger, asked the question, “What is one thing you feel you can’t say in church?” It turns out there are a lot of things that people feel they can’t say in church as she received hundreds of responses on her blog. In Permission to Speak Freely, Anne shares these confessions in the form of essays, poems, and art.

Permission to Speak Freely definitely isn’t what I would consider to be theologically moving. It is, however, honest. It begged me to explore my own thoughts and fears. As I unearthed a part of myself that I had strategically kept hidden, I felt as if a weight had been lifted off of me. I discovered that I wasn’t alone and that there was freedom   in knowing that truth. 

Many of us cringe at the thought of exposing ourselves, metaphorically naked, before the community of faith. I highly recommend Permission to Speak Freely to those who find themselves struggling through issues, fears, and doubts. You just might find that you aren’t so afraid after all. 

I received this book free from the publisher through the 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.”