When I was offered the opportunity to review Anne Jackson’s new book, Permission to Speak Freely, I jumped all over it. Anne has a unique gift as an author. Each word she writes invites you not only to turn the page, but invites you into her life – as raw, broken, and grace-filled as it may be. This makes her the perfect author to dive into the subject of this book.
What is the one thing you feel you can’t say in the church?
This question asked on her blog in 2008 prompted an incredible response from believers and non-believers alike. This question formed the basis of thought that led to her book – of fear, confession, and grace. This question haunts me as a pastor and forces me to consider what I might be unintentionally (or intentionally) sweeping under the rug in the vain attempt of displaying a sense of perfection.
What would it look like if we believed in radical grace? What would it look like if we believed that confession brings transformation? What would it look like if we gave and received the permission to speak freely?
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson.
