[Today I continue my series on fear with a review of Permission To Speak Freely.]

I had been anxiously, anxiously awaiting the release of Anne Jackson‘s second book Permission To Speak Freely from the moment I heard she was writing it.  Her desire to speak up motivated me, encouraged me.

I was unsure which path she was going to take in her essays, but I believe her avenues were completely different than what I expected.  Over the course of 29 essays Anne shares her testimony of being silenced by church folk and shares her testimony and others’ testimonies of being able to confess.

Many of the essays I read through tear blurry eyes as I related with my own stories.  She shares her heart and allows you to walk with her as she gives voice to silence.

She bookends segments of essays with art and poetry.  Beautiful art with tragic confessions submitted by those who wanted to speak freely.

………………

The book is a fairly quick read, though as I mentioned a meaningful one.  Anne’s words weave a beautiful story.

I highly recommend reading it especially if you’ve experienced being silenced.

Visit the Permission To Speak Freely website here.

Give away:  I am giving away a copy of Permission To Speak Freely to one reader.  If you wish to be entered for a chance to receive the book, please leave a comment below.  The contest will be open until Saturday at 6 PM Pacific, and the winner announced on Tuesday, September 14th.  I will choose the winner via random number generator.

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.”

**Confession images from Permission To Speak Freely used with permission by Anne Jackson

Fear Part: 1, 3, 4, 5

Back in June I wrote a post about not walking in fear.  I had just come out of some circumstances that left me breathless.  I’d walked in fear and my post was about how God had given me grace and courage.

Fear affects everyone.  From being afraid of heights to phobias that prevent us from leave our houses (Agoraphobia).

This week I will be doing a series on fear.  Fears that rip at our souls and haunt us, that leave us broken.

A look at this week:

Tuesday: Review of Anne Jackson’s book Permission To Speak Freely
Wednesday:  The Haunting & Unrelenting
Thursday:  Defined by Courage – guest post by Sarah Markley
Friday:  Moving Away

I want this to be a place where we can talk.  On Wednesday I’ll be offering a chance to confess your fears.  To get them all out on the table so to speak.  On Friday I’ll be offering a chance to give encouragement and reflection.  I’ll explain more both at those times.

Thank you for taking this journey.  I look forward to the conversations that will take place.