Books
Permission to Speak Freely: Essays & Art on Fear, Confession and Grace
(Thomas Nelson, Aug. 2010)
Buy Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession and Grace and other related merchandise here.
In May 2008, Anne Jackson asked a question on her blog “What’s one thing you feel you can’t say in, church?”
Permission to Speak Freely is the unique project from author Anne Jackson. 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disarming transparency, Anne shares what led to her own addictions and the ensuing lifestyle that left her wounded and withdrawn, but ultimately rescued. She includes stories and artistic works from others who have found the courage to speak freely. These confessions, submitted as mixed media pieces, photography, and sketches, were collected from people across the world, and are included throughout the book.
“Somebody is waiting on you to tell your story. To share how you’re being rescued. To share how scary it is, but how beautiful it is,” she says.
Trade Reviews:
Jackson doesn’t pull punches when she talks about fear, brokenness, and confession. “When you confess something that’s shattered in your life,… you’re acknowledging that you need the Cross” is the typical forthright statement you’ll find here. Included are pages of full-color, confessional artwork submitted to her by mail or blog, as well as her heartfelt encouragement to “step up and confess—not only the bad, but confess the good and noble as well.” This is a pointed, much needed glimpse at the toughness of life and at the grace and goodness that can come when one person speaks freely. – Publishers Weekly
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
If you or someone you know has been hurt by the church and has questioned God, this could be the book that will begin a road to recovery. Permission to Speak Freely is also an excellent resource for those in the church who haven’t been through the things Anne and many others have to help them to become aware of the dangers of living a life of condemnation toward others. The stories in Permission to Speak Freely can serve as a wake-up call to the church. Jackson’s book and ministry will help many in the church who have been wounded and left to pick up the pieces. - CBA Retailers & Resources Magazine
Endorsements:
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 and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
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 clear: the church simply must be a safe place for this to happen. -Nick Purdy, Publisher, Paste Magazine
Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic
(Zondervan, Feb. 2009)
Growing up the daughter of a pastor, Anne Jackson experienced firsthand the conflict, stress, and struggle church leaders often face. She vowed her career in ministry would be different.
Yet, years later, as a church leader, she was hospitalized because stress began wreaking havoc on her body.
Using anecdotal parallels between Mad Cow Disease and leadership trends in the church, she writes not only to help us realize what church leaders are facing, but also to provide practical and positive treatment plans.
Mad Church Disease is a lively, informative, and potentially life-saving resource for anyone in ministry–vocational or volunteer–who would like to understand, prevent, or treat the epidemic of burnout in church culture.
Review:
Are you suffering from Mad Church Disease? It is the illness facing church leaders who – despite their best efforts to serve God and his people – are killing themselves spiritually, physically, emotionally or relationally.
In the book, Mad Church Disease, popular author and blogger, Anne Jackson, digs into the causes, symptoms and solutions of a wide variety of challenges stemming from church work. Anne should know: she’s a pastor’s kid and has been employed in churches. I doubt there is anything quite like the dynamics of working in a church when it comes to the pressure it puts on leaders. And Anne captures the experiences and causes of burnout effectively.
The book is deep, but not stuffy. It is funny, but not cynical. It is easy to read, without being simplistic. Anne’s writing is poignant and personal, without being tacky. It takes a long, hard look at the difficulties of church work, while asking readers to face their problems.
Ultimately, Mad Church Disease is not just about solutions, it is a solution. It is a tool that can be used by a church staff or by individuals. It contains helpful interviews with church leaders who have lived through Mad Church Disease. And it offers worksheets to start private or group discussions about the issues of personal and spiritual health. Use this great new tool to find and restore healthy margins in your life.
–Dave Kinnaman, President, Barna Group –Barna Group, June 2009
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