In May 2008, Anne Jackson asked a question on her blog, "What is one thing you feel you can't say in church?" The question came from Jackson's experience of being afraid to reveal herself to other Christians. Broken and alone is exactly how she felt for years, a Southern Baptist pastor's daughter struggling with an addiction to porn, sexual promiscuity, substance abuse, being the victim of sexual abuse by a youth pastor, and coping with depression. Permission to Speak Freely is the unique project from author Anne Jackson, who is finished with keeping brokenness in the dark. Bringing to light the original intent of God's sanctuary as a place of help and healing, Anne reveals that through confession, both to God and to others, we can live lives that are whole and healed. 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disarming transparency, Anne shares what led to her own addictions and the ensuing lifestyle that left her wounded and withdrawn, but ultimately rescued and redeemed. She includes dramatic stories of others who also learned to abandon their fear, pride, and masks; to identify their hurts; and to find the courage to speak freely. Their 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. -----Endorsements:This book is messy, like life. Anne has the insight, the guts, and the love to show us what has been in front of us all along, and to talk about the things we're afraid to talk about. It's a rare gift, one that she's willing to share. Seth Godin Author, Linchpin and Tribes 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 (edited by author)