Book Review:: Permission to Speak Freely by Anne Jackson

“What is one thing you feel you can’t say in church?”  It’s a question author Anne Jackson posed on her blog, receiving a worldwide response.  Readers mailed hundreds of confessions, some artistic, some simply written on index cards to Jackson who cataloged the responses on PermissionToSpeakFreely.com.  Jackson uses these artistic avowals along with essays and poetry in her astounding new book, Permission to Speak Freely.

In the introduction, Jackson outlines her purpose for putting together Permission to Speak Freely; she wants to let others know they are not alone in their secrets.  She is also clear that her intention is not to malign the church, but rather to allow broken hearts to express their woundedness.  In the end, the author desires readers to find the irresistible hope rooted in God.

Since Anne Jackson is one of my favorite bloggers, it was with eager expectation I began to read Permission to Speak Freely, which is also like an essay-guided PostSecret book, but better!  Incorporating telling art and poetry into her lush writing, Jackson produces her own mosaic masterpiece with the glass shards of her own story.  Admitting her past and present struggles with mental illness, pornography, and drug addiction, Jackson offers the readers freedom to admit their own shameful secrets, first in their minds and then to close friends, small groups, or even PermissionToSpeakFreely.com.

While this book could have easily fallen into an art niche or essay niche, it’s not that kind of book.  In fact, the infusion of Scripture, art, essay, and poetry make this a book that is a treasure, both visually and intellectually.  At times, this book is challenging because readers are meant to wrestle with this book.

Permission to Speak Freely has changed me as a person.  So many books about Christian freedom come from the perspective of male authors, the fact that Anne Jackson is a woman immediately made me more receptive to her message.  And because she is a woman, I believe that her struggles resonate with me in a deeper way, which is not to say that she is not massively appealing to both genders.  Her book is for everyone and really should be read by everyone.  And I do mean everyone, though I fear some may not be ready for the freedom Jackson offers Christians.

Thank you, Anne, for having the chutzpah to write this marvelous book!

Amy’s Grade:: A

**Disclosure of Material Connection: 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.”**

Book Review:: So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore

Beloved women’s speaker and author Beth Moore’s latest book, So Long, Insecurity (Tyndale), is her most personal book to date.  Moore, who has helped countless ladies break free, get out of pits, and dive deep into Scripture with studies on Jesus, Paul, David, and Esther, is now combating a stronghold in the lives of many women—insecurity.

Moore describes So Long, Insecurity as “one woman’s quest for a real, lasting, soul-changing security” in God, instead of finding that security in self or others.  The first part of the book identifies insecurity by its roots stemming from instability in the home, a significant loss, rejection, dramatic change, personal limitations, personal disposition, our culture, and pride.  Moore further explains these “roots of insecurity” and like always uses a ton of Scripture to build her case.

While the book magnifies a woman’s vulnerabilities, particularly involving image, Moore urges women to “press through the discomfort” so that the reader no longer has to “live in denial and bondage.” Being a woman who battles a ton of insecurity, I didn’t just read So Long, Insecurity objectively; I took Moore’s advice to heart.  I saw myself in so many of her illustrations; I knew my heart was ready for a revolution.

Fortunately, Moore doesn’t just identify and define all areas of insecurity she’s also givse us a look at a man’s insecurities.  She also offers practical advice saturated in Scripture that allows women to immediately begin their journeys toward freedom.  I cannot more highly recommend this book for every woman out there who hates her reflection in the mirror, who is exhausted from the illusion of perfectionism, who thinks she is unworthy of love, who was born on planet Earth.

So Long, Insecurity has tremendously impacted my life, the way I think about myself, and the way I know that God relates to me.  Because of the life-changing content and prayer exercises, the book can take a while to read.  But, remember, insecurity took years to take hold, so it won’t just magically disappear overnight.  Reading this book changed my life and had emboldened me to live a life secure in the love of God.  If you are a captive in the prison of insecurity, then So Long, Insecurity is your key to freedom.

[FTC Disclosure:: Thank you to my fine friends at Tyndale House Publishers for hooking me up with a review copy of this marvelous book!]

The Women of the Resurrection

In this pic, Jesus looks like He’s playing hide-and-seek with the women.

I wanted to prepare this blog post sooner, but time is not on my side lately.  My family could definitely use your prayer.  Gosh, I could use your prayers.  However, better late than never, here’s the follow up to “The Women of the Cross“.

But I thought both my male and female readers might like a peek at the lesson, which I’m adapting into a post. If you would like a copy of the short study for personal or group use, just hit me up at amy@backseatwriter.com

The Women of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a crucial cornerstone of the Christian faith, and also what separates Christianity from other major religions that follow His teachings.  Jesus’ resurrection proves that He was not only the Son of God, but the victor over death.  And who were the first to encounter the Risen Lord?  The women who followed Jesus!

The accounts of Jesus’ resurrection can be found in Matthew 28: 1-10; Mark 16: 1-11; Luke 24: 1-12; and John 20: 1-18.

Who are the women of the resurrection?

Interestingly, many of the women present at Jesus’ crucifixion were also the women who awoke early Sunday morning after Sabbath had passed to care for Jesus’ body.  According to Old Testament law, if someone touched a dead body, then he or she was considered unclean, so care of bodies was considered a woman’s work (of course).

However, these women did not care about clean or unclean.  They simply wanted to show their love for this man, who had treated them with respect and kindness, who had allowed them to sit at His feet—they had never met a man like Jesus.

Each Gospel has a different account of what women were present, what happened, and what was said.  It is important to note that ancient scribes were not obsessed with details like we are today.  They were more concerned with telling the story, so we definitely have to approach Scripture with our eyes on the culture.   Here’s a rundown of each Gospel.

Matthew: Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” find empty tomb and angel, also Jesus appears to these women.

Mark: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome encounter an angel and Mary Magdalene first sees Jesus.

Luke: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and others see angels and report to disciples.

John: Mary Magdalene (and possibly other women because she says “we”).  But in this gospel, Mary Magdalene is the first to encounter the risen Jesus.

If you read The Women of the Cross, then you’ve already “met” most of these women.  But just in case you haven’t had the chance to read that incredibly compelling post, let me introduce you to the women of the resurrection.  Meet Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ most devoted followers after He drove seven demons from her body.  And, no, they were not married or sexually involved.  That’s just gross.

Curiously, Mary mother of Jesus isn’t mention in any of these accounts…or is she?  Out of respect, Mary was probably referred to as “Mary mother of James” (Note:  It was this James, Jesus’ half-brother, who went on to write the book of James in the New Testament).  It was a cultural practice not to indicate Mary as Jesus’ mother due to His crucifixion.  Remember that at the cross, she is called “Mary Mother of James and Joses” and only directly addressed in John.  Also, since the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) mention Mary mother of James or “the other Mary,” it is assumed that both refer to Mary mother of Jesus.  She was His earthly mother—how could she stay away?

Mark mentions Salome, who was the mother of disciples James and John while Luke also adds Joanna, a woman who worked to financially support and care for Jesus and the gang while they traveled.  Since it was early the day after Sabbath and Jews were not permitted to work or travel on Sabbath, we can assume that Joanna was in town for the crucifixion, and I’m fairly certain she was one of the “other women” who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion.   If so, then all the women of the resurrection were also all women who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion.  They were a devoted lot.

Mary Magdalene Sees Him First

Each Gospel says that Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Savior.  Why, out of all the people who followed Jesus, did she see Him first?  Really, we can only guess.  Perhaps she was the one who needed Him most.  When she learned Jesus’ body was missing, she was ready to go to the ends of the earth to retrieve it.  She was distraught and crying when she encounters Jesus, who she mistakes for the gardener.

“They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they have put Him,” she weeps.  But when that “gardener” says her name, she immediately knows it is Jesus (John 20:16).

“Rabboni!” Mary exclaims, which is a very personal greeting meaning “my teacher.”  Most people would have nothing to do with a former demoniac, much less teach one.  But Jesus changed Mary’s life, and now He had changed her eternity.

Why did Jesus appear to women first?

The simple and obvious explanation is this—because they were there. But didn’t Peter and John also run out to the empty tomb?  Why didn’t Jesus appear to them?  Hmm…interesting.

My theory (and this is my theory) is that Jesus is making good on God’s promise all the way back in Genesis 3:15.  After Adam and Eve do the Big No-No, God pronounces judgment on them.  Yet in His judgment, there’s a promise of salvation.  In Genesis 3:15 God says to the serpent, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”  On Calvary, the ancient serpent that is Satan struck Christ’s heel, but in the resurrection (and the yet-to-come Battle of Armageddon), Jesus will crush that serpent’s head.

So, with that information, it would seem that Jesus is “redeeming Eve.”  It’s as if He is saying, “Remember that promise in Genesis?  Well, here I am!  You are redeemed, daughter of Eve, you are redeemed because of Me.”  Since Eve was the first to partake of the apple, perhaps in a subtle way, her daughters are first to know of the redemption.

Then again, there’s the small problem that the disciples who say the empty tomb didn’t believe…but the women did.  Before you go off and tell me it’s because they saw Jesus, let me point you to Mark 24:7-8.  The women remembered His words and believe!  However, the disciples don’t believe their stories (Mark 16:11, Luke 24:11).

Still, in the end, everyone believes and the Gospel message goes forward.  And those women, well, as first witnesses their testimony wouldn’t really matter in a court of law.  Unless there were three women, which is interesting, because the Mark and Luke mention at least three women in their Gospels, making the women viable first witnesses to the resurrection.

These women never met a man like Jesus, who tore the veil, so their shame would be lifted.  Finally, Eve’s sin no longer held them captive, though they still faced the consequences of her choice.  But now they could find wholeness and redemption through God’s promise of Jesus Christ.

I love comments, so here are some questions you can answer–why do you think Jesus first appeared to women?  Why didn’t the men believe but the women did?

Book Review:: The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I’m a Pennsylvania girl who lives a hop, skip and a jump from Lancaster County, so I no longer gawk at Amish or Mennonites in their plain clothes and buggies (though I do get excited about the horses).  Growing up with knowledge of the Amish, I was eager to dig into Suzanne Woods Fisher’s book, The Choice, which is the first in her Lancaster County Secrets series.

The story follows Carrie Weaver, who plans to run off with her sweetheart Solomon Riehl to live the “English” life.  That is, to leave the Amish (“plain”) way of life.  However, after the death of Carrie’s father, plans change and she marries a man she doesn’t love, inherits a family she comes to adore, and finds herself challenged spiritually and emotionally by the Miller family’s cousin, Abel (who is an Amish-raised hottie).

An appealing strong-willed survivor, Carrie is a far-cry from the meek, shy women I’ve encountered on my Lancaster journeys.   But, then again, Carrie is in her element—interaction with an outsider to the Amish world is much different than what happens inside its cloistered walls.  While every Amish (and Mennonite) district has its own rules for governance, The Choice offers a glimpse into the practice of Rumspringa, shunning, marriage, and of course, a good ol’ Amish barn raising. (What’s a book about Amish, fiction or non-fiction without a good barn-raising?)

Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls together a good plot complete with great characters, and a little peek into the Amish culture.  Actually, I was surprised I enjoyed The Choice so much and I would definitely recommend it to other readers, particularly those interested in “Amish-themed chick lit.”

*This book was provided for free for review by LifFuse Publicity and Revell Books.*
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Take 5 with Jon Acuff of Stuff Christians Like

Stuff Christians Like (SCL) is a fast-growing site that takes a satirical and honest view of Christian pop culture.  Started in March 2008, site founder Jon Acuff decided to put an evangelical twist on the wildly popular blog, Stuff White People Like.  Writing with wit and sensitivity, Acuff has engaged readers with over 500 (almost 600) insightful posts on what Christians like such as Rob Bell, comparing Braveheart to Christianity, metrosexual worship leaders, and counting swears in movies.  SCL works because not only is Acuff young enough to be relevant and relevant enough to know what it means to be relevant, but also because his posts are saturated with sincerity and humility.  And because he’s a super guy, Jon Acuff agreed to Take 5 with Backseat Writer when he could be writing about how Christians like to write blog posts about other Christians (or hanging out with his wife and daughters).

*You wrote that you started Stuff Christians Like to take a look at the misconceptions, preconceptions, and conceptions in general about the church.  Why do you think it’s important to clear the air about Christianity using the SCL as a forum?

To tell you the truth, I didn’t initially think it was important. I have about 40 different URLs registered, ranging from bad ideas to even worse ideas. And when I started stuffchristianslike.net I thought it would be another idea I wrote about for a few weeks and then quit. But when people started reading it, a complete surprise to me, I felt like I was not alone in wanting to explore faith and the culture we’ve created around it with humor and honesty.

*By using humor, you offer a softer approach to topics that are generally off-limits.  Not only that, but your commentary about the Church is constructive in nature.  Plus, you even use the Bible, something that I don’t see a lot of satirists doing.  How has this approach been helpful for those who have been hurt by the Church?

Part of the approach has been learning from my mistakes. Early on I made the mistake of writing about individuals instead of issues or ideas. After a few posts where I felt like I unfairly and without a whole lot of love picked on people I started to realize that it’s hard to write a blog without following Christ’s command that we love other people. There are too many Christian Jerk blogs out there and I decided that even though I had blown it a few times I wanted to be hyper deliberate about not being a jerk. So I think a big part of the approach is that the only person I try to point a finger at is me. Ways I’ve been wrong about God or the church or faith and then exploring those in hopefully a funny way. I try to never mock. The Bible is chock full of verses about how much God wants to drop the elbow of death on mockers, so I try to avoid that. Although I still make mistakes with what I write.

*I imagine when writing some of your posts, you know that you’re going to push buttons.  What makes you hit “post” anyway?

There are some posts that I’m really terrified about posting but in some ways I hope I never get numb to that. I don’t think it’s easy being honest, especially when the stakes are higher and there’s a part of you that worries about people you know seeing what you wrote. But the biggest criteria I use when picking topics is, “Is this true of my own life?” If it’s not, if it’s not something I struggle with or think is funny in my own life I don’t write about it. So that makes it easier to say things that might be hard to share. If that’s what is going on in my life then I’m not presenting some crazy idea, I’m sharing my life.

*I know there’s a book a’coming in March 2010.  How did the book deal come about?

When people started reading the site I contacted a literary agent that a number of people suggested named Chip MacGregor. I had a conversation with him and sent him my blog traffic numbers. We put together a proposal and he shopped it around to a few different publishers. Zondervan seemed like a great fit and when they offered a chance to publish Stuff Christians Like I was really honored by the opportunity.

*Sometimes I think it’s harder for women who write satire/humor to find success, especially in Christian circles.  Do you think this is true?  Why or why not?

I think that’s probably true regardless of the gender when it comes to creating Christian satire. I think it’s a hard thing to do because I’m not sure if the church embraces satire and laughter as vehicles of honesty and insight, which is a shame because I think God loves laughter. The verse that kind of drives the site is Psalm 126: 1-2:

^“1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.

² Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”

I love that when the other nations saw the laughter, when they noticed the laughter they couldn’t help but say, “The Lord has done great things for them.” That’s why I try to get people to laugh.

Book Review:: Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions by James A. Beverley

Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions (Thomas Nelson, May 2009) doesn’t sound like the makings of an exciting book, but rather a college text book for a class a student was forced to take.  However, this resource is anything but boring and you must (not should—MUST) add it to your book collection.

James A. Beverley’s book is an extraordinary undertaking covering over 200 religions, including sects within Christianity.  Selections on other popular religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Jehovah’s Witnesses not only include helpful photographs and illustrations, but also a breakdown of the groups core beliefs, common questions Christians have about the religion and ways to interact with followers as well as I suggested information for further study through current books and websites.  Oh, and then there’s the meaty history lesson on the development of each religion or sect as well as pertinent information on creeds, and other observances of the religion itself.

For example, take Chapter 19 on Witchcraft, which is also cross-referenced as “Wicca.”  There are a plethora of topics tackled in this chapter including types of witchcraft, the history of witchcraft, and various creeds used by practioners.  What I find particularly interesting is the “Witches Q&A” which seeks to dispel common errors we have about witchcraft, so we don’t look completely ignorant in our conversations.  One question asked is, “Do witches kill animals and humans?”  To which the answer is a resounding “no.”  And any rogue witch that would engage in this practice would be cast out of the “coven” (another word I picked up thanks to the key facts guide.)

Some of it may seem like common sense, but Beverley’s suggestions are sometimes surprising.  The author, who is a sought-after expert on world religions, does an incredible job of encouraging Christians to engage with those outside their fish bowls of faith.  However, he always cautions against becoming mystified with another religion.

I’ve never seen such a well-done and comprehensive guide on religion.  Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions is readable, practical, and extremely important for Christians, who are constantly bombarded by a plethora of beliefs.  Be smart and savvy in your understanding of other religions; purchase Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religion.

Photo Essay:: Three Crosses

“Three Crosses” by Dirk Bolle

Dirk Bolle is the nerd in residence at Christian Assembly in Los Angeles. Besides God, Dirk can’t live without Macs and coffee. He also enjoys taking photographs of his landlord’s cats and watching “Cops” and “M*A*S*H”. In his former life, Dirk was on the original cast of “Square Pegs” as that guy who did that thing. Visit his blog to see more from the world of Dirk.

Big can be beautiful? Really?

Until I saw this news article, I had no idea that Mia Tyler existed. Captivated by the title of a plus-sized model who wanted to commit suicide, I decided to give the article a looksy. Apparently Aerosmith’s Steve Tyler has another little girl besides actress Liv Tyler (who is one of my favorite actresses) and she’s coming out with a book called Creating Myself: How I Learned That Beauty Comes in All Shapes, Sizes, and Packages, Including Me. I’m sort of bummed that it doesn’t come out until August 26 because it’s on my must-read list.

Mia with her dad, Aerosmith’s front man Steve Tyler

Mia and I have a lot in common–we’re both models, daughters of famous rock stars, plus-sized, blue-eyed, writers, think Liv Tyler is cool, and former self-injurers. OK, so I’m not really a model or the daughter of a famous rock star, but the other stuff is true. When I look at photographs of this woman, I can’t believe that she would see herself as anything but beautiful. Yet I know her struggle all too well.

I remember staring at my fat bulges in hatred as I willfully cut myself, scarring my body forever. Like Mia, I remember thinking I would be better off dead because no one could love this ugly girl. Unlike Mia, my hope didn’t (and doesn’t) come from a phone call from MTV asking me to be a VJ (although being a MTV VJ would be pretty fly), it comes from God.

I’ve mentioned before that I thought God hated me for being fat, and defiling this temple I carry around planet earth. It’s OK if other people do things to defile their temples like smoke or drink or clog their arteries or whatever, but not me. I am completely devoid of grace on this one. Or so I thought. If I’m honest, I still wrestle with it in my mind. I’m working through it.

Mia and I have one more thing in common–we’re both beautiful. Really.

I Won’t Buy You a Beer

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend among Christians.  They seem to laud drinking and alcohol.  I have no problem with the responsible consumption of alcohol–really.  However, I choose not to drink because alcoholism is a problem that has hit both sides of my family so I’d rather not indulge.  Plus, alcohol can interfere with my medicine..and dying for a Bud Light isn’t my idea of fun.  But perhaps the biggest reason I don’t drink is this–I think alcohol tastes gross.  I mean, down a bottle of cough medicine or mouth wash or Jack Daniel’s, to me, it all tastes the same.

I understand that many people do enjoy drinking a beer with friends or getting a margarita with a meal.  Again, I have no problem with this.  The thing I find odd is that a lot of Christian seems to be so proud about their drinking habits.  Like, “Hey, I threw one back with the boys after the Elders Meeting…” This seems to be especially true with men, who I’ve found want to “out drink” each other.  Or they drink just one more to fit in with their pals.   As long as you don’t get drunk or tipsy, fine, do what you will.  But do you need to Twitter, blog, brag about your drinking habits?

During the day, I drink a lot of beverages.  I usually start my day with Diet Coke (because I don’t like coffee), gradually add in some tea of an icy nature, and end the day with a nice cool glass of…water.  However, until this moment, I haven’t really shared that information with the whole world.  Guess what?  I go out with my gal pals and drink Diet Coke!  Sometimes I get really wild and put a lemon in it!  OK, admittedly, I did have a strawberry milkshake (small) the other day…but I didn’t announce that either.  Although maybe I should’ve because it was really good.

People have to be 21 to drink, right?  Because there’s a certain maturity and responsibility associated with using alcohol.  I’m thinking if you’re bragging about drinking and how often you do it, then you probably aren’t mature or responsible enough to be drinking–no matter how old you are.

Miley’s Faith

Thanks to the AP for this lovely photo of Miley Cyrus. Her eyes look dramatic, don’t they?

A big round of applause to Dave Garrison for today’s Miley Cyrus update.

Clean-cut teen Miley Cyrus of “Hannah Montana” celebrity recently spoke about her faith in a Fox News interview saying, “I think it’s my faith that keeps me grounded, especially because I’m a Christ follower for sure. Live like Christ and he’ll live in you, and that’s what I want to do” (full article). Looks like Miley is embracing some “emergent church” terminology smartly referring to herself as a “Christ follower” and not a “Christian”, a distinction that I also like to make.

What I don’t like is this–the fact that Fox News has chosen to call their section on entertainers, “Pop Tarts”. They are not referring to a tasty toaster pastry, but rather a derogatory term. According to freedictionary.com, a tart is “a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money.” UrbanDictionary.com has a colorful array of definitions for “pop tart”, which include “a lip synching teeny bopper bimbo on MTV who acts trampy” and “the use of “pop-tart” as an adjective for a slatternly pop singer was first coined by Mark Hänser in the Long Beach (California) Union Daily in 1983, first in reference to “Pat Bena-tart” then famously about Scandal’s Patty Smyth (of “Goodbye To You” and “The Warrior” fame.” Whatever the case, while some entertainers do indeed act “tarty”, it is a derogatory term, which I find offensive. I mean, they mention Abigail Breslin in the same news section…she’s 11! Abigail and Miley are certainly not tarts, and seem to be nice young ladies with bright futures.

This is why I blog about Miley Cyrus so much–I think she’s a great role model. She doesn’t bear her belly or show off her cleavage, but still manages to dress chic. Instead of running around partying and drinking, she says that she hasn’t dated much (although it’s rumored that she is dating one of the Jonas brothers). From what I can tell, Miley is under an enormous amount of pressure and has thus far remained a great role model for girls.