Good friends Chrissy Field and Cindy Kirk are two women on a mission. They have come together to present the Permission to Speak Freely Tour featuring Anne Jackson, Susan Isaacs and Solveig Leithaug at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum. Participants will share an afternoon of essays, storytelling and music. The event will take place on Saturday, March 5, at 3 p.m. Doors open at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at the door and at Chapter One Bookstore in Ketchum and Sun Valley.
"Guys have fun things to do," Kirk said. "It's harder for women to get away for a few hours."
While hiking together, Field and Kirk brainstormed about how to get women together and feel comfortable talking about issues that relate to women. The result was a talk with Kirsten Armstrong in 2010, which today has evolved into another event—the Permission to Speak Freely Tour.
"We want to inspire other women," Field said. "Men are welcome, if they want to come. This presentation, however, is not for the faint of heart."
Jackson, author of "Permission to Speak Freely" writes and travels. She is a speaker and social-change activist who shares her struggles about exploring faith and living a real faith. In her book, "Permission to Speak Freely" she writes about God being her man—the one and only. She also is open about the addiction she had to pornography.
"The notion that good people go to church is not so," Kirk said. "People go to church because so many of us are broken."
Isaacs, author of "Angry Conversations With God," is more of a comedian about her relationship with God. Her snarky approach to finding spirituality is refreshing and very funny.
Leithaug is a Dove Award-winning recording artist who has a distinct vocal style and is a master of guitar. She has been a staple of the Scandinavian gospel music scene, performing throughout Europe and the U.S.
"We need to embrace who we are," Kirk said. "We have nothing to be ashamed about. We all have faults."
The presentation will be open and candid, allowing women a chance to hear and discuss issues they may find hard to talk about in church. Attendees will be able to text questions on screen at the talk. The presentation will have a list of resources available for people to take home.
"We want people to open up on issues in their lives," Field said.
The talk is for those 18 years and older. Childcare is available. For reservations, call 726-3980.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Chrissy Field, on left, and Cindy Kirk will host the Compassion International presents the Permission to Speak Freely Tour at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum on Saturday, March 5. Photo by Willy Cook
