Holy Hot Mess

June 7, 2021
Mom Babble blogger Backstrom (Mom Babble) humorously shares how her pursuit of holiness fits in with the realities of everyday life, revealing her own “hot mess experiences” to reassure Christians they don’t have to hide their imperfections from God. She reminds readers God doesn’t require them to earn love, but accepts them just as they are. Addressing topics such as faith, identity, friendship, love, and parenting, her musings and questions will resonate with readers, as when she asks God: “If you do have a plan for my life, could you make it a little bit easier?” Backstrom also touches on serious issues, including her experiences as a victim of sexual abuse, recovering from breast cancer, and contracting Covid-19. Drawing from scriptural examples, she emphasizes finding one’s direction and purpose through being “quiet, intentional, and waiting for the Lord,” and compares trying to satiate oneself with things or achievements to spinning on a hamster wheel. Ultimately, Backstrom reassures Christians that God has a plan for them and they “are holy” no matter how messy life might feel. Readers who enjoy the work of Rachel Hollis will feel right at home.