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Christ in the Chaos
For far too long mothers have been beaten down by the law of “do better” and “try harder.” The burden of “getting it right” threatens to crush weary souls who desire to serve their families faithfully. Christ in the Chaos brings comfort to conflicted hearts that are starved of grace and longing for the freedom in Christ the Bible promises.
In this book, Kimm Crandall emphasizes the importance of the gospel and how Christ’s life, death, and resurrection change every aspect of motherhood. From finding our identity in Christ and understanding God’s grace to taking off the mask of acceptability and dealing with the comparison crud, this book will free you to serve your family knowing that his love for you does not change based on your performance.
Christ in the Chaos is a “must read” for every mother who longs for what is seemingly impossible: peace and freedom in the midst of her chaos.
In this book, Kimm Crandall emphasizes the importance of the gospel and how Christ’s life, death, and resurrection change every aspect of motherhood. From finding our identity in Christ and understanding God’s grace to taking off the mask of acceptability and dealing with the comparison crud, this book will free you to serve your family knowing that his love for you does not change based on your performance.
Christ in the Chaos is a “must read” for every mother who longs for what is seemingly impossible: peace and freedom in the midst of her chaos.
128 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
25 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Kimm Crandall
5 books45 followersKimm Crandall is a mother of four kids (15, 13, 10, and 8)) who is never short on examples of how God has flooded her with the excessive grace that the gospel brings. Kimm’s desire is, through writing and speaking, to bring the much-needed freedom of the gospel to others who have been beaten down by the “try harder” and “do better” law. When she is not on the basketball court, baseball field, beach, or enjoying horses she can be found blogging at kimmcrandall.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 30, 2016
This is a really good book filled with truth.
That said, I found it hard to relate to the author constantly beating herself up. But, the book was so full of good reminders of the gospel this overshadowed the fact I don't think of myself in the way this author struggled. And the fact that she struggled in this way simply highlights the need for thinking of ourselves through the lens of the gospel and God's grace, not legalism. This is part of the story she's sharing. I'd just say our starting places are different and I'm coming to this book from a place of already understanding God's grace in my daily life (although not completely or perfectly, of course!) thanks to the awesome teaching I get in my local church.
Some favorite quotes:
"Jesus is not my example . . . He is my replacement." (If only we'd get that simple fact!)
And
"What grace does, though, is make you long to be with the Father and walk in obedience--not because you are afraid but because you are loved."
That said, I found it hard to relate to the author constantly beating herself up. But, the book was so full of good reminders of the gospel this overshadowed the fact I don't think of myself in the way this author struggled. And the fact that she struggled in this way simply highlights the need for thinking of ourselves through the lens of the gospel and God's grace, not legalism. This is part of the story she's sharing. I'd just say our starting places are different and I'm coming to this book from a place of already understanding God's grace in my daily life (although not completely or perfectly, of course!) thanks to the awesome teaching I get in my local church.
Some favorite quotes:
"Jesus is not my example . . . He is my replacement." (If only we'd get that simple fact!)
And
"What grace does, though, is make you long to be with the Father and walk in obedience--not because you are afraid but because you are loved."
April 18, 2022
Great reminders!
August 19, 2014
I hoped for fewer platitudes and more substance.
March 11, 2019
Redundant
Crandall’s advice is useful... But her writing style was, to me, quite lacking and each chapter seemed to basically repeat the same things the previous had. I didn’t feel much was being built upon, and her personal anecdotes seemed to lack depth for me.
Honestly, I think this could have been condensed into a well-written essay and I would have enjoyed it far more.
Crandall’s advice is useful... But her writing style was, to me, quite lacking and each chapter seemed to basically repeat the same things the previous had. I didn’t feel much was being built upon, and her personal anecdotes seemed to lack depth for me.
Honestly, I think this could have been condensed into a well-written essay and I would have enjoyed it far more.
Read
February 22, 2014So much freedom in the truths of this book!
So often we feel we have to have it all together as representatives of Christ - as if he really needs us to accomplish anything! Yet we can easily live in this constant state of feeling like we must be perfect and hold our families to these ideals, too. The reality is that because of Christ's redemptive work on the cross, God sees us as perfect even amidst our failures. What a much needed reminder!
So often we feel we have to have it all together as representatives of Christ - as if he really needs us to accomplish anything! Yet we can easily live in this constant state of feeling like we must be perfect and hold our families to these ideals, too. The reality is that because of Christ's redemptive work on the cross, God sees us as perfect even amidst our failures. What a much needed reminder!
April 15, 2019
I had high hopes for this book, but I was a little disappointed. The author makes some good points, but ultimately it became a little repetitive. I found it surprisingly hard to relate to, when it seems like she was trying to make this a relatable book.
May 24, 2013
Kimm Crandall, in the thick of motherhood with four children, yielding to the turbulence of life, pens a book ripe with gospel truth for mothers. It's a book that wants to combat the "mom laws" and shout "Gospel!" loud and clear to moms who are starved from grace.
This concise, ten-chapter, 120 page book is written for "the mom who has been up all night with the baby, the mom who only has a few minutes waiting for the school bus, and for the mom who relishes her own bathroom breaks." She aims to free moms from the pressures and expectations of motherhood by telling and retelling the liberating truth in the gospel. It was birthed from her own chaos and trials that God used to awaken her heart to the good news - that there is grace for the sinful mother. She writes, "God has changed me through the gospel, giving me a new love and a new life, and I hope the same thing will happen to you as you read the good news of his grace and mercy in this book (14)."
The subtitle is How the Gospel Changes Motherhood, but really it could be how the gospel changes parents, but especially mothers. Though it's not a "parenting" book per se, Kimm's tender writing and soft heart for the gospel truth will reach your impatient, chaotic, messy family context as it did for me: a dad of two small boys. Parenting is no easy task, especially for mothers. Mix in the (verbal and nonverbal) pressures from various Christian cultures (particularly other moms) and life can get quite burdensome, heavy and possibly bitter. I know this from my wife's own experience. That is why in this book, Kimm shouts "The gospel is for Christians too!" And that is why it is for moms, grandma's, moms-to-be and dads who are seeking encouragement from someone who's going through the chaos right now with them. That's this book.
And that is what makes this book stand out for me. In it, I am amazed at Kimm's candor and ownership of the chaos that inevitably ensues all families. It is as if she is inviting the reader to peak inside her front door, to gaze at the messiness of her own family, and see how grace covers a multitude of their failures and victories alike. She basks in the the finished work of Christ daily. Her stories are our stories. And that is why she writes. She's writes to point moms (and dads) to the gospel over and over again. Each chapter is ripe with gospel truth, painted with fine brush strokes suited for tired moms or troubled parents. Yet those who are well and energized parents (do they exist?) will be deeply impacted by this book as well.
Clearly influenced by her friends Elyse Fitzpatrick, Tullian Tchividjian, Paul Tripp and others, Kimm writes humbly but passionately knowing how the gospel has changed her views of motherhood and upon finishing this book, I am convinced it will change yours too.
This concise, ten-chapter, 120 page book is written for "the mom who has been up all night with the baby, the mom who only has a few minutes waiting for the school bus, and for the mom who relishes her own bathroom breaks." She aims to free moms from the pressures and expectations of motherhood by telling and retelling the liberating truth in the gospel. It was birthed from her own chaos and trials that God used to awaken her heart to the good news - that there is grace for the sinful mother. She writes, "God has changed me through the gospel, giving me a new love and a new life, and I hope the same thing will happen to you as you read the good news of his grace and mercy in this book (14)."
The subtitle is How the Gospel Changes Motherhood, but really it could be how the gospel changes parents, but especially mothers. Though it's not a "parenting" book per se, Kimm's tender writing and soft heart for the gospel truth will reach your impatient, chaotic, messy family context as it did for me: a dad of two small boys. Parenting is no easy task, especially for mothers. Mix in the (verbal and nonverbal) pressures from various Christian cultures (particularly other moms) and life can get quite burdensome, heavy and possibly bitter. I know this from my wife's own experience. That is why in this book, Kimm shouts "The gospel is for Christians too!" And that is why it is for moms, grandma's, moms-to-be and dads who are seeking encouragement from someone who's going through the chaos right now with them. That's this book.
And that is what makes this book stand out for me. In it, I am amazed at Kimm's candor and ownership of the chaos that inevitably ensues all families. It is as if she is inviting the reader to peak inside her front door, to gaze at the messiness of her own family, and see how grace covers a multitude of their failures and victories alike. She basks in the the finished work of Christ daily. Her stories are our stories. And that is why she writes. She's writes to point moms (and dads) to the gospel over and over again. Each chapter is ripe with gospel truth, painted with fine brush strokes suited for tired moms or troubled parents. Yet those who are well and energized parents (do they exist?) will be deeply impacted by this book as well.
Clearly influenced by her friends Elyse Fitzpatrick, Tullian Tchividjian, Paul Tripp and others, Kimm writes humbly but passionately knowing how the gospel has changed her views of motherhood and upon finishing this book, I am convinced it will change yours too.
April 3, 2014
The Overview
Just as the back cover says, such will you learn in this powerfully refreshing book by Kimm Crandall. Reading it brought me to my knees both figuratively and literally. My mind was overwhelmed once again by the simple yet unfathomable gospel truth, while physically, I got to my knees in both repentance and adoration to my Savior. Christ In The Chaos does not just tell you what the gospel is and how it applies to our lives, but rather gives you picture after picture of what it means to live it out daily - minute-by-minute even - in our lives specifically in the role of mother. However, I firmly believe that any woman will be able to read this book and gain a greater understanding of gospel impact on our routine, earthly lives.
The Readability
This perfectly sized read is just right for it's audience - mothers who are always short on time. The 10 chapters flow well into each other yet they also stand alone well enough to be read in reading sprints rather than marathons. While the content is beautifully deep, Kimm Crandall makes it simple and so very easy to understand the amazing truth of the gospel. Readers who have studied other books on the gospel will enjoy this just as much as the one who has is still wondering how the saving gospel applies to our daily lives.
The Highlights
I greatly appreciate Kimm's honest writing which made me praise God for all He is doing in her life and can do in my life, as well. She aptly applies the Bible to everyday situations you and I may face and teaches you how to apply the Word of God for yourself without turning it into another list of do's and don'ts. She is not sharing her personal opinion, but rather spoon-feeding us the truth of the gospels that we, in our false maturity, think we already know.
The Downside
If you do not believe that the gospel is good for both salvation for our everyday needs, you will not like this book. However, if you are daring enough to read it, it could be the book God uses to help you understand more fully His gospel grace. For me, and other readers who are desperate for a book that will help us on our continued journey to apply the gospel to each moment of our lives, this book has no downside.
The Recommendation
I give this book a hearty endorsement and will encourage every mother - and even every women - to read it sooner than later. My copy is no marked and on my shelf to be referred to again and again as I turn to a friend to point me to Christ in the hardest moments of motherhood. No matter where you are on the journey of motherhood - first time mom to the empty-nester - you will benefit from this book.
Just as the back cover says, such will you learn in this powerfully refreshing book by Kimm Crandall. Reading it brought me to my knees both figuratively and literally. My mind was overwhelmed once again by the simple yet unfathomable gospel truth, while physically, I got to my knees in both repentance and adoration to my Savior. Christ In The Chaos does not just tell you what the gospel is and how it applies to our lives, but rather gives you picture after picture of what it means to live it out daily - minute-by-minute even - in our lives specifically in the role of mother. However, I firmly believe that any woman will be able to read this book and gain a greater understanding of gospel impact on our routine, earthly lives.
The Readability
This perfectly sized read is just right for it's audience - mothers who are always short on time. The 10 chapters flow well into each other yet they also stand alone well enough to be read in reading sprints rather than marathons. While the content is beautifully deep, Kimm Crandall makes it simple and so very easy to understand the amazing truth of the gospel. Readers who have studied other books on the gospel will enjoy this just as much as the one who has is still wondering how the saving gospel applies to our daily lives.
The Highlights
I greatly appreciate Kimm's honest writing which made me praise God for all He is doing in her life and can do in my life, as well. She aptly applies the Bible to everyday situations you and I may face and teaches you how to apply the Word of God for yourself without turning it into another list of do's and don'ts. She is not sharing her personal opinion, but rather spoon-feeding us the truth of the gospels that we, in our false maturity, think we already know.
The Downside
If you do not believe that the gospel is good for both salvation for our everyday needs, you will not like this book. However, if you are daring enough to read it, it could be the book God uses to help you understand more fully His gospel grace. For me, and other readers who are desperate for a book that will help us on our continued journey to apply the gospel to each moment of our lives, this book has no downside.
The Recommendation
I give this book a hearty endorsement and will encourage every mother - and even every women - to read it sooner than later. My copy is no marked and on my shelf to be referred to again and again as I turn to a friend to point me to Christ in the hardest moments of motherhood. No matter where you are on the journey of motherhood - first time mom to the empty-nester - you will benefit from this book.
September 4, 2018
This book was not only helpful but encouraging. Hearing familiar Mon struggles but reminded of the gospel truth through them made me view my role as a mother differently. It was always easy to read without being fluff, not super long so I could finish a chapter in a sitting. Highly recommend for all moms who want to glorify God and rise above the drowning feeling.
May 14, 2013
Christ in the Chaos isn't your usual guilt-inducing book about motherhood. Instead, it's oxygen for the soul--and it's not just for mothers.
Kimm begins by helping readers root our identity not in motherhood, but in our place as His beloved daughters. A mom of four, Kimm doesn't pretend to have it all together; she knows she's desperately inadequate and isn't afraid to shout out that truth. Like the Apostle Paul, she gladly boasts in her weakness so that Christ's power can rest on her. And as she hides herself in Him, she brings something heavy to her readers: not the burdens of guilt and shame, of "should" and try harder and do better, but the weight of glory--the reassurance of love and holy welcome and finished work to rest in.
full review: http://schmamy.blogspot.com/2013/05/b...
Kimm begins by helping readers root our identity not in motherhood, but in our place as His beloved daughters. A mom of four, Kimm doesn't pretend to have it all together; she knows she's desperately inadequate and isn't afraid to shout out that truth. Like the Apostle Paul, she gladly boasts in her weakness so that Christ's power can rest on her. And as she hides herself in Him, she brings something heavy to her readers: not the burdens of guilt and shame, of "should" and try harder and do better, but the weight of glory--the reassurance of love and holy welcome and finished work to rest in.
full review: http://schmamy.blogspot.com/2013/05/b...
August 10, 2013
Not the balm to my mama heart that I was hoping for, however this book is full of great reminders. I didn't find it nearly as helpful as I had expected it to be...until I got to chapter 9. WHAMO! Exactly what I needed to hear (thank you God). It helped me to realize that the "Uber-Mom" ideal our culture forces us to strive for is not only impossible, but (especially among Christians) is damaging. We need to be real. We need to be honest. We need to be humans, and everything that that entails. There is no such thing as Uber Mom. Anyone who pretends to be her is struggling just like the rest of us.
April 15, 2013
I finish reading 12th books that is Christ in the Chaos by Kimm Crandall (Cruciform books). Christ in the Chaos is written for Mom with children. I am not a mom and don't have any children, but I do have furry children. I will give this book 5 stars. Great book for Mom to read and it will point you to the Gospel and how much you need the Gospel daily in your life day by day when dealing with chaos in your life around your children. We all do need to be reminded of the Gospel daily in our lives even when we aren't a mom in this case. It is a great short book to read.
December 23, 2013
Is there any task potentially more rewarding and more thankless than that of motherhood? Writing from honestly refreshing experience, Crandall admits her obsession with being “the perfect mother” and the hopelessness that goal drove her to. The remedy, she reveals, is the gospel of Christ. While the lack of bulleted to-do lists here may be lamented by some (including the author!) the focus on Christ as the source of expectations and acceptance for mothers is fantastic.
May 17, 2013
"A strong mother is not the glue that holds a family together; only a strong God can handle such a colossal task" (59). I just finished reading this book to my wife while he did dishes, cleaned the house, etc., over the course of several days. I am thankful for this great resource to preach the gospel to her and speak to her of grace and Christ's finished work in the trials of everyday motherhood.
July 22, 2014
Encouraging words for moms who are battling stress, burnout, and discouragement.
Knowing the audience is important. The book almost comes off as a "free grace" theology, with very little exhortation to strive for holiness and to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness.
But Crandall is not writing a manual on sanctification. She is trying to comfort busy moms who are teetering on the brink of exhaustion and who need to remember that their identity is in Christ.
Knowing the audience is important. The book almost comes off as a "free grace" theology, with very little exhortation to strive for holiness and to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness.
But Crandall is not writing a manual on sanctification. She is trying to comfort busy moms who are teetering on the brink of exhaustion and who need to remember that their identity is in Christ.
Read
January 30, 2014It is a very good book for anyone to read but it is especially good for mothers. It gives insight to how we should be with other mothers and to ourselves as Christ children. Christ died for us and because of His love we have communion with the father. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to draw closer to God.
May 9, 2013
Loved this book! Honest, life-giving Truth! Leaning in on Christ, realizing it is all about Him not me and resting in what He did for me through the power of the Resurrection. This is an encouraging book for weary moms.
September 4, 2014
A lot of truth and encouragement, but not much substance. This book could have been half the length easily and better edited. There is a lot to glean, but I fear many, like me might have a hard time getting through it.
February 6, 2014
This book is an incredible reminder that motherhood, and life in general, is not measured by our own success and failures, but by the redemption we have through Christ. It is so freeing to understand that I can't mess up or succeed enough to change my Heavenly Father's love and acceptance of me.
November 15, 2014
A short chapter book written by a candid mom for moms looking to find Jesus in the everyday chaos of their lives. No lists or "try harder" tips or advice... just a biblical reminder to take off our masks and stop comparing ourselves to others, and simply rest in Him and His extraordinary love.
January 4, 2015
Truly wish that there were more stars. This book is fantastic and what my heart needs to hear. Her chapter on comparison is worth the price of the book alone and speaks to women of all ages and stages. Love this book and bought several copies to give away.
March 24, 2013
Good book about the gospel message as it applies to motherhood. I found myself saying over and over again that any parent could benefit from the message in this book
August 20, 2013
Changed my life. Seriously. The way I look at the grace of God for myself and I also the way I look at others has changed. Awesome, awesome book.
July 9, 2013
A nice short read about the importance of accepting the gospel for ourselves instead of beating ourselves to death trying to measure up to the Perfect Mother standard.
November 10, 2013
Wonderful book that was so encouraging!
January 28, 2014
I really loved this book. With discussion questions at the end of each chapter this may make a very good small group study.
December 17, 2015
Amazing amazing book! Such rawness and pure encouragement in the Gospel! Just what I needed as a mom who often feels so overwhelmed by life and my own sin in it all. Thank you!!
July 24, 2016
Great read! Very applicable to the "season" I'm in.
January 18, 2016
Gospel on every page. SO refreshing. My husband loved it too.
November 22, 2014
Each page is a reminder of the gospel for your life. Chaos does have a purpose, it teaches us to seek Christ and rely on him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews