Hannah and Barrenness

The story of Hannah has at times been used as a formula for women to get pregnant who struggle with infertility. That approach can become judgmental and overly simplistic, and does not honor the fullness of Hannah’s story and the pervasive instances of barren women in the Bible. In this episode we dig into the risky hope that Hannah expresses in her petition to God. Hope that requires vulnerability and boldness to be honest about our desires before the Lord. Hannah’s story provides a model for what it can look like to struggle with perpetual disappointment and shame and still bring our whole hearts to God. And her story and those of other barren women point us to the mystery of life and an invitation to humility. Hannah’s story is found in 1 Samuel 1-2. We also reference the story of Anna in Luke 2:36-38