Women of Scripture: Hannah

Sermon Notes: July 16 & July 19, 2026

When thinking of grief, we traditionally think of mourning after the death of a loved one. We think of grief in death and rightly so. This is a profound pain which impacts all of us. Death is part of the human condition. Grief not only takes the form of dealing with death, but grief occurs in many situations in life. This is what we see in Hannah’s story.

Hannah grieved, because she believed she would never have a child. She envisioned a future where she could not provide her husband with an heir, and she was ridiculed by her husband’s other wife and society. She was greatly distraught and turned to God in prayer (1 Samuel 1:1-20). Hannah’s story of grief reminds us how grief touches our lives in different ways. Grief not only comes in the expected packages but touches our lives in many ways. If you are dealing with disappointment, lack of hope, or an unrealized expectation, spend some time with Hannah and recognize that you are not alone. Hannah’s witness inspires us and God goes with us.

Thankful for witnesses who did not remain silent,

Rev. Sherri