Broken & Hopeful

09/06/2026

09/04/2026

I was thinking about David the other day. You know, the kid who took on a giant and won? I was thinking about how without human support he was as he faced down impossible odds. His dad sent him to take food to his brothers, implying he wasn’t strong enough to be a warrior and was only good for delivering food. His brothers mocked him for his curiosity about why everyone was hiding. He hadn’t forgotten who he was, or who their God was, but when he brought it up, he was met with dismissal and derision. His king tried to give him his armor, once again a demonstration that he was too small and insignificant to do any of these crazy stuff he was threatening. But David went anyway. He knew who God had made him to be, and he knew who his God was through him. Don’t let the rejection or scorn of others define who you are or who your God is.

David didn’t fight Goliath like the giant wanted him to do. Jamie Winship pointed out in a talk recently that David didn’t try to go wrestle him or fight him with a sword. He didn’t let the enemy determine how the battle was fought. He stood in his identity and the training God had led him through as a shepherd on the hillside with his sheep—he needed a sling and some rocks. Don’t let the situation dictate how the battle should be fought—ask God how He wants to fight the battle.

Finally, David didn’t walk off the battlefield after the Philistines were defeated and have a nice easy life after Saul gave up the monarchy to him, and everyone acknowledged his courage. This was just the beginning of lots more battles, many against those who were supposed to be his people. Saul got jealous of the people’s love for David, and would try to kill him. He was in hiding multiple times throughout his life, towards the end from his own son who was trying to kill him as well. But that doesn’t take away the victory in this circumstance, as it increased David’s trust and dependence on his God. Don’t let the follow up and the new problems steal the trust and dependence you learned in the difficulty, but celebrate and remember.

09/04/2026

I was thinking about David the other day. You know, the kid who took on a giant and won? I was thinking about how without human support he was as he faced down impossible odds. His dad sent him to take food to his brothers, implying he wasn’t strong enough to be a warrior and was only good for delivering food. His brothers mocked him for his curiosity about why everyone was hiding. He hadn’t forgotten who he was, or who their God was, but when he brought it up, he was met with dismissal and derision. His king tried to give him his armor, once again a demonstration that he was too small and insignificant to do any of these crazy stuff he was threatening. But David went anyway. He knew who God had made him to be, and he knew who his God was through him. Don’t let the rejection or scorn of others define who you are or who your God is.

David didn’t fight Goliath like the giant wanted him to do. Jamie Winship pointed out in a talk recently that David didn’t try to go wrestle him or fight him with a sword. He didn’t let the enemy determine how the battle was fought. He stood in his identity and the training God had led him through as a shepherd on the hillside with his sheep—he needed a sling and some rocks. Don’t let the situation dictate how the battle should be fought—ask God how He wants to fight the battle.

Finally, David didn’t walk off the battlefield after the Philistines were defeated and have a nice easy life after Saul gave up the monarchy to him, and everyone acknowledged his courage. This was just the beginning of lots more battles, many against those who were supposed to be his people. Saul got jealous of the people’s love for David, and would try to kill him. He was in hiding multiple times throughout his life, towards the end from his own son who was trying to kill him as well. But that doesn’t take away the victory in this circumstance, as it increased David’s trust and dependence on his God. Don’t let the follow up and the new problems steal the trust and dependence you learned in the difficulty, but celebrate and remember.

09/03/2026

There is something powerful about hearing how God has met women during these weekends.
"I always leave knowing I am loved and seen by my Creator."
Every retreat tells another story of God's faithfulness. We can't wait to see what He has in store this November.
Learn more and register through the link in our bio.

08/31/2026

For those new to this page, I’m Hannah Morrell, executive director and pastoral counselor at Broken & Hopeful. This ministry was birthed in the crazy call of God to do counseling and discipleship on a donation basis, with no fees or sliding scales. I get to work with a bunch of amazing people, and to treasure their stories and walk with them while Jesus heals and brings freedom. I also write blog posts, record podcasts, do retreats and conferences, write some books, as well as all the fun administrative things that keep the ministry functioning and legal.

We are 100% supported by donation, and I often talk with people who are shocked that we are celebrating our 10th anniversary this year in November. I am pretty surprised too, as I realize it’s the worst business plan in the world! But God, who makes the impossible happen, continues to carry us through.

I live in Colorado with my fantastic husband (who has kindly put up with me for 19 years now) and two kids (who are both almost teens now), as well as my goofy Aussiedoodle dog. Our life is not perfect or without difficulty, but I love our messy, beautiful life.

The ministry is my place of growth, as I go deeper with Jesus myself as I listen to others and ask Him for wisdom. I’m so grateful He is the counselor, and not me!

Check out our website for more information, free resources and to connect with me and see what’s planned this year. You can also donate to support the amazing work God is doing here at Broken & Hopeful.
www.brokenandhopeful.com

08/28/2026

So, someone around here (that would be me) thought it would be a fun idea to get a puppy after our sweet old dog died this year. And don’t get me wrong, he is a cute little bu**er. Right now, though, after several nights of sleep deprivation trying to get him housetrained, I am questioning most of my decision. Instead of moving into regret, I’m reminded again of the importance of choosing our choices.

Throughout life there are choices we have made, and many more that are made for us without our blessing or input. We often want to get angry, sad or depressed about whatever choice has been made for us, and sometimes we do it about our own decisions as well. I have been stopped in my tracks though when God asks me if I will choose to follow Him in whatever it is, even if I don’t like it. I would much rather throw a fit about it, and sulk in my disappointment. But if I choose my choices, I can change my attitude, and take advantage of the power Jesus’ indwelling Life brings to whatever situation it is.

You see, nothing is too big or too much for Him. Not a rejection or betrayal, not a tough marriage or a difficult child, not an unwanted move to a place we don’t want to go or a mess of a world that presents itself every morning upon our arising. If I invite Him into my mess, I am able to choose my choices and let Him be enough for each need throughout it. I want to be led by my Shepherd, following His gentle voice as it leads me through things I don’t think I can make it through. Even when the world looks dark and everywhere we look is something terrible, we can still have hope that He will be enough. So, we focus on showing up for our lives in whatever small way we can, inviting Him into each moment.

Read the rest of the post here: https://www.brokenandhopeful.com/blog/choosing-your-choices

08/26/2026

Jesus invites us to abide in Him—not strive harder.
Our women's retreat is an opportunity to step away from the noise, rest in His presence, and rediscover the abundance He freely offers.
Learn more and register through the link in our bio.

08/21/2026

One of my husband’s firefighter friends had a terrible accident a couple of weeks ago, falling 50 feet in a training exercise and suffering traumatic brain injury along with lots of other wounds. One of the crew has been sending out updates on his status as he remained in the hospital and they evaluated spinal cord injuries, brain function, etc. He is on a positive trend, but the wins are so small that you can miss them sometimes. The thing that struck me was the update from the firefighter in which he said that the doctor had told him they need to compare things week-to-week rather than day-to-day. When we examine the wins and losses for one day, it can seem negative or nonexistent. But when we compare where he was a week ago to where he is today, there is a positive trajectory that displays growth and healing.

I think this is true for our lives as well, even if we are not healing from a traumatic brain injury. We can look at one day and believe things are worse, that we have gone downhill, or that we have not experienced any growth. But when we compare things week-to-week, month-to-month or year-to-year, we can begin to see infinitesimal changes that add up to major change over time. God’s call is that we keep coming to Him, over and over again in dependence. He is the One who heals, causes to grow, and brings change. Jesus reminds us that every day is a new beginning, a new day to see His mercy and grace in our lives.