Hope for the Broken

Inspired by the upcoming film Broken Mary, Samantha Stephenson offers resources for those dealing with brokenness.

Two years ago, I nearly lost the ability to mother my children. I was sucked into that vortex of blackness known as chronic illness. I suffered searing joint pain, hair loss, severe stomach pain and bloating, but worst of all was the crippling exhaustion and numbing despair. Most days, I could barely manage the trip from my bedroom to the couch.  

It has been a long road to recovery, and while I will always live with this illness, I have discovered a path to healing so that most days, I live with energy, vitality, and joy that was all but stolen from me during those dark days.  

It is easy to question God’s goodness in times of such suffering: 

Why me?  

What did I do to deserve this?  

How can a good God watch as His children suffer so much pain?  

The Fruit of Suffering

Now that I have regained my health, I am able to see the concrete blessings God has brought about through my illness. Like pruning a tree, it was a painful process. But now, it bears so much good fruit. 

I am not alone in this, and thank God, for we know that in all things, He works for the good of those who love Him. 

This message is concretely witnessed by the journey of celebrity DJ Kevin Matthews, a fallen-away Catholic whose descent into multiple sclerosis led to the loss of his job and a total rock-bottom experience. In the greatest darkness of his life, Kevin encountered a broken statue of Mary that would turn his life around, leading to his repentance, conversion, and a ministry that now reaches the hearts of so many who likewise find themselves broken and suffering.  

A New Documentary Offers Hope

The message of Kevin’s transformational speaking apostolate is now available for more audiences, thanks to a documentary presented by Fathom Entertainment, available in theaters ONLY on October 7. Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story tells the whole tale. Produced by ODB Films and Family Theater Productions, in association with Windrider and Dynamic Catholic. If you, a friend, or close family member are in the midst of brokenness, Our Lady wants to speak life into you through the healing experience of this film.  

You can get tickets for the one-night theatrical showing at BrokenMaryFilm.com. 

As a mom of littles, I must offer this caveat: While I encourage everyone to see the film, you might want to get a sitter for the younger crowd. It is truly transformational, but it pulls no punches in describing Kevin’s wild lifestyle à la pre-conversion Saint Augustine, and mentions parental abuse. If you’re not yet ready to explain the word “stripper” to your child, make it a date night or a one-on-one with your older kids.  

For a life-changing short film for all ages that grapples with a sense of brokenness, I highly recommend The Butterfly Circus. This 22-minute film set in the Great Depression tells the tale of a limbless man (played by real life motivational speaker Nick Vujicic), who finds redemption for his suffering through the love and acceptance of a traveling circus. Tearjerker warning: bring tissues.  

Both of these films are powerful testaments to the power of story, and the hope that we find in the many ways God works in the brokenness to transform our world. That is, after all, the heart of our faith and the way He chooses to come to us: blessed, broken, and given for us, for our salvation. In every moment of brokenness is the seed of redemption, and even in the darkest night, the promise of a new day.  

If you, like me in those days of desperation, find brokenness all too intimate and hope hard to find, I highly recommend making a date with Broken Mary on her feast day, October 7.  

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Copyright 2025 Samantha Stephenson
Images: copyright 2025 BrokenMaryFilm.com, all rights reserved