By Kayla DeKraker
Pro surfer and shark-attack survivor Bethany Hamilton took a moment to encourage people to be overcomers, something she has personal experience with.
“When life gives you lemons go and make lemonade,” she began a recent Instagram post that included a video of her surfing. “Adaptive athleticism has evolved so much over the last 20 years and I’m so glad to be apart of it!!! When I lost my arm I didn’t know anyone else who had surfed with one arm, and that daunted me.”
But, she learned that Mike Coots lost his leg to a shark and learned to surf again, which inspired her greatly.
“He inspired me to dream of what was possible!” she said. “I started to dream…And then I started to DO!!! Today, a foundation my family started and one that I continue to support inspires other to adapt and overcome!”
Related: Bethany Hamilton Cherishes Motherhood: ‘What a Gift’
Hamilton lost her left arm in a shark attack in 2003 when she was just 13 years old. Though she could’ve given up, she decided she wanted to get on the board again and become a professional surfer. The 2011 Teddy Bear Award® winning movie, SOUL SURFER, tells her story beautifully. Part of Movieguide®’s review reads:
SOUL SURFER has very poignant moments that will bring tears to your eyes. It has one of those endings that make the movie work, despite some light weight scenes. Anna Sophia Robb as Bethany gives a wonderful performance. A cast of veterans provides great support. The good news is that real courage comes from deep faith in Jesus Christ, not just willpower. There are powerful church scenes, but they shouldn’t alienate secular viewers because they are extremely real. Bravo!
People in the comment section of her recent Instagram post appreciated her inspiration.
“Life is one huge tidal wave, you rode it and you accomplished everything,” one person said. Another follower added, “Couldn’t be more inspiring! We all need a @mikecoots in our lives to help motivate us to live our lives to help motivate us to live out our dreams and not give them up.”
Like Hamilton, Coots survived a shark attack, losing the lower half of his leg when he was 18. But he still surfs and actually loves sharks!
In a Instagram post showing his prosthetic leg, he said, “Titanium and carbon fiber, what a heck of a combo. Add ingenuity, R&D, and passion of forward-thinking engineers and mobility that not just happens but makes us flourish.”
He added, “As years go by my prosthetic leg feels more and more like a real piece of me- flesh, muscle and bone. Not much I can’t do that my able-bodied friends can. Every step is a blessing, every dive and surf being the icing on the cake. Forever stoked, feel like I’m the luckiest amputee on Earth. I don’t consider myself limbless; but limbfull. The gift to walk, run, and even sprint is truly a modern marvel, and so grateful to have the backing of the best of the best. My life, passions, and purpose is eternally grateful for you.”
Both Hamilton and Coots use their setbacks to inspire others. In October, Hamilton reflected on the importance of community with students at a school in Texas.
“We need help. We need people arm in arm. When we feel like we can’t keep going, we have someone to lean on and cheer us on and be there to fight through life’s many challenges,” she said
No matter what challenges you’re facing today, trust that God has a plan and will use it for His glory.
Read Next: Bethany Hamilton: ‘God Gave Me The Strength’ To Share Life Story
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