Bethany Hamilton: ‘God Gave Me The Strength’ To Share Life Story
By Movieguide® Contributor
Surfer Bethany Hamilton recently posted an inspiring message about leaving her comfort zone and the impact sharing her story has had on others.
Hamilton, a lifelong surfer, lost her left arm in a shark attack. The Movieguide® Award-Winning SOUL SURFER tells the story of how she got back on the board.
“Living my life so much in the public’s eye has been extremely challenging and yet very beautiful at the same time!” she captioned a recent post. “Receiving letters from people all over the world, saying I inspired them to keep going as they faced their hardship… led me to step outside of my comfort zone to encourage and bless others.”
Hamilton admitted that she initially “wanted to hide on my little island” but decided to “enter into the spotlight” to share her story with others.
“I am so glad I made the decision I did–even when it hasn’t been easy,” she shared.
“God gave me the strength when I was weak,” Hamilton continued. “I am so honored to be able to keep bringing hope to other people. It has been so amazing to see how God has used my life in ways I never imagined!”
“You can be a light to others in your life if you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone too!” she concluded.
Hamilton has also opened up about the challenges of motherhood, especially with just one arm. Movieguide® previously reported:
Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton recently shared about the difficulties of motherhood with only one arm.
Movieguide® Award-Winning SOUL SURFER tells Hamilton’s story of losing her left arm in a shark attack at age 13. Now, the 31-year-old is raising her third son, Micah, whom she had in February, and said her “tricks and adaptations are getting better with each child.”
“When they are this young and have the wobbly head and need constant attention, nursing, diaper changes, tummy soothing, lots of sleep and of course smiles, kisses and more,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram. “I use my feet to help with diaper changing, lots of pillows with nursing, a baby carrier all throughout the day and tricky styles of holding to keep baby’s head up.”
Hamilton says that one key is to “keep moving forward, have lil breaks and keep it positive!”
She added: “Plus I remember I’ve done it before. And as a family we make it work!”
Hamilton concluded by encouraging other mothers.
“Loving our lil Micah and looking forward to more life with him! Cheering on all you mommas out there grinding, loving and doing your best!” Hamilton said.
In a separate post, Hamilton confessed that balance is difficult to achieve with a new child.
“Mom life. Not always smiles. The balance. The ups and downs. The the most beautiful gift but also so incredibly challenging…Sleep deprivation. They cry. They stretch us mentally and emotionally. I cry. But then they smile and coo and nurse sweetly,” Hamilton wrote.
However, Hamilton is grateful to God for the “challenge and joy” of raising children.
“Thankful for this life and the beauty of motherhood. Thankful for my family, friends, my husband and boys,” Hamilton wrote. “Grateful to God to have this beautiful challenge and joy.”