By Mallory Mattingly
More than 20 years after a shark nearly made out with more than her arm, SOUL SURFER Bethany Hamilton continues to encourage her fans.
“On October 31, 2003, at the age of 13, Bethany was surfing off Tunnels Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, when a 14-foot tiger shark attacked her, severing her left arm just below the shoulder,” The Optimist Athlete wrote on social media. “Despite losing over 60% of her blood and going into hypovolemic shock, she survived thanks to the quick actions of her companions and medical personnel.”
When asked at the time, “Do you think you’ll ever surf again?” Hamilton had only one response: “I think? I know.”
Four weeks after the shark attack, she was back on a surfboard catching waves.
“God gave me this passion to surf, and it wasn’t like that passion had been taken too,” Hamilton explained.
Since then, Hamilton has used her story to share her hope and her faith through her ministry, podcast and Instagram.
Just last year, she launched the Bethany Hamilton Network, a community that explores “what it means to live boldly, embrace God’s plan, and find joy in the journey — even when the path feels uncertain.”
Hamilton’s “All Things Possible” podcast, which she hosts with her husband Adam Dirks, debuted early last month and encourages listeners to seek God in all areas of their lives.
She frequently takes to Instagram to share inspiring messages.
“All the fears, doubts, hurt, setbacks along the way…don’t have to define you!” she posted yesterday along with a video of her riding waves. “You can adapt. You can overcome. You can find purpose and joy despite it all.”
Many first came to learn of Hamilton’s remarkable story through the 2011 Teddy Bear Award® winner SOUL SURFER, which Movieguide® praised for its Christian worldview:
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!
Her documentary BETHANY HAMILTON: UNSTOPPABLE also details the surfer’s life incredible comeback after the attack.
“In 2016 alone, Bethany’s capacity to inspire reached new heights as she beat a six-time world champion and the top-ranked surfer in the world at a major competition. From chasing her toddler to chasing the biggest waves, Bethany is continuously rewriting the rules on being a fearless athlete, and brings new meaning to the phrase ‘Surfs Like a Girl,'” the documentary’s synopsis reads.
Like Hamilton, we can find joy in even the most difficult circumstances because we know “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
James reminds us in James 1:2-4 that God uses trials to strengthen our faith:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
In fact, the apostle Paul reveals in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 that rejoicing always, praying without ceasing and giving thanks in “all circumstances” is “the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Hamilton could’ve let the shark attack end her surfing career and make her bitter towards God. Instead, she relied on Him to overcome and now sees God’s plan through it all as she uses her wisdom and experience to help others and provide hope to the hopeless. You never know how God will use a challenging circumstance to further His kingdom.
Read Next: BETHANY HAMILTON: UNSTOPPABLE
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