Bethany Hamilton – A Survivor Story of Inspiration and Courage
Bethany Hamilton – A Survivor Story Of Inspiration And Courage
*Photo courtesy of: Mike Coots
Did you ever see the movie “Soul Surfer”?
What a great movie!
It’s the true story of 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton, an up-and-coming professional surfer who lost her left arm when she was attacked by a shark.
What I admire about Bethany is that, even with the emotions of her loss and the intense pain she suffered from her injuries, she never gave up.
She refused to let this life-changing setback in her teen years define the rest of her life.
Even though “Soul Surfer” came out in 2011, it’s still available on Amazon.
I still watch it occasionally because it’s so uplifting and inspiring.
What Is Bethany Hamilton Doing Today?
Bethany is happily married now with two children.
She remains a champion in every sense of the word, and continues to use her testimony to encourage others.
No, I’m not perfect. And Yes, I have crazy hard days and times in my life, but I’m rooted in my faith and the truths of God. This is how I know that whatever huge life waves or gnarly challenges come my way, the Lord is with me and on my side.
Because of Him, I am Unstoppable. – Bethany Hamilton. [Blog post]. Retrieved from Aloha! I’m Bethany/About/ n.d., para. 100.
Pretty amazing, right?!
I follow Bethany on social media and love to see her posts.
Recently, I watched one of her videos that really touched my heart. It’s about her “Beautifully Flawed” campaign.
Please watch, and you’ll see what I mean.
Who Defines “Beautiful?”
We shouldn’t let Hollywood and the media define what’s “beautiful.”
God does.
He created you and me because He loves us.
Here’s how the Apostle John describes God’s everlasting love in the Bible.
3 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. – 1 John 3:1 NASB
Remember that feeling you had when you find out that your someone special loves you? God’s love is eternally more wonderful than that, way beyond comparison.
I hope Bethany’s triumph over tragedy will inspire you to take your own testimony to others.
Signups for the 2019 Beautifully Flawed retreat is underway until April 30.
If you know a young lady who has lost a limb and would love to be a part of this unforgettable program, please visit the Friends of Bethany Hamilton website for more information.
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*Bethany Hamilton photo courtesy of: Mike Coots, via BethanyHamilton.com.
*Scripture quotation is from New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
