Bethany Hamilton: Shark Attack Survivor
The Young Surfer Who Lost Her Arm but Not Her Courage or Faith
Jul 27, 2008
Thirteen year old surfer, Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack but never lost her faith, or her love of surfing. Bethany began her career as a surfer with her first competition at the age of 11. By the age of 13, she was riding the waves at the top of her sport.
Her lifelong dream was to become a professional surfer. But on October 31, 2003, that dream was nearly shattered when she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing in Hawaii. Bethany responded to the violent attack as someone who knew God was with her, and knew surfing was what God wanted her to do. Calmly, she pushed the pain aside and began to paddle with one arm. Get to the beach was her only thought. She was rushed to hospital and after surgery the first thing Bethany wanted to know was, “When can I surf again.”
Shark Attack Leaves Her with Servered Arm but a Strong Faith
The attack left Bethany with a severed arm but did not destroy her eagerness to keep riding the waves. In fact, it just made her stronger and her friendship with Jesus Christ was also strengthened. “I know I have something important to say. Something that people need to hear,” says Bethany, talking about how Jesus helped her.
An Inspiration to Others
Bethany has chosen to use her experience to help others to overcome difficulties, no matter how great they are. “People I don’t even know come up to me. I guess they see me as a symbol of courage and inspiration. One thing hasn’t changed—and that’s how I feel when I’m riding a wave. It’s like, here I am. I’m still here. It’s still me and my board—in God's ocean!”
When the first thing Bethany wanted to know after surgery was "When can I surf again?" it became clear that her unfaltering spirit and determination were part of a greater story - a tale of courage and faith that would be shared with the world.
Since losing her arm, Bethany has been featured all over the world. Her story has been told in many newspapers and magazines as well as on television. Her story is told in the book Soul Surfer, a moving account of her life as a young surfer, her recovery in the wake of the shark attack, the adjustments she's made to her unique surfing style. Now Bethany features in a film Soul Surfer.
Whatever struggles you face in life take courage from Bethany’s life. Just as Bethany believed she was destined to be a professional surfer you, too, have a reason to be on this earth. You have a destiny.
