Bethany Hamilton, a passionate surfer from Kauai, Hawaii, has been riding waves since childhood, driven by her love for the ocean and a strong Christian faith. At just five years old, she embraced Jesus, a commitment that became her life's foundation. On October 31, 2003, Bethany's life took a dramatic turn while surfing at Tunnels Beach. At thirteen, she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark, losing her left arm and over 60% of her blood. Despite the severity of her injuries, Bethany remained remarkably calm and was comforted by a paramedic who reminded her, 'God will never leave you or forsake you.'
Return to the Water
Bethany's recovery was marked by multiple surgeries and an unwavering reliance on her faith. As she reflected, 'I truly believe that this faith is a big part of what did get me through it.' Astonishingly, just 26 days after the attack, she returned to the water, adapting her technique to accommodate her new physical reality. With a custom surfboard and sheer determination, she demonstrated the power of her faith, stating, 'I have been able to overcome some of the most challenging obstacles because of the grace of God and because of His plan.'
Her survival, considered miraculous due to the extent of her injuries, was attributed to divine intervention. Bethany experienced a profound 'peace of God which surpasses all understanding' during the ordeal. 'Many people could look at the incident back in 2003 as a major setback for me, but God had so much in store for the future!' she shared. Bethany's journey has inspired countless others as she transformed tragedy into a platform for sharing God's love.
Victory and Legacy
Bethany's return to competitive surfing was marked by victory. In 2005, she won first place in the Explorer Women's division of the NSSA Surfing Championships, fulfilling her dream of becoming a professional surfer. Her story of resilience and faith reached a global audience through her bestselling autobiography, 'Soul Surfer,' and its film adaptation. Beyond surfing, Bethany's life includes her role as a motivational speaker, founder of the Beautifully Flawed Foundation, and devoted wife and mother.
Faith Through the Storm
Reflecting on her journey, Bethany asserts, 'My faith in God is a huge part of my life. It was Jesus who gave me peace when the shark severed my arm.' Her testimony continues to inspire others to face life's challenges with hope and trust in God's plan. 'When you have your 'Shark Attack' moments in life, I hope you're willing to try, choose to be grateful in even the hard moments, adapt, live in faith that God has overcome it all and go forth to give life your best shot! You too CAN OVERCOME!'
