Bethany Hamilton was a promising young surfer, raised in Lihue, Hawaii. From a young age, she had a deep connection with the ocean, starting to surf at just two years old and entering competitions by the age of eight. But it wasn't just surfing that grounded her; it was her faith in God, a faith she described as her 'greatest rock.'
Shark Attack Survivor Testimony
On October 31, 2003, Bethany faced a moment that would test her faith like never before. While surfing at Tunnels Beach, Kauai, with her friend Alana Blanchard, a 14-foot tiger shark attacked her, severing her left arm. She lost more than 60% of her blood and was in critical condition. Yet, in the midst of this life-threatening event, Bethany felt God's peace. As she later shared, 'I just knew that God wanted me to share his love, and I felt his love and peace immediately after the attack.'
Returning to the Waves
Just 26 days after the attack, Bethany was back on her surfboard, a testament to her resilience and the strength she found in her faith. 'Getting back on the surfboard after the attack was the hardest thing, and I did it!' she reflected. Her determination led her to compete again by January 10, 2004, and eventually win a national title in 2005.
Faith Through Physical Disability
Bethany's story is not just about overcoming physical challenges but about seeing God's hand in her life. 'Some people don't think much about this kind of stuff unless something terrible happens to them,' she noted. 'I truly believe that this faith is a big part of what did get me through it.'
Life Transformed Through Testimony
Today, Bethany uses her platform as a professional surfer, author, and motivational speaker to inspire others, sharing how God turned her hardship into a message of hope. 'As I grew up with one arm and relearned how to surf, God taught me that He can take the hard times that I went through and turn them into something beautiful,' she said. Through her testimony, she echoes the belief that God can use anyone's story for good if they are willing to share what He has done for them.
