- Gilbert K. Chesterson
Bethany Hamilton began surfing at the age of four. By the age of 12, Bethany had captured several first place finishes in local surfing competitions and set a goal of becoming a professional surfer. On October 31, 2003, it appeared that Bethany's dream had come to a tragic end. While surfing off the Hawaiian coast of Kauai, Bethany was attacked by a fourteen foot tiger shark while lying flat on her surfboard. In one bite, the shark had bitten cleanly through her surfboard, which in turn completely severed her left arm. At the age of 13, it appeared that Bethany's surfing days were done.
Bethany did not let the shark attack shatter her dreams. Because of a competitive spirit, and relentless courage, Bethany returned to water one month after the attack. She returned to competitive surfing in as little as ten weeks from the date of the attack. With family and friends to support her, Bethany not only overcame her fear of another shark attack, but she learned how to surf with her disability; a missing left arm. Bethany claims that she was able to overcome her fear of another shark attack by singing and praying while in the water. On her website, http://www.bethanyhamilton.com/, Bethany states, "It was what God had taught me growing up that helped me overcome my fears to get back in the water and keep surfing." "Be strong and courageous. Don't be terrified; don't be discouraged for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
In 2004, less than one year after the shark attack. Bethany captured a fifth place finish at the National Surfing Championship and a first place finish at the Hawaii National Scholastic Surfing Association. Because of her ability to overcome both the psychological and physical challenges of returning to her sport, Bethany received an ESPY Award from ESPN as the 2004 Comeback Athlete of the Year. In 2005, Bethany won her first national title at the NSSA National Championships. At the end of 2007, Bethany gave up her amateur status and is now actively pursuing a full-time career as a professional surfer.
Bethany Hamilton's courageous comeback demonstrates the power of faith, family, and a postive attitude working in unison. It was her faith in the Lord that gave her the courage to get back into the water. It was her family that gave her the support to get back on the board. And, it was her positve attitude that allowed her to realize her goal of becoming a professional surfer.
How about you? When your confronted with a challenge do you rely on faith, family and a positive attitude to get you through? Bethany's story offers us a lesson in courage and determination; with the right amount of faith, family support and a positive attitude nothing is insurmountable. If a 13 year old girl can back on a surfboard after losing her left arm in a shark attack while surfing, surely we can overcome the challenges that life throws at us.
It's your life; live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
Bethany tells her story in her autobiography, Soul Surfer, which was published in 2004. A motion picture based upon the book, Soul Surfer will be release in 2008.
Bethany did not let the shark attack shatter her dreams. Because of a competitive spirit, and relentless courage, Bethany returned to water one month after the attack. She returned to competitive surfing in as little as ten weeks from the date of the attack. With family and friends to support her, Bethany not only overcame her fear of another shark attack, but she learned how to surf with her disability; a missing left arm. Bethany claims that she was able to overcome her fear of another shark attack by singing and praying while in the water. On her website, http://www.bethanyhamilton.com/, Bethany states, "It was what God had taught me growing up that helped me overcome my fears to get back in the water and keep surfing." "Be strong and courageous. Don't be terrified; don't be discouraged for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
In 2004, less than one year after the shark attack. Bethany captured a fifth place finish at the National Surfing Championship and a first place finish at the Hawaii National Scholastic Surfing Association. Because of her ability to overcome both the psychological and physical challenges of returning to her sport, Bethany received an ESPY Award from ESPN as the 2004 Comeback Athlete of the Year. In 2005, Bethany won her first national title at the NSSA National Championships. At the end of 2007, Bethany gave up her amateur status and is now actively pursuing a full-time career as a professional surfer.
Bethany Hamilton's courageous comeback demonstrates the power of faith, family, and a postive attitude working in unison. It was her faith in the Lord that gave her the courage to get back into the water. It was her family that gave her the support to get back on the board. And, it was her positve attitude that allowed her to realize her goal of becoming a professional surfer.
How about you? When your confronted with a challenge do you rely on faith, family and a positive attitude to get you through? Bethany's story offers us a lesson in courage and determination; with the right amount of faith, family support and a positive attitude nothing is insurmountable. If a 13 year old girl can back on a surfboard after losing her left arm in a shark attack while surfing, surely we can overcome the challenges that life throws at us.
It's your life; live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
Bethany tells her story in her autobiography, Soul Surfer, which was published in 2004. A motion picture based upon the book, Soul Surfer will be release in 2008.
2 comments:
Dad,
An inspiring story about courage and commitment. Thanks for sharing!
That's a wonderful story. when did taylor get a blogger?
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