Soul Surfer

I really wasn’t sure what to expect of the movie Soul Surfer, the true life story of Bethany Hamilton, but last night we headed to a preview screening. What a wonderful movie.

So often in life we meet people who allow circumstances to drag them down and give them reason to give up. The story of Bethany Hamilton should inspire people to overcome whatever life throws their way.

Through determination and a strong Christian faith, Bethany overcame the loss of her arm to get back in the water and continue surfing at the highest level. I’m not a surfer but I still loved this movie.

Bethany has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of determination, faith and hope. Born into a family of surfers on February 8, 1990, Bethany jumped on the board at a young age. Bethany entered her first surf competition—winning both the short and long board divisions at age eight. On Halloween morning 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark, which bit off her left arm and seemed to end her career as a rising surf star. After losing more than 60% of her blood and undergoing several surgeries, Bethany began her recovery with an unbelievably positive attitude.

Miraculously, just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water. Two months later, Bethany placed fifth in the Open Women’s division surf competition and just over a year after the attack she won her first National Title. In 2007, Bethany realized her dream and turned pro. Bethany has since participated in numerous Association of Surfing Professionals and World Tour Events with her major highlight being a second place finish in the ASP 2009 World Junior Championships. “It has been an incredible journey for me and now, I’m just so excited to share it!” says Bethany.

The cast includes AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Carrie Underwood.

If you’re looking for inspiration, don’t miss Soul Surfer.



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About the author

Rodney Olsen

Rodney is a husband, father, cyclist, blogger and podcaster from Perth Western Australia.

He previously worked in radio for about 25 years but these days he spends his time at Compassion Australia, working towards releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name.

The views he expresses here are his own.

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