Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton and Zac Golebiowski (http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/beth-urges-zac- ())

Surfing Through Waves of Adversity

 "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on" (Robert Frost). Bethany Hamilton faced some of life's most horrific challenges and like Frost, she learned that life goes on. Halloween morning of 2003, Hamilton, a budding professional surfer from Hawaii, surfed the Tunnels Reef in Hanalei, Hawaii with friends. That fateful morning a twelve foot long tiger shark attacked her. The shark's bite left a dinner plate sized hole in her surfboard and severed her left arm at the shoulder. Realizing the ongoing danger, and despite having lost almost sixty percent of her blood, Hamilton managed to quickly paddle back to shore with her remaining arm. As Hamilton was hauled onto a stretcher and brought to a nearby hospital, a Kauai paramedic whispered into her ear, "God will never leave you or forsake you" (Hamilton. Soul Surfer). At that point, Hamilton believed that God would always be with her, no matter the circumstance. Throughout this traumatic ordeal, Hamilton was able to stay calm and collected in the complete faith that God would forever be present. Hamilton became resolved to revisit the water and continue to train for future competitions. Even when others told her that reaching her dreams would not be a walk in the park, she replied: "I don't want easy, just possible" (Bethany Hamilton. Bethany). This courageous statement demonstrates the unstoppable personality which Hamilton constantly displayed. Hamilton has been a source of inspiration for others because she not only fought the improbable, but faced her hardships head on, with peace of mind and a strong-willed character. Despite her slight fear of the water, and the odds stacked against her, Hamilton slowly achieved her dreams and matured to become a more independent young woman. With her conviction, and her indomitable attitude, Hamilton became a competitive surfer. She also learned to use her "disadvantage" as an advantage to spread God's word to the world. After persevering through life's toughest obstacles, Bethany Hamilton discovered her purpose in life and has become a true source of inspiration for all who need hope.

Bethany Hamilton and Nick Vujicic (http://asiplanchaba.com/wordpress/?p=11444 ())

Through her devotion and strong faith, Bethany Hamilton has pursued life with a different outlook, confident in her reliance in God's never-ending love and trust that He would perpetually be with her. Hamilton believed that God would look after and lead her to her awaited destiny: "It helps to know that even when you don't have a clue why something has happened in your life, someone up there has a master plan and is watching over you. It's tremendous relief to be able to put your trust in God and take the burden off your shoulders" (Hamilton, Bethany, Sheryl). When Hamilton endured setbacks, she stayed composed and realized that she "could do all things in Christ, who gives her strength" (Philippians 4:13). Hamilton expressed her deep faith and devotion to her Christian life when she exclaimed: "All my life is based on God and Jesus...If I didn't have them; I'd be lost in the world" (Bethany Hamilton. Bethany). If things did not go according to plan, Hamilton had faith that God would lift her out of the tough situation and create something meaningful. Not only has Hamilton's life been changed by this terrifying experience, but through her journey of recovery, she has inspired the lives of many people: "The main purpose is to use her experiences to help others...She wants to be natural with people of the world" (Bethany Hamilton. Gale). Hamilton worked through God's love and was constantly reminded that her life was spared for a reason: to deliver the message of God's faithfulness, loyalty, and love for all people. Through her whole journey, Hamilton trusted that God would take away her pain. The Bible had taught her that, with God, anything is possible.

Bethany Hamilton in the hospital after the attack (http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&biw= ())

Hamilton's courageous character enabled her to face her fears and eventually overcome them. Although recognizing that surfing is a fairly safe sport, Bethany was aware that there are some dangers: "For a few minutes you become a little panicky, and the thought 'I might drown' enters your mind. Then the wave lets you up again and you can breathe and you forget you were scared" (Bethany Hamilton. Bethany). Hamilton showed great fortitude through her surgeries and extreme bravery when she dared to reenter the ocean to conquer her fear and continue doing the one thing that she lived for - surfing. Hamilton's courage was based on her renewed trust in God. But she also displayed a humorous tone when asked if she would ever go back into the water: "I'm there to have fun and not be scared because it is pretty rare for someone to get attacked twice" (Then & Now: Bethany Hamilton). The shark attack did not affect her previous risk-taking attitude. Also, she continuously had a positive outlook on life. Hamilton continued to surf because she trusted that God would protect her and eliminate her fears. In addition to her peace of mind, and the knowledge that a celestial being was looking after her, Hamilton was given enough courage to face her worries thereafter.

Bethany Hamilton overcoming her obstacles (http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&biw= ())

Bethany Hamilton's perseverance through her toughest challenges has acted as an inspiration for others. Hamilton trained her body to accept the fact that her arm was no longer there, and let life continue. Though the training was time consuming and difficult, Hamilton was determined to get back into the water, and reach for her dreams: "Miraculously, just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water to continue pursuing her goal to become a professional surfer" (Hamilton. Soul Surfer). Hamilton's quick and steadfast recovery was unbelievable. However, the one thing that many people couldn't understand about Hamilton was her belief that nothing is impossible, even when chances have dissipated. As Hamilton continued to have hope in her abilities, she struggled to regain her strength and learn to push up on a board, with only one arm. The final challenge was met with surprising ease: "My first couple of tries didn't work. I have to admit I was a little discouraged...Then it happened. A wave rolled through, I caught it, I put my head on the deck to push up and I was standing!" (Hamilton, Bethany, Sheryl). Hamilton's strong-willed and perseverant character allowed her to learn how to surf one-armed, and she felt a huge sense of jubilation and vindication! Although the odds were against her, Hamilton persevered through her hardships and became a stronger person because of it.

Bethany Hamilton (http://www.google.com/imgres?start=124&hl=en&sa=X& ())

Through her courageous character, her determination, and her strong faith in God, Bethany Hamilton was able to overcome her hardships and face the future with confidence. Hamilton won her inner battle by living her day to day life through Jesus Christ and never giving up on herself. What I most admire about Bethany Hamilton is her kind heartedness towards others. Because of her shark attack and instant media attention: "Bethany launched her own foundation, Friends of Bethany, which supports shark attack survivors, traumatic amputees, and serves to inspire others through her life story, and is involved in numerous other charitable efforts" (Hamilton Bethany. M.). Like Christ, Hamilton is an inspiration because she has spent her time serving others and being a friend to all people. In addition to the programs that Hamilton is involved in, she has had the opportunity to visit many churches, sharing her experiences and Christian faith. Bethany Hamilton is a deserving hero because she not only displays several heroic traits, but she has humility and desires to teach nonbelievers about God's unforgettable plan. Also, when Hamilton was questioned by a reporter if she would ever go back into the water after the attack, she replied, "I'm definitely going to get back in the water [.]. If I was a person that just quit after this, I wouldn't be a real surfer" (Bethany Hamilton. Bethany). Bethany Hamilton has inspired me to live my life to the fullest and never back down or give up. Even when my chances of succeeding are slim, I must push through my hardships and face the world. Hamilton also has proved to me that the only way of achieving something, is by trying as hard as one can and having confidence in one's self. Bethany Hamilton, and her heroic example, has allowed me to see life's experiences in a new and different perspective. I have not yet seen major struggles in my life, but I have put my faith in God and know that whatever happens, I can have trust in Him. I will attempt to fulfill my destiny, just like Bethany Hamilton did hers. She has shown me that indeed, "life goes on."