Soul Surfer

by Bethany Hamilton

2004

Ages ago, I heard about a young surfer who’d lost her arm in a shark attack.

I’d also heard this girl was back surfing again.

With one arm.

Then I heard this young, one-armed surfer girl was a Christian.  

And, I thought, that’s interesting.

Then I forgot about her.

This summer, however, I was reminded about Bethany Hamilton when my mother asked if I’d seen her movie.

No.

I checked the DVD out of the library.

Now, I’ve seen the movie, Soul Surfer, three times.

And I’ve read the book, also called Soul Surfer, on which the movie is based.

Soul Surfer was written about a year after the shark attack, when Bethany Hamilton was about 14 years old.

The book itself is not very long and it’s an easy read. That said, it is well-written and certainly encouraging. 

And, I should add, convicting.

I think what touches me the most about Bethany Hamilton’s story is how she trusted in God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11,

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

And His promise in Romans 8:28,

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Wow.

So the question I must ask myself is this:

Would I have the same trust if I went through a heart-wrenching trial of my own?

Reading on...