Bethany
Hamilton: surfer, survivor, leader,
and believer.
She is not only one of my inspirations, but
her story also inspired the world.
Bethany
Hamilton has one of the most incredible stories I’ve ever heard in my
life. Hamilton, because she grew up in
Hawaii, she was introduced to surfing at an early age. At the age of eight, she entered her first statewide
competition and won all divisions. Her
career kept growing along with her dream of becoming a profession surfer grew. But, when she was thirteen, a great white
shark bit her. She somehow lived
through the bite, losing 60% percent of her blood, and several surgeries.
Bethany Hamilton said that, “It
was Jesus Christ who gave me peace when I was attacked by the shark. They had
to get me to the beach, which took 20 minutes of paddling. ‘The peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:6-8).”
How crazy is that statement? This thirteen-year-old child is so strong
in her faith and is so worldly that she can bravely face the unknown with God
beside her and give millions hope. And
her greatest accomplishment at this point in her life: getting back into the
water after a month of the accident. She said, “It was what God had taught me
growing up that helped me overcome my fear and get back on the board. ‘Be
strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD
your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9).” He faith brought her
confidence.
Her
faith in her beliefs and her strength to carry on lead others to believe they
could do the same. She leads by
example. Bethany continues to lead by
example in all that she does. Her
leadership did not end with her accident, or with Hamilton’s competitions. Bethany Hamilton continues contributing to
society through her devotionals, faith-based books, and her foundation called
Friends of Bethany. Friends of Bethany
supports shark attack victims, amputees, and inspires others with her tale of
victory. She is also involved with other
charitable foundations. She also led
with her strong morals and beliefs.
Though watching her
story, I have learned there is a lot more to leadership than starting a movement
or a project. It is also about showing
other the way to live your life and help others. Bethany Hamilton’s story has taught me that a
stronge belief and a calm composure can do so many things. And that no matter how hard your life maybe,
there is so much you can still do and you should still be fighting for.
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