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.