The Courage to Overcome: The Movie Soul Surfer Shares the Story of Bethany Hamilton
“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).” – Bethany Hamilton
How would you face extreme and life-changing circumstances in your life? Here’s the journey of a young woman who shows us how to be courageous even when it seems the world is crashing down around us…
The movie Soul Surfer, premiering in theaters April 8th, tells the inspiring true story of Bethany Hamilton who lost her left arm in a shark attack at 13 years old but overcame the tumult and went on to become one of the most amazing surfers in the world:
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.
“Bethany’s story is so powerful,” says Soul Surfer Director Sean McNamara. “Most people would have given up after what happened to her, but not only did she make an amazing return to surfing, she excelled at it, and has turned her life into an inspiration for people all around the world. She is someone you look at and think, ‘If she can do all the incredible things she’s done, I can set the world on fire, too.'” says Sean.
The movie stars AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt as Bethany’s parents and singer Carrie Underwood, in her feature film debut, as a church youth leader. Visit the Soul Surfer movie site to find out more on how you or your youth group can see this powerful movie! You can also visit Bethany’s Official Website: www.bethanyhamilton.com
