Soul Surfer

I just saw the brand new film, Soul Surfer and really want to recommend it to you.

It is based on the true story of champion surfer,Bethany Hamilton.

Raised on the beach in Hawaii by her parents who both surfed,Bethany loved the ocean.

She won her first surfing contest at age nine and hoped to compete professionally.

But that was all about to change.

Shark attack.

In October of 2003 Bethany was on her surfboard in the water waiting for the next set of waves

when sudden tragedy struck.

A 14 foot tiger shark attacked her ripping off her arm,just below the shoulder.

Bethany was rushed to the hospital and thankfully survived.

She lost 60% of her blood.

Back in the water again.

What I appreciate about Bethany,who I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing a number of years ago is her strong faith in Jesus Christ.

It was that faith that sustained her though a potentially devastating experience.

It was also that faith that gave her the strength to use this experience to tell others about Jesus and to return to surfing.

Less then one month after the accident, Bethany started surfing again.

In 2005,with one arm,Bethany took 1st place in the NSSA National championships.

She has won many other contests as well.

Soul Surfer.

The film about her life features an impressive cast,including Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt as Bethany’s parents,and Carrie Underwood as her youth leader at Church.

Bethany is portrayed by newcomer AnnaSopia Robb and she does an amazing job.

Hollywood got it right this time,and it is clear in this film that Bethany’s faith in Christ got her through these hard times,and still does.

I recommend you go see this film with your family,and even take a non-believer along with you.

Soul Surfer would be a great springboard for conversation about your faith.

Interview with Bethany

Here’s that interview that I did with Bethany a few years back.