Unstoppable

Bethany Hamilton is a professional surfer who had her arm bitten off by a large tiger shark when she was thirteen years old. Now in her thirties, Bethany not only continues to surf — she still competes at the very top level of the sport. A Hollywood film about her life called Soul Surfer was made in her honor, and there is a documentary about her titled Unstoppable that I highly recommend.

Several years ago, Bethany came to an annual charity fundraiser race in our area called the "Never Quit Challenge" and spoke at an evening event. When she was asked whether — if she could do that day over — she would stay out of the water, her answer was simply: "No. I'd do it all the same." Her reasoning was that the accident gave her an amazing platform to share a word of hope and inspiration with others — especially the young girls who look up to her.

Knowing the challenges young people face, Bethany said this in her message: "All of us face things in our life that make us want to quit — to give up. But you need to know that just as God had a plan for my life, God has a plan for you as well. God loves us. God loves you."

What strikes me most about Bethany's story is not her athleticism or even her courage — it is her willingness to let the worst day of her life become something redemptive. That is not something she manufactured on her own. That is what grace looks like when it gets into a willing heart.

Prayer: Loving God, we thank you for people like Bethany Hamilton who inspire us. We thank you for the way her faith helped her overcome tremendous adversity, and for the way you have worked that adversity into a beautiful message of love and hope. I pray today for those who are facing tremendous challenges in their own lives. Grant them faith, courage, and strength enough for this day. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

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