Just a few short months ago, our family rented a copy of Soul Surfer.  If you have not seen it, you really should.  It’s the story of Bethany Hamilton, a now professional surfer who, while training for a competition, had her arm torn off by a shark.  Bethany and her family’s world was turned upside down, but her faith travelled inside to out!  Her desire to glorify God in her sport ultimately came not from what a perfect athlete could do, but what perfect belief could do.  And in doing so, she brought inspiration to the world!  I won’t tell you any more of the story, because like I said, you really need to see it for yourself.

Our daughter Hope aspires to be an Olympic runner, and was deeply touched by the movie.  It would not surprise me to know she’s probably watched it 10 times, if not more.  She has been transformed by the passion for the gospel message that Bethany had, and now has an even bigger dream for herself.  I asked Hope if she would present in some way her thoughts and feelings about the movie, and she came up with the following poster, which I will transcribe in paragraph form for you.  As the wave curls to the outside, you can follow Bethany’s story-line and all the things God placed in her life because of her love for Him.  On the other side of Bethany’s story line is a prayer Hope wrote to ask God to do similar great things in her life.  Hope did mail her final poster to Bethany as a gift.

You need to know this:  God doesn’t alway work in ways that make sense to us.  But when He’s done with it all, you marvel at His wisdom.  Once our kids grasped that truth with this movie, they understood what a tragedy it would be if Bethany had NOT lost her arm to a shark!  Truly amazing!

BETHANY’S STORY, TIME-LINE

Born February 8, 1990, 1998 meets Anna, July 31, 2003 shark attack, Thanksgiving 2003 is first time surfing since the attack, wins 5th place in Nationals, 2005 wins 1st place in Nationals, becomes professional, 2010 meets 7-year-old Kendallin Make A Wish Foundation, today always surfing!

HOPE’S PRAYER:

Dear God, please help me come closer to you.  Help me find strength and wisdom(e) in Christ.  Help Bethany to spread Christ and help me spread it as well.  Help those who need You and and countries with terrorism and the Muslim countries.  Help us understand our purpose in life.  Bless those who love and worship You.  AMEN.  

CLOSING LINE:

You helped spread Christ like a wave going to the shore!  Thank you, Bethany!  God bless you, Hope Stadel