Crafted to Inspire | Bethany Hamilton

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On October 31, 2003, Bethany Hamilton, then 13 years old and a rising surfing star, went for a morning surf with her best friend and family. Suddenly, a 14-foot-long tiger shark leapt from the water and attacked her.

Within seconds, the shark bit off Bethany's left arm just below the shoulder. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, but by the time she arrived, Bethany had lost over 60% of her blood and went into hypovolemic shock. 

Bethany Hamilton after the shark attack that took her left arm in 2003.

Most assumed Bethany's surfing career was over. But Bethany had other ideas. Despite the trauma of the event, Hamilton was determined to get back into the water and return to the sport she loved. Just 26 days after the attack that took her left arm, Bethany returned to her board. Several months later, she entered her first major surfing competition.

Within 2 years, Hamilton won her first national surfing title. At 17 years old, Bethany realized her dream of surfing professionally, and still actively competes to this day. In 2017, she was even inducted into the Surfer's Hall of Fame.

Bethany could have chosen to give up and let the trauma of the shark attack keep her from ever surfing again. But her outstanding courage, bravery, and faith overcame all odds. While most of us may not experience a shark attack, we each face obstacles and rough patches in life. How will we respond to these attacks? Will we sit on the sidelines, or will we get back up and push through, letting our faith guide us to a better tomorrow?

Leave a comment with how you've overcome adversity, or share a message of inspiration for others who need encouragement right now!