Spiritual Awakening: Bethany Hamilton Inspires Beyond The Surf!!!
As I found the movie Soul Surfer on TV the other night I was intrigued and I watched what turned out to be an amazing inspirational story about Bethany Hamilton. As Bethany began to understand the impact she was making on the world far beyond the reaches of the surf she became in tune with her spirituality. The shark attack that took her arm was a tragic event that set in motion events that would not only transform Bethany’s life but would also transform the lives of those who followed Bethany’s Story. One of the most poignant scenes in the movie for me was when Bethany traveled to Phuket, Thailand to help World Vision after The Tsumani to help rebuild and help the villagers. She took a surfboard to the water and continued to motion to a little boy to come to the shore line. The boy was afraid and hesitant but eventually trusted Bethany and he got on the surfboard and then other villagers followed and began to regain their strength and confidence. Bethany would return home to stacks of fan letters explaining how she had inspired so many simply by getting back on her board and trying. Bethany would train for The Surfing National Championships and though the judges didn’t count the final wave as they determined she stood up after the horn all the competitors counted it. Bethany would win The National Championship The Next Year.
Bethany shares her story and the role that her faith played in her moving forward. Today Bethany is 23 years old and continues to inspire beyond the surf. Bethany proves that your faith can help you to overcome any adversity that comes into your life. Her positive message is empowering and inspiring many. Thank you to Bethany Hamilton for inspiring this blog entry today.
Spiritual Awakening: Using Bethany’s Message To Inspire Others!!!
If you are a spiritual leader think about hosting a movie screening of Soul Surfer and taking up a love donation and sending that donation to World Vision, www.worldvision.org. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Phone: 1-888-511-6548 P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way,WA 98063-9716. If you choose to donate please put In Honor of Bethany Hamilton on your check.
Buy Bethany’s Book and have a discussion group and have everyone share their adversity and challenges. Bethany gives some great insight on turning what can be perceived as a tragedy into a triumph.
Bethany started a foundation www.friendsofbethany.com.
Friends of Bethany is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the hope and love of Jesus Christ worldwide by supporting and inspiring people through the life stories of Bethany Hamilton and others.
Our primary goals:
Support SHARK ATTACK SURVIVORS and AMPUTEES, worldwide; and present INSPIRING LIFE STORIES through movies, projects, and activities.
How we will achieve our goals:
– Send an “Encouragement Packet” to recent or struggling amputees and shark attack survivors (while in the hospital, or as soon as possible), with helpful information and useful connections (such as information on prosthetic companies). Including a personal note for encouragement, along with Bethany Hamilton’s book Soul Surfer and/or DVD Heart of a Soul Surfer for inspiration.
– PRAYER! We will be praying for specific individuals (and their families) who have survived and are now experiencing life-altering circumstances.
– Connect with other organizations and companies that are relevant to amputees and people in recovery from trauma.
May Bethany’s message continue to inspire you as you continue on your path to spiritual awakening and shine your light bright fro others to see.
Find the fire in your eyes and in your heart to continue to move in a positive direction of your dreams. May you find the power within to stay positive.
