Movie Review: Soul Surfer

The other night I watched “Soul Surfer” - a movie about Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer who at thirteen lost her left arm after being attacked by a 14 foot tiger shark.  If that was me, I would have given up my lifelong dream and stop surfing. But a month after the attack, Bethany went back to the water and learnt how to surf with one arm, no easy task.

This is an amazing story of courage and fight – not letting your handicap pull your under and stop you pursuing what you want.  She is an inspiration. However, after not doing too well at her first competition since the attack, Bethany gave up again and questioned God’s plans for her.

After the Tsunami in Thailand in 2004, Bethany went on a mission trip with her church to take aid relief to the people affected by the Tsunami.  This was a turning point for Bethany as she realised she needs to not give up.  People in Thailand were afraid of going into the water but she helped one wee boy get back in the water by putting him on a surfboard. This was the first time he had smiled since the Tsunami happened.  Once others saw the happiness in the wee boy, they ventured into the water as well.

When she returned from her trip, Bethany came home to a living room full of mail for her from fans, people who had seen her story and were inspired by her and her ability to stay strong.  They also shared their own stories and some said because of her being brave, they were going to chase their dreams as well despite their handicaps.  Inspired by these letters Bethany decided she was going to get back to the water and begin to competitions again.

What kept her going? Well it was her family and their support for and belief in her as well as her faith in Jesus Christ. Bethany was a Christian before the attack and though she did question God’s plan for her, she still believed in him.  

On the journey to the hospital after the attack, the paramedic whispered in her ear, “God will never leave or forsake you”. She believes God has been there for her throughout the experience.  Yes, she had a few doubts at the beginning, but she believed and still believes God will never leave her and with God nothing is impossible.

Bethany kept on going, kept surfing and has gone on to win many surfing competitions.  She has not let having one less arm deter her from the dream of being a professional wining surfer.  An inspiration of someone who trusted her faith in God and never gave up, and also believes in herself.