In 2003 at the age of 13, Bethany Hamilton was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing. The attack cost the teenager her arm, but it didn’t stop her from returning to the sport she loved. Two years after the attack, she earned her first National Title and turned pro in 2007. She also went on to write a New York Times best-selling autobiography and has used her story to inspire others around the world.
Bethany tours the country speaking about her experience. She hopes to encourage a broken world through her own story of hope and faith.
A group of residents from Chicago Avenue and I had an opportunity to hear this inspirational young woman when she spoke at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo last month.
As we drove to the stadium, the women couldn’t contain their excitement. That excitement turned to screams of enthusiasm when the emcee announced that KPEP was one of the groups in attendance. The women truly enjoyed themselves, singing along to all the songs that Trinity ftL performed, and they were inspired by Bethany’s words of encouragement.
“I really can’t believe she’s this strong and is speaking to all these people after losing her arm,” Angel, one resident in attendance whispered to me during Bethany’s speech.
Afterwards, another resident named Brantley said, “This is really inspirational. I need this to help me with my recovery.”
A resident named Ash observed, “She didn’t let having one arm stop her. She just learned how to continue doing the things she had done but with one arm.”
On the ride home, everyone thanked me repeatedly and continued to talk about how strong Bethany was and how she had overcome her tragedy. It was clear they had been inspired by this young woman’s message that you should never give up – you should continue to push through.