Soul Surfer

There are a lot of things in our lives that we take for granted. Simple things that we do, simple things that we love, simple things that we don't think about much during our day-to-day routine.

Then something comes along and changes that. I couldn't help but think about that on Friday as I saw the story of Bethany Hamilton told in the new film, "Soul Surfer."

Hamilton was one of the hottest junior surfers in the country in fall 2003. She was sponsored by Rip Curl and seemed on her way to a professional career. She surfed every day, including the morning of Oct. 31, 2003. But on that morning, a 14-foot Tiger shark altered the course of her career and life, taking off most of her left arm.

Hamilton could have despaired. She could have given up surfing because, with just one arm, it proved quite difficult. But she didn't. Guided by her heart, determined spirit and, most importantly, her faith, Hamilton taught herself to surf with one arm and returned to the competitive circuit.

Not only did she compete, she's thrived. Hamilton, now 21, achieved her goal of becoming a professional surfer. More than that, she's become an inspiration to people around the world. She's inspiring not just because of how she's worked to overcome her setback, but because of the powerful witness she gives in her life.

"Soul Surfer" could easily have been a surf movie or comeback movie; but it's more than that because it's infused with the faith that proved so sustaining to Hamilton as she struggled to adapt to a world in which the simple things she'd taken for granted were no longer there.

A big part of the film is Hamilton's interaction with her youth pastor, Sarah (Carrie Underwood), and her experiences on a mission trip to tsunami-ravaged Thailand. In the midst of her own struggle, her own confusion, and her own disappointment, Hamilton was able to see the suffering of others in a way that put her life into perspective.

In a recent interview with ESPN, she noted how important it was to her that the film based upon her life and her book reflect her faith. And it's done in a way that doesn't feel preachy, it just feels like a real reflection of who she is.

Watching the film, I couldn't help but be moved by the story and, at the same time, wonder how I would respond in a similar situation. For me, that passion I take for granted is probably writing. If I lost a hand or an arm, I don't know what would happen. But I hope I'd be able to overcome it with the same grace, dignity, and determination as Hamilton.

There is a verse she says in the film that struck me; that has always stood out to me in difficult times. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." That was certainly true in Hamilton's case, and it is true for us if we just have faith.