Faith in Film, The Real Bethany Hamilton

"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." — Philippians 4:13

One of the amazing things about "Soul Surfer" is that it's a true story. It's the story of a 13-year-old girl whose life was full of promise. It's the story of the tragic accident that threatened to derail her journey, and the way, through faith, she rose above.

There are a lot of things I like about the film, and a lot of themes in the film that we will look at next week, but it's that hopeful and inspiring true-life adventure that offers hope for the power of faith to overcome the obstacles we face in life.

As an amateur, Hamilton had just been sponsored and looked to have a bright career as a professional surfer. Then, on Oct. 31, 2003, when she was just 13-years-old, Hamilton was the victim of a shark attack. The attack occurred off the coast one morning while she was surfing with her best friend. The shark took off her left arm, just below the shoulder.

Hamilton didn’t let what happened to her be an excuse to give up on her life and her dreams. Instead, she used it as inspiration to work harder and to inspire others to not give up on their dreams. But that doesn’t mean it was always easy. Hamilton struggled, but she was eventually able to get back on that board. She learned to compensate for what she lost, and came back strong. In 2005, just two years after losing her arm, Hamilton was able to enter and win the national surf competition. And, despite what she lost, she was able to realize her dream of becoming a professional surfer. She continues to compete today, and has used her story to help inspire people throughout the world.

That's what Paul was getting at when he encouraged the Philippians that, with God, we can do all things.