Episode Details

Bethany Hamilton was just 13 years old when she became a household name after being attacked by a shark while surfing. She lost her arm and nearly her life, but just one month after the attack, returned to surfing.

Today, 15 years later, Bethany is a professional surfer, contestant on Amazing Race, wife, mother and role model. Her amazing story has been shared in the award-winning biopic Soul Surfer and her new documentary Unstoppable. Today, Bethany shares her inspiring story with us firsthand.

If you ever face a challenge (and we all do, right?) this episode is for you – Bethany will show you how to overcome with faith and gratitude.

SHOW NOTES:

• The up-close and personal documentary Unstoppable was released in July 2019 and covers Bethany's incredible journey from a girl through becoming a woman, a resilient athlete and mom. Watch the trailer here.
• Bethany and her husband Adam finished third in season 25 of CBS's reality television show Amazing Race and enjoyed tackling challenges together.
• Bethany's mom led her to explore her spirituality + faith. She attributes her positivity and resiliency after her attack to her faith in God.
• "I know I'm going to surf again." Shortly after attack, a reporter asked Bethany if she'd ever surf again and her confidence + boldness inspired others.
• As she matures, Bethany is learning to embrace her story and use it to inspire others.
• Four weeks after the attack, Bethany rode a wave to shore, giving her hope + realization that she'd return to surfing.
• Friend of Bethany is a foundation produces events that inspires, shares stories hope, and responds with encouragement to traumatic amputees to give hope in a difficult time. Learn more here.
• World Vision invited Bethany to Thailand a year and a half after the tsunami to inspire fisherman to return to the ocean, despite their fear.
• Faith in God, spending time in the ocean, and being a mom + wife keep Bethany grounded and tethered to what matters.
• In Unstoppable, Bethany shares her journey and daunting accomplishment of surfing an infamous 65 foot, 30 mph+ wave nicknamed Jaws.
• John 16:33: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
  • Bethany refers to this verse to provide hope + peace to herself + others when going through a difficult time.
• Bethany found the emotional aspect of her recovery more difficult than the physical and is thankful for her support system.
• Bethany's book Body and Soul shares tips for young women to become the best versions of themselves. Get a copy here.

If hearing Bethany's story inspired you to live an unstoppable life, you'll love hearing Live Inspired Podcast guest Amberley Snyder. Amberley shares her