Bethany Hamilton was once ranked as the best amateur teen surfer in Hawaii. In October 2003, however, she lost one of her arms to a tiger shark while surfing. The story of a beautiful and talented teenager losing an arm to a shark made national news. As the world watched the story unfold it saw Bethany display something that kept her from being depressed and sinking into a life of self-pity. She had a relationship with Jesus Christ, and that transcended the tragedy she experienced.

 

Soon after the attack, Bethany began to raise money to restore a man's eyesight. While she was visiting New York City, she gave her ski coat to a homeless girl. Her story appeared in a national newspaper stating: "As always, Hamilton remains undaunted. She has told her father that if having only one arm proved detrimental to reaching the top in competitive surfing, then she'd see about playing soccer." Her pastor said, "She's looking forward to the future. She's asking herself, 'How can I show the world I still have a life, that I enjoy my life, and that my life is filled with joy?' She has an underlying trust that God is taking care of her."

 

There's a girl who understands who she is, whose she is and where she is. Because of her understanding of those three basic truths she was able to turn tragedy into triumph. And it was all because of the fact that Bethany's heart has been enlightened to know "the hope of His calling."