I was one of the millions around the world who learned of Bethany Hamilton and the fateful shark attack. Then to see her determination and success at surfing, despite missing an arm, was beyond impressive. However, I believe what is most inspiring is her amazing attitude and what she has accomplished out of the water! She has chosen to turn devastation into a blessing by her positive perspective - based on her faith in God and desire to help others.
Bethany become a role model, not just for aspiring surfers, but for anyone struggling. (Which isn't that all of us at one point or another?) She has used her "disadvantage" to lift the spirits and give hope to countless individuals across the globe. I was deeply touched when she summed it up by saying, "I've had the chance to embrace more people with one arm than I ever could with two."
Genesis 50:20 comes to mind, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
With or without physical handicaps, we all live in a sinful world with various situations and experiences that the devil hurls at us in his attempt to derail our faith in God and our ability to do good. I pray we can be resilient in these temporary conditions, while we remember Romans 21:12, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Here are some stories of inspiring people and animals who did just that!
Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille
By Jen Bryant (Author)
Boris Kulikov (Illustrator)
Ages: 4 - 8
The William Hoy Story
By Nancy Churnin (Author)
Jez Tuya (Illustrator)
Ages: 4 - 8
Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again
By Craig Hatkoff, Juliana Hatkoff,
Isabella Hatkoff and David Yates
Ages: 4 - 10
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures:
The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
By Julia Finley Mosca (Author)
Daniel Rieley (Illustrator)
Ages: 5 - 10
Railway Jack: The True Story of an Amazing Baboon
By KT Johnston (Author)
César Samaniego (Illustrator)
Ages: 8 - 12
Blind Tom: The Horse Who Helped
Build the Great Railroad
By Shirley Raye Redmond (Author)
Lois Bradley (Illustrator)
Ages: 6 - 9
Fanny Crosby: The Blind Girl's Song
By Lucille Travis
Ages: 8 - 14
The Story of My Life
By Helen Keller (Author)
Roger Shattuck (Editor)
Dorothy Herrmann (Editor)
Ages: 12 - 17
Joni: An Unforgettable Story
By Joni Eareckson Tada
Ages: 13+
Soul Surfer
By Bethany Hamilton
Rick Bundschuh
Sheryl Berk
Ages: 13+