"Soul Surfer" Bethany Hamilton's Christian faith has made a huge impact on her life, probably more than the shark attack that cost her her left arm. In fact, Hamilton believes that if not for her love of God, she might not have developed a positive outlook in life, especially after she lost an arm.
On her Instagram account (@bethanyhamilton), the passionate surfer shared a throwback photo featuring her younger self holding up the surf board that was partly bitten off by the shark that attacked her. She writes: "12 years ago I lost my arm, but since then I have gained so much! I'm so thankful for my life...just as it is! If not for my faith in God, I can't say I would think the same thing. God is good."
Hamilton, who is now both a wife and mother, has never been shy about sharing her faith to the world. She has even put up a website that encourages people to "connect with God."
"When people ask me what my faith in God means to me, I usually answer in just one word: 'Everything!'" Hamilton shares. "This was true before the shark attack as well as after."
Looking back to the day when she lost her arm, Hamilton remembers clearly being in the ambulance on the way to hospital. She was in a lot of pain, but when the paramedic held her hand and told her, "God will never leave you or forsake you," the young surfer felt a wave of peace.
"He was right," she says. "I believe in God. Nobody made me believe; I don't think you can or should try to force someone to believe something. And even though my parents taught me stuff about God and read Bible stories to me from as early as I can remember... it was my choice to become a believer in Him. The way I see it, putting our faith in God is something that each person has to come to on his or her own. It's your own personal relationship with Him; a bond that's as unique as a fingerprint."
