Bethany Hamilton reflects on shark attack anniversary: 'God can truly turn pain into beauty'

Despite the challenges she faced after the shark attack, Bethany Hamilton would not change a thing about her life. (PHOTO: Instagram/Bethany Hamilton)

God has the ability to transform horrific incidents into wonderful opportunities, and this is exactly what He did in the life of "Soul Surfer" Bethany Hamilton.

Hamilton, a professional surfer, survived a shark attack on October 31, 2003. The shark bit off Hamilton's left arm, which hindered her from doing the sport she loved the best. However, Hamilton refused to be defined by her disability and became an even better surfer after the incident.

Looking back on the day of the shark attack, Hamilton posted on her Instagram (@bethanyhamilton) page that she is thankful to God for everything He did in her life. "Today I'm thankful to be alive! I look back and would not change that day otherwise. God can truly turn pain into beauty. We can grow through our hard times and overcome. Happy stumpy day to me," she wrote.

Exciting things are ahead for Hamilton and her husband, Adam Dirks, since they announced last October that they are already halfway through their second pregnancy.

"Adam and I are so so sooo excited!!! And Tobias seems to get excited too; he gives baby kisses everyday!" she wrote on her website. "We are thankful we can grow our family and add even more joy to life. Becoming parents to Tobias has been such a beautiful journey. We love the joy and also the challenges he brings to our life; and he is sure ready for a sibling."

Hamilton is grateful that her second pregnancy has so far been mellow and manageable. Another thing they are going to do differently with their second baby is to keep the gender a secret. "I begged Adam to wait till baby's birthday to find out the gender and he agreed. (: With Tobias we found out, but I really wanted a surprise for this baby. So, surprise it will be! We expect the little one in March," she added.

related articles
Bethany Hamilton admits she dislikes talking about shark attack, wants to focus more on role of faith in her recovery
Bethany Hamilton admits she dislikes talking about shark attack, wants to focus more on role of faith in her recovery

Bethany Hamilton admits she dislikes talking about shark attack, wants to focus more on role of faith in her recovery

Bethany Hamilton celebrates first Mother\'s Day, says raising son Tobias has been an \'incredible blessing\'
Bethany Hamilton celebrates first Mother's Day, says raising son Tobias has been an 'incredible blessing'

Bethany Hamilton celebrates first Mother's Day, says raising son Tobias has been an 'incredible blessing'

\'Soul Surfer\' Bethany Hamilton thankful for her Top 3 finish in Fiji Women\'s Pro surfing competition
'Soul Surfer' Bethany Hamilton thankful for her Top 3 finish in Fiji Women's Pro surfing competition

'Soul Surfer' Bethany Hamilton thankful for her Top 3 finish in Fiji Women's Pro surfing competition

Bethany Hamilton says swimming with one arm is a breeze compared to beating the stigma of being a shark attack victim
Bethany Hamilton says swimming with one arm is a breeze compared to beating the stigma of being a shark attack victim

Bethany Hamilton says swimming with one arm is a breeze compared to beating the stigma of being a shark attack victim

Christian Athlete Bethany Hamilton Talks About New Documentary \'Unstoppable\': \'It\'s a Raw, Real Version of My Life Story\'
Christian Athlete Bethany Hamilton Talks About New Documentary 'Unstoppable': 'It's a Raw, Real Version of My Life Story'

Christian Athlete Bethany Hamilton Talks About New Documentary 'Unstoppable': 'It's a Raw, Real Version of My Life Story'

News
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians. 

Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment

The first openly gay Archbishop of Wales says her appointment has caused some people to leave the Church in Wales.