walking on water

Waves are not measured in feet and inches, they are measured in increments of fear.

-Buzzy Trent.

SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm

in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her

sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including

AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid.

In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany's feisty

determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her

the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others.... Soul Surfer the film 

i watched the film "soul surfer" last weekend and have not been able to shake its message out of my mind. it is certainly an inspirational film based on the true story of aussie born surfer bethany hamilton who tragically lost an arm to a shark attack. with resilience she developed through her faith and honed by working with others, she returned to the sport (and lifestyle) that she loved- and returned with grace. 

yes i am almost embarrassed that i totally loved this teenager tale of recovery. yes i think it's probably corny. and yes i have seen it more than once this week. for me, it is a quintessential tale of faith and redemption. and these are themes that i now believe in. 

at times in life, i have found myself devastated because my dreams and plans were shattered. it felt as if my life was obliterated, and i didn't think i could or wanted to go on. but my plans are not the only blueprint at work in my life. i have a design, but not the design. this is pivotal. i have input, but am not in charge. 

what i love most about bethany's story is the revelation that her life became so much larger when she began to accept her new situation and started working with her circumstances. just as she meets the surf where it is and finds the patience and skill to ride a wave back to shore, she shared her life's joy and her experience with others in lieu of seeking pleasure for herself. this action opened a view of her life that was bigger than she could have guessed or imagined. and she triumphed and found peace.

on a more universal level, the scenes in the film of hawaii are breathtaking, the ocean shots, the surfing culture, the rocky pacific rim shores establish themselves as an integral part of the story. it is not a new story by any means. it is a yarn that has been spun and re-spun throughout the ages. it is, however, a real story. the fears that we encounter when our plans are trashed by life seem insurmountable at times. and this will continue to happen as long as we have dreams. and the grace that is bestowed when we let go of our plans and make room for another is life changing, right-sizing, and priceless. 

 i smiled, i cried,. and i liked it.