Ask Bethany: FAQs: Surfing, Faith and Friends - eBook

Bethany Hamilton: Bethany has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of determination, faith and hope. In 2003, Bethany lost her left arm while surfing to a 14-foot tiger shark. Rather than let her career as a rising surf star come crashing down, Bethany miraculously returned to the water one month after the attack, a year later won her first National title, and has since realized her dream of surfing professionally. Her unbelievably positive attitude fascinated the world, and her story has been told in an autobiography and later adapted to the 2011 film, Soul Surfer. Bethany and her husband, Adam Dirks, are involved in many charitable efforts, including Friends of Bethany, which she and her family created to help shark attack survivors, traumatic amputees, and serves to inspire others through her life story. Now as a professional surfer, motivational speaker, and healthy lifestyle advocate, Bethany continues to touch and inspire lives globally.
Doris Rikkers is a freelance writer and editor who has written many bestselling children’s books and Bibles. Although she loves the ocean, she lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her books, her flower gardens, and her family and friends.

Bethany Hamilton answers her fans' questions in her latest Soul Surfer book, Ask Bethany: FAQ: Surfing, Faith, and Friends. After a brutal shark attack in 2003, 13-year-old Bethany was forced to learn how to surf with only one remaining arm. Since then, her faith in God has also had a drastic change – she now boldly proclaims the testimony of God in her life. She believes God worked a miracle in her so that she can inspire others to live for Christ. As she speaks, surfs, and writes, Bethany lives out the importance of this miracle. She lives by the promise of Psalm 77:14 which states, "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples" (NIV).

Bethany believes a bitter heart is more of a handicap than a physical setback. Therefore, despite the trials in her life, she chooses to respond with joy and optimism. She views her traumatic experience as a gift given to her to help others and further God’s Kingdom. This attitude is unmistakably revealed in her book as she lovingly responds to fans with confident hope and continued trust in God.

She answers a stockpile of questions she's received about her attack and about surfing, friends, God, and school. With questions arranged topically and with Bible verses related to each subject, the book reads like an intimate interview. The conversational tone creates a warm relationship between the author and reader. It is evident Bethany cares about her readers and desires to share practical wisdom with them. Because of the personal connection, readers will view this advice as coming from a good friend rather than a popular celebrity.

This book is a great resource for girls beginning to explore how to be a godly woman. Advice from Bethany is rooted in Scripture and is morally sound; her testimony proves her to be a worthy role model. The book is also sprinkled with a few lessons in basic theology as she describes the character of God in a way young girls can easily understand. Cute graphics and large text make the book a pleasure to read. I was impressed with Bethany's passion for young girls and the relevance of her advice. As a young woman passionate about witnessing to girls, I gained a lot of insights from this book. – Becky Jacobs, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com