Soul Surfer, the inspirational true story of competitive surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost her arm in a shark attack, surprised Hollywood at the box office this weekend, opening at more than $11 million and boasting a higher per screen average than the number one movie of the weekend, Arthur. Although the film is not specifically “faith-based,” Bethany’s strong Christian beliefs played a major role in the film at the request of the family. “We didn’t want the aspects of faith to be watered down or diminished at all, but we wanted to do it in a tasteful way as well,” said Tom Hamilton, Bethany’s father. FOXNews interviewed Bethany this week about her Christian faith and the role it played in her recovery and return to surfing: “Often times I was thinking why me? And what can we do from here and what is next? Because God’s taught me that He has a purpose and a plan,” she said. The film also stars Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and Carrie Underwood in her film debut. Outreach, Inc. offers a campaign for churches and youth groups based on the film; leaders can find out more here.
