“For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLV)

I recently watched an amazing movie, Soul Surfer which is based on the real life experience ofBethany Hamilton, who lost her left arm at the age of 13  in a shark attach while surfing off Kauai’s North Shore. Bethany lost over 60% of her blood, and had to undergo several surgeries. Life guards and doctors believe that it was Bethany’s faith in God and water sense which helped her through the traumatic event. However, what I found even more remarkable, is that only one month after her attach Bethany was back in the water pursing her goal to be a professional surfer!
In January of 2004, Bethany made her return to surf competition; placing 5th in the Open Women’s division of that contest. With no intention of stopping, Bethany continued to enter and excel in competition. Just over a year after the attack she took 1st place in the Explorer Women’s division of the 2005 NSSA National Championships – winning her first National Title.
In 2007, even with her disability, Bethany realized her dream and turned pro!
Many of us have given up on our dreams and aspirations, because of the seemly insurmountable obstacles standing in our way. Unlike Bethany, the only disability we have is the one that exist in our thoughts.
It is easy for us to get inspired for a moment by the awesomeness of someone else’s story, but we doubt that we too are able to write an equally awe-inspiring story of our own. I could whisper in your ears all day long that you have greatness within, but unless you believe that statement to be true for you, my words will mean nothing. You have to push beyond your fears and BELIEVE. I HAVE GREATNESS WITHIN!
Your destiny is wrapped up in your life experiences. Everyday you must be resolute and determined  to peal away another layer of  fear and unbelief. You have to know that your being here on earth at this time matters.  Don’t allow your past mistakes to define your future. Your destiny is greater than your mistakes.
What am I saying? Our mistakes, failures, and poor choices should not be a used to cripple us and keep us from our divine destiny. It is not about how you start life, it’s how you finish.
Whenever you are tempted to give up, remember the story of Bethany Hamilton, the girl with one arm who became a surfing pro.
Positive Affirmation: My will to succeed is stronger than my disability. I will not quit. I will not quit.