The Hiding Place - Corrie ten Boom
With John and Elizabeth Sherrill.
Published by Hodder and Stoughton, Ltd: London, 1976 (1971).
Corrie ten Boom, along with her sister Betsie, were spinster sisters living with their father in Holland during the Second World War. Despite their age and station in life all three became involved in hiding Jews, even having a false wall put in to one of their rooms so that a 'hiding place' could be installed. The Hiding Place is their story, told by Corrie herself.
When people picture heroes of the resistance, or even heroes of the faith, it is unlikely that two sisters in their fifties, and their father, would come to mind, but the faith of Betsie, Corrie and their father during the horrific events unfolding around them is humbling, and challenging. The story itself is a powerful one, but various lessons of faith are also shared throughout the book. As an example, Corrie (as a younger girl) is faced with the death of a child her mother visits. She is traumatised by this, and tells her father frantically that she doesn't want him to die.
'Father sat down on the edge of the narrow bed. "Corrie," he began gently, "when you and I go to Amsterdam - when do I give you your ticket?"
I sniffed a few times, considering this.
"Why, just before we get on the train."
"Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we're going to need things, too. Don't run out ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time come that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need - just in time."' (page 31-32).
This is a thought-provoking story of humble, ordinary, but faithfilled people living through terrible times. A good book to ponder on.
Completed with Elise, 8 June 2019.
(Elise Books)
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