the Hiding Place

I recently read Corrie ten Boom’s book “the Hiding Place.” I have seen the film a couple of times and although I was given the book several years ago for some reason I had not previously read it.

Most of us know about Corrie and her family due to their brave and heroic acts during the war. The book however also provides details of the life of Corrie and her family prior to the war. Like all of us Corrie had her ups and downs as she grew up. She learnt to trust God during this time and submit to the divine leading.

Despite the risks involved, following the outbreak of the war, the ten Boom family risked their lives in helping others. Although it was very dangerous they offered shelter to persecuted Jews in their watchmaker’s shop.

They were though eventually caught and following arrest interrogated by the Nazi’s. Corrie’s father was offered the chance of being released but told his captors if they released him he would continue to help the Jews. An act of bravery that eventually lead to his death in captivity.

Corrie and her sister Betsie were sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp. Despite the truly awful and horrific conditions they experienced in the camp the sisters still reached out to show the love of God to others. This is especially remarkable when you also consider that Betsie’s health was deteriorating. Those of you who are familiar with the Hiding Place will know that Betsie died whilst in Ravensbruck.

The book finishes with a truly remarkable encounter between Corrie and a former SS man from the Ravensbruck concentration camp at a meeting in Munich following the end of the war. Corrie had just finished speaking at a church meeting when the former SS man approached her and wanted to shake hands with her. Despite the immense internal struggle within her Corrie agreed asking Jesus to help her to forgive him. She then describes how the love of God overwhelmed her as she did this.

I would highly recommend “the Hiding Place”. It is a very inspiring book!