A couple of months ago now, I had to read The Hiding Place for school. I'd heard it was a really good book for ages, but after reading it, I can definitely agree! It's a really good book. Lets just say that I was very interested in schoolwork for those few days. :) Anyway, after reading it, I had to write an essay on what effect growing up in a christian home had on Corrie ten Boom, so here it is!
"Corrie ten Boom and her siblings grew up in
a Christian home. Not only were they surrounded by professing Christians, they
were surrounded by a family who practiced what they preached. One of their aunts
spent her days writing, and Corrie's mum herself was known for taking in hungry
people off the street, giving them a cup of good home-brewed tea and a meal,
before sending them on their way again. Corrie's father, a successful watchmaker,
made it his habit to read a chapter of the Bible daily, not just to his family,
but to all who were in the house ( known as the 'Beje'). Corrie's other aunts
busied themselves with the sewing needs of the family, and of all those who
needed to be clothed.
In the years after her mother's death,
Corrie's older sister, Betsie, took on the work of feeding those who needed it,
and rarely was their large table ever empty. When the effects of World War II
began to be felt in Haarlem, Corrie's hometown, the family continued their
openhanded way of living – offering places at their table to anyone in need.
Their reputation was known, and soon Jews seeking a refuge began making their
way to the big old house. Some of these were given other places to hide, out in
the country where it was safer, but there over time there were no places left
in the country, and a small group of hunted Jews made the Beje their home too.
Although this put their lives in danger, Corrie and her family could do no
less; they wholeheartedly welcomed these people as family. Even after the
consequences were felt, Corrie's father, when being offered freedom if he
should promise not to cause any more 'trouble', replied, ' If I go home today,
tomorrow I will open my door to any man in need who knocks.'
This kind of genuine compassion for all
human beings, especially those in need was deeply ingrained in Corrie and her
siblings. They had grown up observing it, being part of it, and then carrying
it out themselves. Even later when Corrie and Betsie were in a horrible prison
camp, they still found little ways to help the other women. Those whom they
could not help, such as the cruel guards, were still objects of their sympathy.
Loving and forgiving the very people who mistreated them did not come naturally
to Corrie, and she struggled greatly to forgive the man who had betrayed them
to the Gestapo. But the prodding of her conscience and Betsie's example won
through, and finally she prayed, 'Lord Jesus, I forgive [him] as I pray that
You will forgive me...'
After the war was over Corrie continued to
serve. She founded several homes for ex-prisoners and others affected by the
war. Corrie also traveled to many countries telling of her experiences, and
the grace, help and salvation she found
in God, who sustained her during her carefree childhood years, her busy and
dangerous middle-age years, her years in prison, and the years she spent after
her release traveling and sharing. Corrie ten Boom's Christian upbringing
definitely had a marked effect on her life and character – she was a servant
for her King all her days."
Have you ever read The Hiding Place? What did you think?
Have you ever read The Hiding Place? What did you think?
