The Hiding Place

Reflections upon reading The Hiding Place.

1. Even when freedom is lost, everyday we have the gift of agency to choose how we react to situations and those around us.  We constantly choose our feelings and our beliefs.  We constantly choose how to express ourselves.  With each choice comes consequences, both good and bad.  This agency is a divine gift.  We can always choose to grow in our faith and learn from Christ. (chapters 10+)

2. Even when we are going about doing service and worthy projects, this agency and decision making is still ours.  Life continues to involve "experimenting, making mistakes, learning." (pg. 237)

3. Some trials of adversity are actually blessings in disguise. Having our hearts' worthy desires granted can come at a cost, including suffering (the story of the flees).

4. When we have a mission to fulfill, the Lord will make a way for us to survive as we faithfully seek to know and do His will. (pg. 241)

5.  When we do not feel love for another human being, even one who has been cruel, the Lord can bless us with His love. (one of my favorite parts of the story -pg. 238)

6.  Bravery has many faces.  The ten Boom family chose to assist Jews in hiding from the Nazis knowing that they could/would be arrested if they were caught, but they did not have a clear idea of the inhumanity that was a consequence of this bravery.  Even after their arrest, they never spoke of regret for their choice to help the Jews.  Following their arrest, the ten Booms were transported to The Hague, Gestapo headquarters in Holland, and Corrie's father was offered a ticket home if he would agree to "stay out of trouble."  Mr. ten Boom replied, "If I go home today, I will open my door again to any man in need who knocks."  (pg. 138)  He didn't live much longer through his imprisonment.

And then there was the bravery it took to smuggle their Bible into their prison room and read it aloud daily. 

The raid on Corrie's home doesn't take place until chapter 9, and I put the book down many times in those early chapters of life pre-Nazi occupation of Holland. It was good story telling, but just not the meat of the book.  I found the whole business of the Dutch underground helping their Jewish neighbors compelling and brave, and from the raid through the imprisonment, and finally post concentration camp life...all compelling & I couldn't put the book down.  Corrie and her sister, Betsie took that most difficult experience and chose to draw closer to the Lord and share his love with all who would hear.  The trial was not lifted, but they were humble enough to grow in spirit and ultimately offer inspiration through the retelling of their experience.  No doubt they never envisioned their life journey leaving their cozy life and steady watchmaking business to go through awful suffering in Nazi Germany, and finally years of service for those in need back in their native Holland.  How much of our lives are we open to discovering what the Lord would have us do...no matter what?  This involves some sacrifice, but also comes with great blessings.

This would be a great book for book club discussion!  Have you read it?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.