November 17, 2014

The Hiding Place

Why did I wait so long to read this!

What an amazing story!

I have to say I've read a lot of great books over the years, but this one was extraordinary.

Corrie, her sister Betsie, and the rest of their family are such an inspiration.

I often cried reading their story and long to know God more after reading it.

He is so good.


Corrie uses the first few chapters to share her family life in Holland. A little background of a normal everyday life. Then the war came, they hid Jews in their home, were later caught, sent to prison, then to a horrific concentration camp.

One thing that stood out to me in this book was that it wasn't just their story, as much as it was about the Lord and how good and faithful He is. How His plans are not ours, and how He teaches and grows us through adversaries. All of these people are now with Him, experiencing the fullness of joy from the Lord.

Betsie Ten Boom
I loved Corrie's sister Betsie in this true life story.

Betsie understood God.

She knew Him well and praised Him in all things. She gave me a better understanding of who God is, His greatness, His holiness, His faithfulness and His love for us.

It was beyond encouraging.

Here Betsie encourages Corrie after Corrie finds shrapnel on her pillow during a bombing:

"'Betsie, if I hadn't heard you in the kitchen...'

 But Betsie put a finger on my mouth. 'Don't say it, Corrie! There are no 'ifs' in God's world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety - Oh Corrie, let us pray that we may always know it!"

Corrie Ten Boom
God used Betsie to encourage Corrie and then He took her home.

Corrie then went on to accomplish only what God could accomplish. And she gave Him all the glory for the many lives He touched through her.

I'll leave you with a conversation between Betsie and Corrie when they are both overwhelmed by the hatred and brutality within the concentration camp.


Women being forced to parade around in the cold, naked., humiliated. Their dignity stripped from them.

Corrie writes here:

"...it was one of these mornings while we were waiting, shivering, in the corridor, that yet another page in the Bible leapt into life for me.

He hung naked on the cross.

I had not known - I had not thought...The paintings, the carved crucifixes showed at the least a scrap of cloth. But this, I suddenly knew, was the respect and reverence of the artist. But oh - at the time itself, on that other Friday morning - there had been no reverence. No more than I saw in the faces around us now.

 I leaned toward Betsie, ahead of me in line. Her shoulder blades stood out sharp and thin beneath her blue-mottled skin.

 'Betsie, they took His clothes, too.'

 Ahead of me I heard a little gasp. 'Oh Corrie. And I never thanked Him..."


Buy it HERE on Amazon



44 comments:

  1. Chandra HadfieldNovember 17, 2014 at 9:19 AM

    I'm so glad you wrote about this today! I love this book, and need to read it again. Corrie Ten Boom is one of those women that are on my list of great women of all time. Incredible story!

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:27 PM

      I agree, she is definitely one of the great women of God! Thanks for stopping by Chandra. : )

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  2. a joyful noiseNovember 17, 2014 at 9:42 AM

    I too loved this book. Thanks for sharing it here. I am a neighbor at Salt and Light.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:28 PM

      Thanks for stopping by Hazel, glad you also enjoyed this book.

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  3. blestbutstrestNovember 17, 2014 at 11:00 AM

    I read this book years ago--but your review makes me want to read it again! What a beautiful thought. Thank you for sharing it.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:30 PM

      I think you will love it again with a re-read! Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. Mrs. SmithNovember 17, 2014 at 11:16 AM

    Hi Cathy! I should read this book. I've had it since I was kid, receiving a copy through Billy Graham Crusades many a year ago. It is good to read your insight about it. What a legacy she left! I'm with you - she is on my list of great women too!

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:38 PM

      I used to get free books years and years ago from the Billy Graham Association as well. I remember receiving "My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers and it sitting on my bookshelf for years! Now that I've finally read it, it's one of my favorite books!

      So thankful for the free literature Billy Graham gives out! I may never have read Oswald Chambers book if I hadn't got it for free.

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  5. SandiNovember 17, 2014 at 3:01 PM

    Amazing story...

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  6. DebbieNovember 18, 2014 at 6:57 AM

    Loved this review and the words from the book that you shared.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:40 PM

      Glad you enjoyed my thoughts here. Thanks for stopping by Debbie. : )

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  7. Rebekah NealNovember 18, 2014 at 6:20 PM

    Thank you for sharing this; such an encouraging testimony of the Lord's mercy and goodness and the strength that He gives to His dear people to endure trials.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:45 PM

      It really is one of the most encouraging testimonies I've ever read about.

      Thanks for stopping by Rebekah and for following my blog! : )

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  8. UnknownNovember 19, 2014 at 12:11 PM

    Another book to add to my reading list! Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you linked up at Three Word Wednesday.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:46 PM

      Thanks for hosting Kristin! Appreciate being able to share my posts over at your lovely blog.

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  9. Parlor Room PonderingsNovember 19, 2014 at 5:06 PM

    This is truly a beautiful book. Not because of the ugliness at that time (not much better now) but because of the beauty that shone through these ladies when none was to be found. Truly an example for us. We always have opportunities to be an expression of God to those around us. Blessings, Diane

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:48 PM

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts here Diane. So true.

      Glad you stopped by. : )

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  10. MichelleNovember 20, 2014 at 11:44 AM

    My sister took me to see the movie when it first came out.

    Such a remarkable woman, family, book and God.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:50 PM

      I just watched the movie for the first time after finishing the book. Was so happy to see it stayed true to the powerful story! So many movies leave out the most important parts of the book.

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  11. JennyNovember 20, 2014 at 3:33 PM

    My daughter has red this in the past and just finished it a second time. Really the only thing I know about it is when they are giving thanks for the fleas! That just always makes me stop and think what I complain about all day long or even what I give thanks for.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:52 PM

      I loved that scene in the book! So many other moving things happen in the book as well. You should read it for sure!

      Thanks for stopping by Jenny. : )

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  12. Heather @ My Overflowing CupNovember 21, 2014 at 10:43 AM

    Isn't this book wonderful, Cathy? It really did change my perspective on my entire life. When I feel less than content with any situation I find myself in, I remember this story and it sets me straight. I wrote a post about my favorite Corrie Ten Boom quotes, if you are interested. Thanks for sharing this with us. (Visiting from A Little R&R)

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:54 PM

      Thanks for sharing Heather. I would love to read your post. Leave me the link and I'll come by and read it!

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  13. MindyNovember 21, 2014 at 10:46 AM

    Such a precious story this is. I have read it but it has been so long that I think it may deserve another reading. A wonderful story of remarkable faith.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:55 PM

      Thanks for stopping by Mindy, glad you enjoyed the book as well.

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  14. Sandra @ Sandra's ArkNovember 21, 2014 at 9:42 PM

    When we lived in Belgium we went to visit Corrie's home in the Netherlands. I just stood there and thought of the book. Dropping by from Sunday Stillness

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:56 PM

      I would love to visit her home someday. A beautiful piece of history that should never be forgotten.

      Thanks for stopping by Sandra. : )

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  15. Susan @ Reading WorldNovember 22, 2014 at 7:19 AM

    I saw a movie (or documentary?) of this many years ago, but I've never read the book. I really should get the book.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 2:58 PM

      The movie was good, but I always think books are better. : )

      Thanks for stopping by Susan.

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  16. Lyli @3-D Lessons for LifeNovember 22, 2014 at 8:38 AM

    One of my favorites! Thanks for sharing it with Thought-Provoking Thursday. :)

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 3:00 PM

      Thanks for the link-up Lyli. Glad you loved the book too!

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  17. AliciaNovember 22, 2014 at 8:40 AM

    "The center of His will is our only safety." Yes, indeed.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 3:01 PM

      I really loved this quote. So powerful.

      Thanks for stopping by Alicia. : )

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  18. Christine MalkemesNovember 22, 2014 at 10:04 AM

    You are so encouraging to share this. You are the one who seeks the ancient paths. You will be blessed! yours ~ Chris ~

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  19. Angie RygNovember 22, 2014 at 9:22 PM

    I have never thought about that! The hanging naked...you are right with the artist interpretation of respect...oh, what He has done for me.

    And my only way of worship is to be in the center of His safety and will. Thank you for this!

    Thank you for linking up with Inspire Me Monday. I look forward to finding out (or being reminded of) more books! : )

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 3:04 PM

      Thanks for stopping by Angie! Hope you find some good books here.

      Thanks for the link-up opportunity as well!

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  20. CarolNovember 23, 2014 at 12:50 AM

    I read this book to my children last year. I loved the simplicity & innocent loveliness of her writing as she shared their sorrows and joys.Very powerful.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 3:05 PM

      Wonderful book to read to your family! Thanks for stopping by and for following my blog here Carol! : )

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  21. caryjoNovember 23, 2014 at 1:44 PM

    I have lived in that book MANY times in the last 43 years. Got it when it first came out. And was hugely blessed to see her/meet her at the church in Redwood City, CA. I was only 26, then, and the book was opened to us then. What a treat. I've never forgotten. And I've had the movie piece, too, in the past number of years. Overall, she was a treat, in spite of what happened to her and her family, AND since she went to Heaven when she was just turning 90 that evening when she agreed to stop staying in our world when one of the main spiritual men... leader of YWAM that she'd known since he was young... and I look forward to meeting, seeing her again. You grabbed my attention BIG TIME! Thank you.

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    1. CathyNovember 23, 2014 at 3:06 PM

      How nice to have seen her speak in person! It will be cool to meet her and Betsie in heaven some day! : )

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  22. Lux G.November 24, 2014 at 8:45 AM

    Wow. I think this one's going to my shelf soon.

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    1. CathyNovember 24, 2014 at 9:43 AM

      You will be blessed by it! Thanks for stopping by!

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Feel free to leave your own thoughts in the comments. I try to respond to all of them by the end of the week. : )

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