The Hiding Place

Such an encouraging, focused book. Good to read about the horrible but true reality of the Nazi invasion in Holland and the experiences that millions had. Good to get outside of comfortable American lifestyle and walk in other people's shoes. Encouraging to glean wisdom from Corrie's father and mother, Betsie, and Corrie. Encouraging to see that they were typical people, who sometimes made mistakes, had failures, but also trusted and believed in God- focused on Him and eternity and counted themselves fortunate to minister to people in terrible circumstances. Their eyes were not set on themselves. Their love was genuine. Countercultural.

What I learned the most thorough the book was to not look to circumstances to determine joy. Corrie and Betsie never married, they lived quiet lives for 50 plus years doing household work and working in a watch shop. Their mother suffered from illnesses and was often in bed; their aunt was pessimistic. Once the invasion hit, they boldly went against Nazi laws and secretly hid and cared for Jews, arranging ration cards, identification papers, and transportation for them. Later, when sent to jail and concentration camps, their focus was one of compassion, sharing what they had, holding worship services, and sharing the gospel. They surrendered to Jesus.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Perhaps only when human effort had done it's best and failed, would God's power alone be free to work."

"Love is larger than the walls which shut it in"

"If God has shown us bad times ahead, it's enough for me that He knows about them. That's why He sometimes shows us things, you know - to tell us that this too is in His hands."

"There are no 'if's' in God's world. And no placess that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety - let us pray that we may always know it!"