The Dutch ten Boom family not only have a peculiar family name but an even more remarkable story and life experience. A modest family of watchmakers risked their all, and eventually their lives, as they offered succour to Jews during the Nazi invasion of Holland. Theirs was a tale of unwavering faith in God’s good purposes in the face of hardship and persecution; security in the midst of insecurity; and a first-hand experience of what it means to call God father.
Being no history buff, reading The Hiding Place offered me a glimpse into the reality of the war experience from the perspective of an eye-witness and survivor. Yet in contrast to the gloom and terror of sheer human brutality, the radiance of persevering family life and relationships shines through the pages of this intriguing account. Carefully and purposefully narrated, each chapter draws the reader in, all the while teaching important life lessons based on Biblical principles. Little wonder that is the case, the ten Booms were devout Christians who made much of their faith. Heart-felt prayers were not far from their lips; it was their go-to response to both the highs and lows of daily life.
Betsie in one awkward prayer moment even thanked The Lord for the fleas that plagued their overcrowded prison room… talk of giving thanks in all circumstances!
Duly do we regard the ten Boom sisters – Corrie and Betsie as matriarchs of the faith. Somehow they were able to make sense of the absurdity of their lives, as Corrie surmised:
“Life in Ravensbruck took place on two separate levels, mutually impossible. One, the observable, external life, grew everyday more horrible. The other, the life we lived with God, grew daily better, truth upon truth, glory upon glory.” Pg. 182
There’s so much to be learnt from the lives of these ordinary women who took refuge in Jesus. Reading this autobiography will challenge you on one hand, and encourage you on the other. On the whole, it offers an assurance like no other – Jesus is our hiding place too and He is trustworthy. What better place to be than in the centre of His will!
“There are no ‘if’s’ in God’s world. And no places that are safer than other places. The centre of His will is our only safety – O Corrie, let us pray that we may always know it!” – Betsie ten Boom.
Thanks for reading!
Sike Osinuga.
*Corrie ten Boom’s story has been an inspirational best seller since its original publication in 1971, it was shortly after made into a popular feature film.