The Hiding Place

About the Author

Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom was born in 1892 in Haarlem, the Netherlands, into a devout Christian family. The ten Boom family was known for their strong faith and unwavering commitment to living a life guided by Christian principles. Corrie’s father, Casper ten Boom, was a respected watchmaker, and the family lived above their watch shop in the Beje, a house that would later become a symbol of resistance against the Nazi regime.

Corrie grew up in a household where faith was not just an abstract belief but a daily practice. Her father’s deep religious conviction and her mother’s compassion for the poor and needy profoundly influenced her. These early experiences would lay the foundation for the courageous decisions Corrie would later make during World War II. After the war, Corrie became an internationally renowned speaker and author, spreading a message of forgiveness, hope, and God’s unfailing love. Her life and work have inspired millions around the world.

Main Idea

"The Hiding Place" is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith in the face of unspeakable evil. The book tells the story of Corrie ten Boom and her family, who risked their lives to protect Jews from the horrors of the Holocaust. But more than a story of survival, it is a story of faith, love, and the belief that even in the darkest of times, there is light.

At its core, "The Hiding Place" is about the triumph of love over hate and the ability of faith to sustain individuals through unimaginable trials. Corrie’s story is one of courage and compassion, showing that even in the face of evil, it is possible to find strength in God and to act with love and kindness. The book also explores the moral dilemmas faced by those who choose to resist tyranny and the spiritual growth that comes from suffering.

Table of Contents

• The Early Years: A Foundation of Faith
• The Nazi Occupation: A Call to Action
• The Beje: A Sanctuary in a World Gone Mad
• Betrayal and Imprisonment: The Crucible of Suffering
• Ravensbrück: The Depths of Despair
• Miracles in the Midst of Darkness
• Freedom and a New Mission
• The Legacy of Corrie ten Boom

The Early Years: A Foundation of Faith

Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom was raised in a household where Christian faith was woven into the fabric of daily life. Her father, Casper ten Boom, was not only a master watchmaker but also a man of deep faith who instilled in his children the importance of trusting in God. The ten Boom family home, known as the Beje, was a place where Bible study, prayer, and acts of charity were routine. This environment deeply influenced Corrie and her siblings, shaping their worldview and their approach to life’s challenges.

One of the most formative moments in Corrie’s early life was a conversation she had with her father about sin. After hearing the term "sexsin" at school, young Corrie asked her father what it meant. Instead of giving her a direct answer, Casper asked her to carry a heavy suitcase, which she struggled to lift. He then explained,

"There are some burdens that are too heavy for children. When you are older and stronger, you can bear them. For now, you must trust me to carry them for you."

This lesson in trust and the acknowledgment of human limitations became a cornerstone of Corrie’s faith, teaching her that some burdens are meant to be carried by God.

Corrie’s mother, Cornelia, was also a significant influence on her. Known for her compassion, she frequently took Corrie and her sister, Nollie, to visit the poor in Haarlem’s slums, delivering food and aid to those in need. These acts of charity were more than just good deeds; they were expressions of the family’s Christian duty to love and serve others. It was during one of these visits that Corrie first confronted the harsh realities of poverty and death when she saw a baby who had died of malnutrition. Her father’s response to this experience was one of faith, reminding Corrie that life and death are in God’s hands and that He alone knows when our time on Earth is finished.