~Al
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Hiding Place : Finished!
I just finished reading The Hiding Place. What a powerful story. Corrie ten Boom is certainly an inspiration and to think her sister Betsie was the one to often influence her. Makes me feel like I first need to focus on being more like Corrie, then Betsie and then on to Jesus on my road to leading a purpose driven life. Each and every page you expect someone to crack but through every horror they experienced including Betsie's death, they never once turned a cold shoulder to God and gave up on their faith. The only moment Corrie ever showed true fear is when she encountered her former captor when she was speaking in Germany. She found it very difficult to shake the hand of a man who was directly involved in what happened to her sister and she finally asked God to give her his forgiveness and she found more than just the strength to forgive in that act. The most moving part of the book for me was when Betsie and Corrie are in the camp working and Betsie is quite ill at this point. She is having trouble carrying loads of dirt on her shovel and carrying then as she is very weak. This is amusing for the guards and they laugh and make fun of her outwardly. Eventually, Betsie chimes right in and gives the old, "That's me all right" type of statement. I strive to be this faithful in God. That scene in my mind brought tears to my eyes. What a woman she must have been! I certainly recommend this book to all!!
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I am so happy Al finished reading the book The Hiding Place. It has been a few years since I read is, so I don't remember all the details, but I certainly can remember the feeling it left me with: faith in God can get you through anything! There is one part in particular where Corrie's sister, Betsie, thanks God for the fleas (the ones that infest their living/sleeping quarters in the camp). As anyone might, Corrie was thinking her sister was crazy for thanking God for the fleas. What could there possibly be to be thankful about those fleas? Corrie nor even Betsie knew at the time, but Betsie was faithful in praising God for all He has created. Surprise! Corrie is blown away when Betsie's prayers came full circle. Those very fleas were the reason the sisters were able to hold secret Bible readings -- the guard did not want to be infested with the fleas, so they stayed away!! How amazing. Even things as small as a flea can work for the glory of God! I love it. (Read the book for the full story/effect please!)
ReplyDeleteYes. That was one of the parts I noted. There is a misconception when hearing things like, 'be thankful to God in all circumstances' it is referencing all good circumstances but Betsie reminds us that even circumstances we may not be satisfied with are there on purpose and as part of His plan, we must be thankful for everything :)
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