Corrie
ten Boom grew up in a house full of love with her three siblings, her
parents, and several aunts. Bible-reading was a central part of daily
life for the ten Boom family; as was love and kindness. Yelling in anger
was not a part of their household. Service to others less fortunate,
though they themselves were not wealthy and several members of the
family even suffered from serious health issues, was a way of life for
the family. And so it was that many Jews found refuge through the help
of this family during World War II when Germany occupied Holland.
Corrie
ten Boom, her father Casper, and her sister Betsie -- all three of them
still living in Corrie's childhood home -- soon found themselves
central to an underground effort to help Jews to safety. Over the course
of many months, they helped to save many lives and witnessed miracles
they were sure came from the Lord. But eventually, they were found out
and all were arrested. What followed were horrors most can only imagine.
Yet with faith and hope Corrie continued onward, learning the lessons
she felt God would have her learn and helping the people she felt He
would have her help. Through it all, she learned about love and
forgiveness, and then she taught what she'd learned: that when God
commands us to forgive, He also sends with the commandment the
forgiveness, which comes through Him.
**I'll admit it did take
me a while to get into this book. A couple of chapters. But once I got
into it, I loved reading it and wanted to read more. Amazing true story
about turning our hearts over to the Savior and how He can heal us. It
was amazing to me how Corrie spoke so highly of her sister and
acknowledged her own downfalls when I can't help but admire Corrie for
her strength and faith. I have a lot to learn about how to be better as a
person!
