⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Some books do more than tell a story, they change the way you see the world. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom is one such book. It is a powerful testimony of faith, love, and the unshakable presence of God in the midst of unimaginable suffering.
Set during World War II, this true story follows Corrie ten Boom, a humble Dutch watchmaker, whose life took a drastic turn when she and her family began hiding Jews from the Nazis. Their home became a refuge, a place of safety in a world filled with fear. But their bravery came at a price. Betrayed, the ten Boom family was arrested, and Corrie and her beloved sister, Betsie, were sent to Ravensbrück, a brutal concentration camp.
The horrors of the camp are hard to read; starvation, cruelty, and death surrounded them. Yet, what stands out most is not the suffering, but the extraordinary faith Corrie and Betsie held onto. While others gave in to hatred and despair, they chose to believe that God was still with them. Betsie, frail yet filled with grace, reminded Corrie time and again:
“There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”
One of the most touching parts of the book is the story of the cough drops. As Betsie grew weaker, Corrie had only one small bottle of medicine to ease her sister’s coughing fits. With so many sick women in their barracks, Corrie struggled with the thought of sharing it, knowing it would run out quickly. But miraculously, no matter how many times she tipped the bottle, there was always a drop left – just enough for everyone who needed it. It reminded me of the story of the widow’s oil in the Bible, a quiet yet powerful sign that even in the darkest places, God provides.
This book is not just about survival, it is about trust. It is about choosing faith over fear, hope over despair, and forgiveness over bitterness. Even in the worst of conditions, Corrie and Betsie found ways to be a light. They prayed, they encouraged others, and they even thanked God for the fleas in their barracks, only to later discover that those very fleas kept the guards away, allowing them to hold secret Bible studies.
One of the most moving parts of Corrie’s journey comes after the war, when she meets a former Nazi guard from Ravensbrück. He asks for her forgiveness. In that moment, she struggles, feeling the weight of all she endured. But she also knows what God commands. With trembling hands and a heart willing but weak, she chooses to forgive because God had forgiven her first.
Reading The Hiding Place made me reflect on my own faith. There have been times I have questioned why a good God would allow such darkness. But this book was both a testament and an eye-opener for me. It taught me that even in the worst of times, He is my hiding place, my refuge, my strength, my hope. No matter what.
