“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1

A Snapshot of the Life of Corrie Ten Boom:

Born: April 15, 1892, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Died: April 15, 1983, Placentia, California
Renowned WWII survivor and writer of many books, including The Hiding Place (1971), which developed into a widely used film in 1975. Raised in a godly home, she was a watchmaker, 1911-1944 in Haarlem, Netherlands. A raid on her family’s watch shop by the Gestapo on February 28, 1944 placed her in Ravensbruck death camp. Corrie spent time in this Nazi concentration camp for hiding Jewish refugees in her home. She was released on January 1, 1945. She made a post-war visit there in 1947. Her heroic actions in World War II prompted speaking engagements, so she traveled around the world for her last 25 years, speaking in 60 countries. Ten Boom made her final visit to the Netherlands in 1976, then retired to California to Shalom House. Chuck Smith conducted her funeral, April 22. She is buried in Santa Ana, CA. Her favorite Bible verse was Psalm 91:1 – (Excerpt taken from the Reese Chronological Encyclopedia of Christian Biographies. Used by permission.)

A Spiritual Application for Our Lives:

Few people know the name of Corrie ten Boom. Fewer still have heard of the deep work God did in her as she endured some of the greatest difficulties known to man. Our understanding of that time comes from our ability to look back on history. However, for the Ten Boom family, it was a choice that could and would cost them everything. 

Corrie had the privilege of being raised in a wonderful Christian home. The Word of God was at the center of every aspect of life. As the signs of a German invasion increased, they rooted themselves more firmly in God and His Word. One day, in response to Corrie’s dream, her sister (Betsie) said “If God has shown us bad times ahead, it is enough for me that He knows about them. That’s why he sometimes shows us things…to tell us that this too is in His hands.” It was not long before those hard times came; yet, amid all the secrecy, fear, torture, death, and hard choices, God was guiding and watching over this brave family. What about your life? Is it enough for you that God knows what’s ahead? Will you trust Him with your future? 

Corrie’s life teaches us that forgiveness is possible no matter the depth of hurt you endure. God’s grace and comfort extend even to the dark hatred found in Ravensbruck. For it was in this wretched place that Corrie learned what true love and mercy look like. Eaten up with fleas, mixed in with the worst criminals, abused by godless Nazis, and broken by the loss of those she loved most – Corrie discovered more of the heart of God than many ever will. She penned, “As far as I myself was concerned, I had here received the blessing of a better understanding of the suffering of the Lord Jesus, and consequently a deeper appreciation of His great love.” Have you allowed hurt and loss to open your understanding of the mercy and love of our Savior? 

A complete testimony of all that God did in the Ten Boom family has filled many books. I encourage you to read them and allow God to speak to you. Forgiveness is the most powerful healing agent in the world. “Forgiveness,” Corrie wrote, “is the key which unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.” Rest in the faithfulness of God today. Perhaps you have suffered unspeakable hurt; give it to God and ask for His strength to forgive. Let us all dwell on this truth today: “There is no pit so deep, that God’s great love is not deeper still.”

A Suggestion for Further Reading…

The Hiding Place – Corrie ten Boom with John and Elizabeth Sherrill; 1971 (I cannot recommend this book enough! It will stir you.)

Tramp for The Lord – Corrie ten Boom, Jamie Buckingham; 1971

In My Father’s House – Corrie ten Boom; 1974

Return to the Hiding Place – Hans Poley; Lifejourney Books, 1993 – Poley was the first Dutch resistance worker to stay with the Ten Boom family.