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Recently, I read the book " The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom, edited by John and Elizabeth Sherril. While reading the
book, I was noticed a pattern of major Christian qualities that Corrie possessed. Through her life story, we see her compassion
toward others, her concentration on God's Will, and her godly character that challenged the lives of countless souls. Corrie
never forgot that Israel was "the apple of his (God's) eye" (Zechariah 2:8). For that reason, she tried to service the Jews as
much as they could - keeping in mind that Israel is God's chosen people, and she was to obey God's commands. She willingly
followed God's plan for her, and her commitment toward God is what inspired me to write this essay in regards to the qualities
that God gave Corrie, and how we should strive to obtain them for ourselves.
God blessed Corrie a great heart of compassion. She loved the Jews and strived to help them every way she could. She gave
up so much for the Jews, and went out of her way to make them comfortable. One of . While reading the book, I was noticed
a pattern of major Christian qualities that Corrie possessed major priorities at the time was to put others before herself. Many
times she put herself at risk because of her involvement with the Jews, such as being caught, exposing the Underground, and
getting beaten. Though she knew all the consequences of helping the Jews, she felt much compassion for them and continued
to assist them any way she could.103
During her imprisonment, Corrie's attentiveness to God's Will grew much stronger. When she saw a need that she could meet
in the concentration camps, she willingly met it in the hope of being a witness to others. Corrie would wait and listen to what
God wanted her to do before she proceeded in her activities. She knew that He knew best for her, and that, with His help, she
could accomplish many tasks for the furthering of His Will. Corrie was also keen in noticing God's hand in things. When Corrie
and her sister, Betsie, were transferred to the flea-infested barracks of Ravensbruck, they was given an opportunity to conduct
Bible meetings without the interruption of the security guards. Also, Corrie and Betsie were never split up indefinitely during all
of their trips to different concentration camps. Corrie recognized all these blessings as part of God's handiwork, and was very
grateful.
A great part of Corrie's character was revealed in the way that she showed forgiveness toward others. When she first arrived in
Ravensbruck, she was thrown into areas with crude women that showed no respect for her. Corrie knew that all these women
needed was the love of God in their lives, and was able to forgive them for there rude and unnecessary attitudes toward her. A
major struggle that Corrie had was learning to forgive the cruel prison guards that caused Corrie and Betsie so much pain
during their imprisonment. She had to reflect on the principle of Romans 8:28, that all things work together for good to those
who love God. With her strong faith in God, she was able to forgive the guards and put at rest the harsh and bitter feelings she
felt toward them. From the words of Betsie ten Boom, " There is no pit that He is not deeper still," Corrie was reminded that
with God, all things are possible ( Matthew 19:26b).
I believe that perhaps the most important qualities that Corrie possessed was her dedication toward God. She remained a
willing servant of the Lord to the last days of her life. She is an inspiring role model to us of how, if we remain dedicated to the
tasks that God has given us, we will be greatly used of Him in many ways. As Corrie ten Boom once said, " Defeat is only the
beginning, if the Gospels are truly the pattern of God's activity" so should we remain dedicated to what God has planned for
us, because all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28).
Written by: Emma Gumprecht