Thoughts on The Hiding Place by Diane

Thanks, Diane, for submitting this!

What a story! The Hiding Place is a powerful story with many important life lessons and tragic history to learn from. I felt inspired after reading the book to see the positive even in the worst situations, to forgive others even when it is hard, to have hope in all circumstances and not to give in to my own selfish, hateful feelings but to turn to God and pray that he can work through me.

Corrie had an incredible family. They taught her so many valuable lessons in her life that helped her in the hardest, worst possible situations. Her father always keeping daily prayer in their lives, teaching her to "let God carry the heavy loads" and that you will be ready when the time comes, "You will receive your train ticket right before you need to get on". Her mother taught her to always love and care for everyone in need and that happiness comes from within yourself not from a place, person or thing. Her sister Nollie and her great honesty and how perfect it was for Betsie to be in her life and with her at the camp. I feel that they both helped each other get through the worst times in the camp by keeping up their prayers and seeing that God is in everything.

An underlying lesson from her family throughout the book was forgiveness. To forgive the most horrendous acts imaginable and to pray for the people who committed them.  

Reading this story also makes me see how wonderful our freedom is. Going to the store, taking a peaceful walk, listening to the radio and going to our churches to pray. Doing all of these and other things without fear. In the story it is overwhelming to think about having fear even in your own home and to think about the evil and hatred that consumed many people's hearts and kept them from seeing the truth and the good. This book's message is so meaningful and good that we all should keep it in our hearts and try to live by it.