Essay On Corrie Ten Boom

The Brave Story of Corrie ten Boom

“There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” Corrie ten Boom has spoken these words more times then she can count on her fingers; they encouraged her through heartbreak and pain, World War II and the risk of hiding Jews, concentration camps, and even the death of her sister. Corrie was brave when others were weak; she fought when others hid. She always knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she was supposed to help others when they could not help themselves. Through troubles and tribulations, foreign stranger lives saved and loved family lives lost, Corrie ten Boom stood strong

She was the youngest of four children and grew up in the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands. Known as Corrie to family and friends, she lived a comfortable childhood in a close-knit, Dutch family. Of the four children, Betsie was the oldest, followed by their only brother, Willem, then Arnold Johanna (Nollie) and finally, Corrie. Corrie went to primary school as a small child. She lived a very humble life for many years into her adulthood until two rather tragic incidents took place in her life: The devastating death of her mother and the heartbreaking relationship with a young man by the name of Karel. In her bestselling book The Hiding Place, Corrie relates this event by stating, “How long I lay in my bed sobbing for the one love of my life I do not know” (ten Boom 44). Corrie did what she was always raised to do though; she forgave and continued on with her

Corrie was at peace with her sister’s death, knowing that Betsy was finally free from the hell they were living in. During roll call on an early morning twelve days later, Corrie’s number was called. She followed guards to a large building with the fear of her own death on her mind. She prayed a silent prayer, and to her surprise, she was released! Corrie rose out of the ashes after her release. She spoke all across the world, visiting approximately sixty-three countries. She was knighted by the Queen of Holland (corrietenboom.com). Once a guard from Ravensbruck who had tormented Betsy and had watched as Corrie and Betsy stood naked in front of him, came to hear Corrie speak and afterwards asked for her forgiveness. She shook his hand and said, “I forgive you, brother! With all my heart!” (www.pbs.org). She continued to share her story until she had several strokes at the age of eighty-three that stole from her, her speech. Her testimony continued up until her death on April 15, 1983. She actually died on her birthday, which is considered a gigantic honor in the Jewish