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"The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom: Book Club #2

Writer's picture: Tami West, PhDTami West, PhD

Welcome to Consider Yourself Hugged! Click below to watch or Click here to listen to Episode 194.


*Disclaimer:

The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources at the end of the show notes, or others in your area.


Welcome Back! We’re so glad you’re here for another episode of our book club series. This week, Michelle and I are diving into another powerful and thought-provoking book, and we can’t wait to share our thoughts with you. As always, we’ll sprinkle in some fun and laughter because, let’s face it, life can be messy and unpredictable—but that’s what makes it beautiful.


Take a moment to grab your coffee, tea, or favorite drink (Michelle’s been sipping on soda while I’ve been stretching out my "super skinny" Caramelicious from Scooters over several days). Let’s settle in and talk books, faith, and everything in between.


Book Club Overview: This week’s focus is The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. Last week, we discussed From Here to the Great Unknown, and next week, we’ll dive into The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. The transition from a Christian inspirational memoir to a quirky vampire-themed novel feels like emotional whiplash, but that’s part of the fun, right? Expect some laughs and deep conversations as we navigate these very different genres.


The Hiding Place Recap and Reflections:

  1. Background of the Book:

    • The Hiding Place (1971) by Corrie ten Boom, set in Nazi-occupied Netherlands during WWII.

    • The ten Boom family, devout Christians, owned a watch shop and lived in community-centered faith.

    • The story spans their daily life, Nazi occupation, and their courageous decision to hide Jews in their home.

  2. Standout Lessons:

    • Faithful Wisdom from Corrie’s Father:

      • When young Corrie asked about a mature topic, her father used a heavy suitcase as a metaphor: "Some knowledge is too heavy to carry until you're ready. Let me carry it for you."

      • When Corrie feared death, her father reassured her: “When you and I go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your train ticket? Just before we board. Our Father in Heaven knows when you’ll need strength, and He will give it to you just in time.”

      • Tami reflected, "His visual and heartfelt teachings left such an impression. I thought, 'Wow, how did he come up with this stuff?'”

    • Sacrificial Love:

      • Casper ten Boom, Corrie’s father, exemplified Christ’s love, declaring it would be an honor to die for one Jewish child.

      • Tami observed, "His unwavering faith was a testament to living what you preach."

    • Living Generously:

      • Michelle noted how the ten Boom family gave freely, even with limited resources. "Their mother constantly prepared meals for neighbors who might not have eaten otherwise," she shared. "It was a reminder of what true community looks like."

  3. The Hiding Place:

    • Ingenious design: A secret room in Corrie’s bedroom hidden behind a false wall. This space protected many Jewish refugees during surprise raids.

    • "They even had drills to practice hiding in seconds," Tami explained. "The room was never discovered, thanks to meticulous planning and divine intervention."

  4. Faith in the Camps:

    • Corrie and her sister Betsie’s faith shone brightly in the darkness of Ravensbrück concentration camp.

    • The Fleas Lesson:

      • Betsie thanked God for fleas, which seemed absurd to Corrie—until they realized the fleas kept guards away, allowing secret Bible studies and moments of spiritual renewal.

      • Michelle called it, "One of the most famous and faith-building moments in the book."

  5. Post-War Life:

    • Betsie’s prophetic vision of a post-war home for healing became Corrie’s mission after her release. Despite immense suffering, Corrie embodied forgiveness and faith, continuing to share the love of Christ worldwide.

    • "Every time they prayed, God showed up," Tami reflected. "Even when she felt unsure, God’s plan unfolded perfectly."


Personal Takeaways: Tami shared, "Corrie’s unwavering faith and the visual lessons from her father remind me to trust God in all decisions—big or small." Michelle added, "Their story showed me how love and generosity can transform lives. It’s a powerful example of living out faith authentically."


Looking Ahead: Next week’s episode will feature The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. Expect some wild twists and engaging conversation! The week after, we’ll wrap up the 4-week book club series with Chatter.


Engage With Us: What were your key takeaways from The Hiding Place? Share on our Facebook page: Consider Yourself Hugged. Don’t forget to rate, comment, download, and share this episode with friends!

 

Don’t forget to:

  • Rate and review the podcast.

  • Download and subscribe so you never miss an episode.

  • Share with friends who love a good book discussion.


As we've always asked in the past, please pass the show link along to your friends and subscribe, download, and review wherever you are listening. If you’re a woman and you haven’t joined our private FB group A Place for Women, please do that now! It’ll be your source of encouragement. I'd love for you to follow my Tami West Seminars Facebook page as well. If you'd like to know more about my Mental Health First Aid Courses, contact me at 615-497-7714 or tamiwest@tamiwest.com.


And next time, Consider Yourself Hugged (AND warned 😘🤗


Mental Health Resources:






Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC 

Michelle Kixmiller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Michelle served as a public school teacher and science department chair for over a decade when a family tragedy pulled her in a different direction. The death of her younger brother after a multiple year battle with depression and alcoholism led her to pursue a career in the mental health field. She went back to school to become a registered nurse graduating and gaining experience as a critical care nurse at a level 1 regional burn center prior to completing a graduate degree to become a mental health nurse practitioner. Her vision is holistic care through teamwork to create a more peaceful school environment for students and staff alike. No one should have to struggle alone. Michelle currently works full time for a non-profit community mental health center at an outpatient clinic and works PRN for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit. When not at work she loves spending time with family, traveling, watching movies (not scary ones), running (slowly), and Crossfit. Contact Michelle at Silver Lining Psychiatric Solutions, 615-378-7713 or mkixmill@gmail.com. 


Tami West, PhD

Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.

Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.

Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.


Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.


Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.


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Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com 


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