The Hiding Place Redux

Back in June of 2006 I looked at 1 of my favorite movies, The Hiding Place. The other day I got out my DVD to watch it again. I won't repeat the review, you can follow the link for that. But i do have a thought or 2 to share. I couldn't help but think than even more than ever that movie has a message for us today, several, in fact.

1st of all, it should be an encouragement for us to remind us that God is in charge, even in the darkest of times. & with all that is going on in our country it seems more & more like we are heading in the same direction here in the USA as Germany did back then.

In the 1st part of the movie we see a little of Corrie's ministry to the what was then called the mentally retarded children of Haarlem. When Germany invaded, she had to discontinue that ministry. & we see the last time she is able to meet with those children. Later, when in prison, she is questioned about her work. She shares a little about that ministry. The Nazi soldier makes a dispairaging remark about those she was serving. It reminded me of the fact that now 80-90% of Down Syndrome children are aborted. & there are those who don't think they deserve to live. Just like in Nazi Germany.

Then throughout the scenes in Ravensbrück you often see some chimneys in the background with black smoke. & although it is only hinted at in the movie, that smoke is from the bodies of those being killed by the Nazis, the Jews, elderly, etc. IMHO an apt reminder of the modern equivalent, abortion clinics.

If you have never seen the movie it is well worth getting. I would also recommend reading the book version of The Hiding Place. It goes into much greater detail than the movie ever could. Also, you will notice afew differences. For the movie, as is often the case in bio-pics, some characters were combined due to the constrictions of time.

But, as I said, the message is timely & inspirationally. IMHO, those of Corrie's family who died in Nazi prisons are martyrs for the faith & even though they will never be declared saints, i think it is safe to say they are.

For more info: Corrie ten Boom Museum (The museum is the family house. & yes, the Watch Shop is still in operation.)