By the way…

Jennie Whitmer

Last night Debbie and I watched “The Hiding Place,” the movie based on the book by the same name, which tells the story of Corrie ten Boom and her family during the German occupation of Holland in the time of the early 40’s and WW II. The ten Booms dedicated themselves to helping as many Jewish people as they could, escape the atrocities perpetuated by Hitler, his henchmen, and the evil element of society who seem always to be waiting in the wings, ready for the chance to practice cruelty and terror as soon as the opportunity presents itself. The movie was gripping, but the book by Corrie ten Boom was many times richer and deeper than the film. I have read The Hiding Place several times and have just pulled it from the shelf to read again. One thing that really irks me is that since the movie was made, the original pictures in the book, of the ten Boom’s, have been replaced with scenes from the movie. I know this to be true because I have given away my own copy several times, and have had to replace it. I do wish I had kept one of the pre-movie books, but at least I don’t have to have a picture in order to “see” these precious people. They will live in my heart for as long as I have breath.

Not long before my mother passed away, she and I watched “The Jane Pitman Story” and we were both moved to tears. Now, my daughter and I have had the same experience; albeit at a different time and place, but it was the same story. It is the story of people under oppression; people who have to bear such hardship and suffering because evil ones, who seek to devaluate and destory without mercy or compassion, have gained control or seized opportunity. How can we look on these things and not be moved? I want to think that in the face of such adveristy, to myself or to others, that I would be just as faithful as Corrie ten Boom or Jane Pitman; but would I? Only God knows the answer to that. Dear Father, please give me eyes that can really see, wisdom to know what I should do, and the strength to persevere when evil prevails. This is my prayer, in the name of your Son and our Savior, Jesus. Amen.

Jennie