"Childhood scenes rushed back at me out of the night, strangely close and urgent. Today I know that such memories are the key not to the past, but to the future. I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do.
I didn't know it then--nor, indeed that there was any new future to prepare for in a life as humdrum an predictable as mine. I only knew as I lay in my bed at the top of the house that certain moments from long ago stood out in focus against the blur of years. Oddly sharp and near they were, as though they were not yet finished, as though they had somehow more to say . . ."
~Corrie Ten Boom, 'The Hiding Place" [emphasis mine]
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{I began reading "The Hiding" this week to my kids as part of our literature for this year and at first, as they gathered on the couches in our living room, they were not sure about it, but within a few pages they were transported back to the scene of an old home in Holland that would hold many secrets, and our hearts began to break and eyes began to leak and we've only just cracked open the beginning of the story}
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For other Words of Wisdom for the Weekend posts see here.}
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely photo and verse. I'm so glad your children are learning about this great hero of the faith. I'm right after you at Barbie's.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote from the book, actually something I'm pondering myself as I write my book. I think the things we remember most in our past are truly pieces of stories with a greater message. Loved this, glad I stopped by.
ReplyDeleteI have read that book so many times since I first got it back in the early '70s when it first came out. AND I met her at the church I attended then in Redwood City, CA. She spoke at church one night and then was at a lady's house the next day and shared some more. Considering my poverty, etc., in those days, it truly was a blessing to see and meet her. I also had the movie, but was afraid of seeing it. A couple weeks ago, I finally did watch it a couple times. It is good!! I have used that book as one to give to a "tough" one who has come to the Lord and needs to see reality. [I also give David Wilkerson's "Cross and Switchblade" and Brother Andrew's "God's Smuggler". The goal is to open up the world to people, and help them understand how/where God can lead them, help them serve Him.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, sorry to yammer so long, but you, obviously, hit my heart Big Time. I truly understand the sorrow that Corrie went through and that many of us have already, or will, go through, too.
Bless you. Hope your kids are touched deeply in their hearts, souls, and spirits.
Beautiful post. I will never forget the very first time as a kid that I saw The Hiding Place. May it profoundly impact your children. So good to be reminded that today's experiences are a future preparation.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Sunday,
Joanne
That is a wonderful quote. What a lady she was. Glad to discover your blog. Coming over from Sunday Community.
ReplyDeleteDear Rebekah
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the truth how our Pappa God uses everything that happens to us for our ultimate good and His glory! Have you seen the movie of Tante Corrie? What an amazing woman.
Blessings XX
Mia
Thank-you for sharing this quote. Corrie Ten Boom has such words of wisdom, reflecting on her life experiences. May your family be blessed. Visiting from Sunday Stillness.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a beautiful book. I miss those days of reading with my children. As you described reading this book together with your children it brought back wonderful memories. Many blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteSo, is she saying that those long ago things, even circumstances that still grieve me(such as growing up wild & fatherless)were ordained by God to prepare me for ministry? Hmmm....I am praying to understand this better! Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
ReplyDeleteI believe that all the experiences we go through prepare us for something that is a head of us... whether that be childhood trauma, adult trauma, injuries or losses. Each one prepares us for other things. Nothing that I went through has been wasted in the experience that I can share now with others. Would I have wanted to go through the hard and difficult places? no... but they happened and because of them, I am a stronger person.
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