The name of The Open Home has such deep meaning to me.
Firstly, the name is a tribute to a family that for many years has been an inspiration to me, the dutch Ten Boom family, well known amongst Christian circles for their endeavours to protect the Jews during the second world war.
I first read Corrie Ten Boom‘s books in my early teens and I was quite simply amazed at the humility and unshakeable faith of her family.
The Hiding Place is a compelling story of courage and faith – a must read for all Christians and history enthusiasts. This book alone however does not give full insight into the vast impact this family has had for the Kingdom of God. It is therefore best to read this book sandwiched nicely between Corrie’s two other books, In My Father’s House and Tramp for the Lord.
The Years Before The Hiding Place
In the years before The Hiding Place the Ten Boom family quite literally ran an open home.
What I love most about this family is how they so humbly walked with God through their daily lives. They simply did life together as a family and a community. They ran a busy home fostering children and taking in many an elderly aunt along the way, whilst also running a business and working in the community to feed the homeless, run youth clubs and teach those with learning disabilities.
They opened their home to their community in such simple ways and yet the lives of many were blessed through them.
The Years After The Hiding Place
In the years after The Hiding Place, Corrie amazes me further with her openness to travel the world into her old age, becoming a tramp for the Lord, as she calls it.
Her family suffered greatly during their imprisonment during the war and yet after all of this she opened her heart once again, travelling the world to share of God’s unfailing love and amazing grace.
I want a heart like this. A heart that is open to serve God, wherever, whenever, no matter what.
The Open Home is therefore a reminder to me to walk humbly with God, opening my home with love and my heart with courage.
