The Hiding Place

I just finished this eye-opening book. So many thoughts are floating around in my head now. I want to be honest about them. My first thought came in about the middle of the book when Germany took over Holland. I felt gratitude for freedom. Nothing has made me appreciate my freedom like hearing a real-life tale of what it's like not to have it. As I continued reading, I felt grateful for the other luxuries I enjoy. I think truly no one in history has had an easier time of it than my generation. I also felt gratitude for the brave souls who lived and died for liberty, who sacrificed their own freedom, comforts, who put aside fears and selfishness and fought for my freedom. Mine! It amazes me how ignorant I have been of that sacrifice before today! I have tried (and this is total honesty) to appreciate the soldiers who fought and/or died on Remembrance Day, but did I really understand the darkness and horror they had to fight against? And it wasn't just the soldiers, it was everyone in the world who worked for the good guys, who was a good guy and tried to further the cause of the good guys. So I felt like a spoiled brat! 

Then I read about the underground network and the love of the book's author and her family. At that point I felt admiration and a tinge of jealousy-or regret-guilt- because of how well these people (at least as the author told it) understood the true nature of Christianity, understood love. I really do long to love like that- to be simply guileless, seeing the good in everyone, loving easily, giving freely of one's substance, because self-consciousness, pride, anxiety, don't get in the way. It's not naivety, it's guilelessness. There is a difference, although the world would not have you believe it. Life would be so full! 

Then as I read about the concentration camp and Corrie's experience there, I wondered to myself-wait a minute. Nothing is worse than this. The Savior descended below all things, and he was alone. But in human history, I don't think anything has been worse. So I wondered, why do people say that we are in the last days? Why is everyone talking about how horrible the last days will be? Is there more to come? And is this comfort, ease, etc. supposed to prepare me for worse if worse is coming? Right now my life consists of getting through a long and tedious day with my kids, wondering what to make for supper and waiting for some kind of burst of energy so I can finish my housework. Blah. If times like war and famine did come, from what experience would I garner the strength and courage, the selfless spirit I would need to fight with any kind of valor on the Lord's side? Would I have the same faith as these people had? I hope those who fought for my freedom can see what a wonderful life they paved the way for, and I hope they don't see my ingratitude and how much I take for granted! Finally, Ephesians 6:12 came to mind:

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Perhaps ease itself is one thing we fight against. Complacency. All those little teeny tiny Christian principles that everyday ease makes difficult especially with family. I hope this stays in my thoughts for a while. What a great book, I can't believe I hadn't read it already! 

And with THAT... I'm going to go watch American Idol.