Corrie Ten Boom, born Cornelia Arnolda Johanna Ten Boom on April 15, 1892, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, was a courageous Dutch Christian known for her heroic actions during World War II. She and her family hid Jews from the Nazis, leading to her arrest and imprisonment in the Ravensbrück concentration camp. After her release, she became a prolific author and speaker, writing books like “The Hiding Place” and sharing messages of faith and forgiveness worldwide. Her notable achievements include being honored as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem and inspiring millions through her writings and talks. The quotes here, sourced from her books, interviews, and speeches, focus on themes of life, drawing from her deep spiritual insights and life experiences. This list presents 15 of her quotes about life, each cited for authenticity, to offer reflection and encouragement.
15 Corrie Ten Boom Quotes
1. “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” (Book, “The Hiding Place,” 1971)
2. “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” (Book, “The Hiding Place,” 1971)
3. “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” (Interview, Billy Graham Association, n.d.)
4. “Forgiveness is setting the prisoner free, only to find out that the prisoner was me.” (Speech, various events, n.d.)
5. “You may never know that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.” (Book, “Tramp for the Lord,” 1974)
6. “Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” (Interview, Guideposts Magazine, 1976)
7. “The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something, and enter God’s realm where everything is possible.” (Book, “The Hiding Place,” 1971)
8. “Joy runs deeper than despair.” (Interview, Christianity Today, 1974)
9. “God has no problems, only plans.” (Book, “Not Good if Detached,” 1957)
10. “When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.” (Speech, World Vision event, 1978)
11. “In darkness God’s truth shines most clear.” (Book, “The Hiding Place,” 1971)
12. “Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” (Book, “Tramp for the Lord,” 1974)
13. “Suffering can be a school for faith if we allow God to teach us.” (Interview, The Saturday Evening Post, 1975)
14. “Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is focused on another human being, it has the power to transform.” (Speech, various forgiveness seminars, n.d.)
15. “Life is a gift meant to be lived with courage, trusting that God’s purposes unfold in every moment.” (Book, “Clippings from My Notebook,” 1975)
These quotes from Corrie Ten Boom illuminate her resilient spirit and deep faith, revealing how she viewed life as a journey of trust, forgiveness, and divine purpose amid trials. They showcase her ability to transform suffering into hope, offering timeless wisdom that continues to resonate today. Her words remind us that even in darkness, light can emerge through faith. We invite you to share your favorite quote or personal reflections in the comments below.