Cornelia Arnolda Johanna ten Boom, publicly known as Corrie ten Boom, was a Dutch watchmaker and a writer who worked with her family members to help a lot of Jews escape the Nazis by hiding them in her home during World War II.
Her most famous book titled “The Hiding Place” which was published in 1971 is a biography that narrates the story of her family’s attempts and efforts during that time.
Born to a working-class family in Amsterdam, Netherlands, she was the youngest child of a watchmaker and jeweler. She later trained to be a watchmaker and even became the first woman licensed as a watchmaker in The Netherlands. Aside from working in her father’s shop, Corrie also organized a youth club for teenage girls, which rendered classes in sewing, handicrafts, as well as the performing arts.
The ten Boom family were Christians, and their faith motivated them to serve their society by offering food, shelter, and money to those in need.
When the Nazis invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, Corrie and her family opened their home to refugees despite the police headquarters being only half a block away from their house. Being a devoted reader of the Old Testament, Casper ten Boom (Corrie’s father) believed that the Jews were the “chosen people,” and welcomed them in their home. He even said, “In this household, God’s people are always welcome.”
Unfortunately, a Dutch informant told the Nazis about the ten Booms’ work, and they arrested the entire ten Boom family. Due to her bravery and courage, Corrie was given several awards throughout her remaining life.
Here are some of the most memorable Corrie Ten Boom quotes and sayings that explores her thoughts and views about life, fear, forgiveness, and more.
Table of Contents
Quotes on Faith
Faith was the foundation of Corrie Ten Boom’s life. Her words remind us that trust in God’s plan brings peace and purpose, even in trials.
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
From The Hiding Place
Why it resonates: Corrie’s faith saw her through unimaginable hardship. This quote reassures us that surrendering our worries brings strength and hope.
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”
From Clippings from My Notebook (1982)
Why it matters: A reminder that anxiety drains our joy, but faith empowers us to face each day with courage.
“Let God’s promises shine on your problems.”
From Tramp for the Lord (1974)
Lesson: Focus on faith, not fear, to find solutions and comfort.
Quotes on Courage & Strength
Corrie Ten Boom’s story is one of remarkable bravery. Her quotes inspire us to find courage even when we feel small.
“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.”
As told in various talks and books
Why it’s powerful: This metaphor encourages perseverance through dark times, trusting the journey will lead to light.
“The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.”
From Each New Day (1977)
Why it inspires: We’re called to live generously, giving of ourselves to others.
“There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”
From The Hiding Place
Why it resonates: No suffering is beyond the reach of love and hope.
Quotes on Forgiveness
Forgiveness was at the heart of Corrie Ten Boom’s message—even for those who caused her pain.
“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”
From Tramp for the Lord (1974)
Lesson: Forgiveness isn’t about feelings—it’s a choice that frees us.
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.”
Widely attributed to Corrie, though sometimes disputed. Use with caution or rephrase for accuracy.
Application: True forgiveness brings healing for ourselves, not just others.
“You never so touch the ocean of God’s love as when you forgive your enemies.”
From Tramp for the Lord (1974)
Why it matters: Our greatest acts of love often begin with forgiveness.
Quotes on Hope & Trust
Corrie Ten Boom’s hope never dimmed, even in the face of loss.
“Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.”
From Clippings from My Notebook (1982)
Why it resonates: Replace worry with hope and trust.
“If God has shown us bad times ahead, it’s enough for me that He knows about them. That’s why He sometimes shows us things, you know—to tell us that this too is in His hands.”
From The Hiding Place
Why it’s powerful: Assurance that even our hardships are part of a greater plan.
Quotes on Love & Compassion
Love for others was Corrie’s guiding principle.
“Love is larger than the walls which shut it in.”
From The Hiding Place
Lesson: Even when life feels confining, love finds a way.
“The safest place is in the center of God’s will.”
From Tramp for the Lord (1974)
Why it matters: Love and trust guide us to safety and fulfillment.
“God has no problems, only plans.”
From The Hiding Place
Application: Even in confusion, love trusts in divine wisdom.
Conclusion
Corrie Ten Boom’s words continue to inspire courage, faith, forgiveness, and hope around the world. Through her example and her legacy of powerful quotes, we’re reminded that no darkness is too deep, no hurt too great, and no fear too overwhelming for love and faith to overcome.
