Corrie Ten Boom Quotes

Powerful Corrie Ten Boom for Daily Growth

About Corrie Ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom (April 15, 1892 – April 15, 1983) was a Dutch watchmaker, author, and a devout Christian who is best known for her work during World War II as a hide-and-seeker of Jewish people, for which she and her family were arrested and imprisoned by the Nazis. Born in Haarlem, Netherlands, Corrie ten Boom grew up in a loving and close-knit family. Her father, Casper ten Boom, was a devout Christian and a watchmaker. Corrie also had an older sister, Betsie, with whom she shared a strong bond. As children, they were influenced by their father's faith, which later guided them through the darkest of times. In 1938, they began hiding Jewish people in a secret room in their home, part of what became known as the "Hide-and-Seek" movement. In February 1944, their activities were discovered by the Nazis, and Corrie, Betsie, and other family members were arrested and sent to concentration camps. Despite the horrific conditions, their faith sustained them, and they managed to survive until the end of the war. After being freed, Corrie wrote about her experiences in the book "The Hiding Place," published in 1971. The book recounts the family's actions during the war, their imprisonment, and the profound spiritual lessons they learned in the midst of suffering. It is a testament to faith, forgiveness, and the resilience of the human spirit. Corrie ten Boom became a prolific author and speaker after the war, sharing her message of hope and forgiveness around the world. She passed away on April 15, 1983, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift people today. Some of her most famous quotes include "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength," and "There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength."

This quote emphasizes that excessive worrying about future problems or events drains one's energy, resilience, and vitality in the present moment. Instead of focusing on potential difficulties, it encourages individuals to invest their energy into the here and now, where they can make a positive impact and find strength to face whatever tomorrow may bring. In other words, worrying doesn't solve future problems, but rather weakens our ability to tackle challenges effectively in the present.


"There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still."

This quote by Corrie Ten Boom emphasizes the unlimited love, grace, and presence of God. No matter how dire or hopeless a situation might seem - symbolized by "the pit" - God's compassion and involvement ("He") are even deeper and greater. It signifies that no challenge is beyond the reach of divine intervention and help, offering hope and comfort to those who face trials in life.


"If you look at the world, you'll be troubled. If you look within, you'll be disturbed. If you look at God, you'll be at peace."

This quote suggests that the state of the outside world (looking at it) is prone to trouble or distress due to its imperfections and uncertainties. On the other hand, introspection, examining one's inner self, can lead to feelings of restlessness or anxiety as we confront our own flaws and insecurities. However, when we focus on God (looking at Him), we find peace because He is the source of love, wisdom, and stability. In essence, Corrie Ten Boom encourages us to seek solace not in worldly matters or ourselves, but in a higher power.


"The secret of joy in any work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it."

This quote by Corrie Ten Boom emphasizes that a key factor in finding joy in any task is through the pursuit of excellence. By mastering a skill and performing it with proficiency, one can take pleasure in the work itself. This notion suggests that the pursuit of personal growth, improvement, and quality in our endeavors not only leads to satisfaction but also to a deeper sense of enjoyment in what we do.


"Forgive, O Lord, my little brothers, with whom Thou hast again placed me among the victims. Jesus, I forgive them; they hurt me so... Help me now, O Master of forgiveness, to forgive with all my heart."

This quote by Corrie Ten Boom expresses her deep pain and suffering after experiencing persecution during World War II, particularly in a concentration camp where her family was imprisoned. The quote embodies her strong Christian faith and her ability to forgive those who had wronged her despite the immense pain they caused. It reflects the power of forgiveness over hate and anger, as well as the challenge of truly embodying this virtue even when it seems impossible.


Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.

- Corrie Ten Boom

Trust, Never, Known, Unknown

The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.

- Corrie Ten Boom

Measure, Donation, After, Duration

Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future.

- Corrie Ten Boom

Future, Memories, Past, Key

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.

- Corrie Ten Boom

Trust, Through, Still, Train

Let God's promises shine on your problems.

- Corrie Ten Boom

God, Shine, Your, Promises

Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.

- Corrie Ten Boom

Forgiveness, Will, Act, Regardless

Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.

- Corrie Ten Boom

Thoughts, Worry, Center, Inefficient

Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.

- Corrie Ten Boom

Prayer, Small, Turned, Concern

The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy.

- Corrie Ten Boom

Victory, Enemy, First Step, Step

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.

- Corrie Ten Boom

Strength, Sympathy, Worry, Sorrow

Discernment is God's call to intercession, never to faultfinding.

- Corrie Ten Boom

God, Never, Call, Discernment

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