It has been a few months since we debuted the idea of a “book of the month.” As it does, life got in the way and I’ve gotten behind. But as the saying goes, better late than never, and never a better time to introduce our next book of the month.

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

The Hiding Place is a memoir written by Corrie ten Boom, detailing her family's experiences in the Netherlands during World War II. The ten Booms, devout Christians, helped to hide Jews and other persecuted individuals in a secret room in their home. Eventually, they were caught by the Nazis and sent to concentration camps, where Corrie and her sister Betsie suffered unimaginable horrors. Despite the difficult circumstances, the sisters remained firm in their faith, and the book is a testament to the power of love and forgiveness in the face of cruelty and hate.

If there were ever a modern-day Corrie ten Boom—someone steadfast in their beliefs and always looking out for others—it would be one person and one person only—my mom.

The kids have a saying in our house—"What would Grandma Cardon do?” This isn’t a saying used trivially, it’s one that is used when hard decisions need to be made, decisions that test one’s faith and integrity. Seen through the lens of Grandma Cardon the answer is always simple, even when the resulting steps may be anything but.

If you don’t have a “Grandma Cardon” in your life, feel free to borrow ours. So far, it’s kept me out of a lot of trouble.

When I asked my mom about her favorite book she immediately responded with The Hiding Place. She will humbly tell you she could never do what the ten Booms did. Anyone who knows her doesn’t believe that for one second. As long as I can remember, my mom has been serving others. It doesn’t matter if those others are family or strangers, if my mom can do something to help, she will.

What better month and week to highlight my mom? Happy Mother’s Day, mom! You may not have been asked to save lives in World War II, but you can rest assured that you have inspired and will continue to inspire generations.

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