“Father could never bear a house without children and whenever he heard of a child in need of a home a new face would appear at the table.”

The early chapters of the book emphasize Father’s character, from whom Corrie and Betsie learn their faith. The above quote underscores Father’s Compassion, which becomes a central theme throughout the book. For the ten Booms, compassion is expressed through action and not as an abstract idea, even when doing so puts them in danger.

“That was Father’s secret: not that he overlooked the differences in people; that he didn’t know they were there.”

Many people judge others on the basis of observable differences, but Father doesn’t see these. Corrie ascribes this to a pleasant obliviousness in his temperament. It is also likely due to his theological convictions that all people are created in God’s image, and thus any observable differences are inconsequential. Corrie, like her father, has a kind of pleasant obliviousness, in her case to her own virtues.

“Today I know that such memories are the key not to the past, but to the future. I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do.”

Corrie outlines her belief in God’s guidance. This idea plays out in several different ways throughout the story, including through visions. Here, Corrie explains God’s guidance in terms of how the divine will is worked out through the circumstances in people’s lives, such that their past becomes a preparation for their future.