This post comes unexpectedly, after five minutes of laying in bed and contemplating the morals of a movie I watched this afternoon while folding washcloths and underpants. I was struck by some thoughts I had and a spark of my old soap-box blogger self flared up.

Ironically, this post follows a sweet surprise post from my eternal manfriend (I'm sorry my dear.... May I make it up to you with the note I left on the bathroom mirror and bag of homemade fudge on the counter? Maybe a post or two to follow up?)

The movie of subject was The Hiding Place, based off of the book by Corrie Ten Boom. I read the book a few times between 7th and 9th grade and loved it. Sadly, my college and university experience directed me toward more peer-reviewed and prestigious articles of reading, and it's been some time since I've picked up the book for a re-read.

The movie was well done for a product of the 70s. (The quality is rather similar to A Man for all Seasons.) However, I remember the book being more detailed and ending on a happier and optimistic note. Which is part of what I loved so much about the Ten Boom's stories. Despite the horrors and trials they faced, there was no question as to their faith in their Savior, in the peace they found during their hardships, and the love and hope they fought for. Granted, not without some difficulty....

At one point during their ordeal Corrie reveals to her sister, Betsy, the fury and hatred she feels toward the Nazis and their influence. Betsy (astonishingly Job-like) is an example in her enduring charity and patience through trials. Corrie then pleads with the Lord to remove her hatred, to fill her with the love of the Savior. She accepts that this is something that she is unable to do on her own and recognizes that the peace she so desperately seeks can only be found in the Lord.

To make a long story short, Betsy ends up dying, Corrie's heart is softened, and, through a miracle, is accidentally released. She then travels the world, sharing her story and the Savior's message of love and forgiveness.

The part that struck me is the contrast between the challenges we may individually face today and the trials Corrie and Betsy faced. Sometimes (deep dark confession) I almost revel in my dislike/disdain for someone. In my life, where admittedly I am blessed with many freedoms and opportunities, I am more often than not disinclined to really forgive someone and find peace. Yes, I am a prideful beast. Working on becoming less of one, but still occasionally struggling all the same.
However, in a time and setting where the offenses given were so much more degrading and harmful, where everything they did (diet, activity, sleep patterns, medications administered, hair length, clothes worn, books read, contact with family) was so restricted, they chose to to experience freedom of spirit and true peace through utter forgiveness.

I'm reminded of periods throughout the Book of Mormon when the trials that befell the people led them toward humility. It seems that often, when our "rights and freedoms" are removed, the most valuable thing we have left is the agency to decide how our hearts will respond. Painstakingly slow as we may be, the eternal goal is to (more often than not...) choose to release that stubborn pride and invite the healing power of the Atonement into our lives. The one thing we will ALWAYS have is the power to determine our response to a situation, and how fully we will find rest in the Lord.

I suppose my present efforts should be more directed toward choosing to forgive and find peace in the midst of the many freedoms and opportunities I currently have....

Yes.