“Mama's love had always been the kind that acted itself out with soup pot and sewing basket. But now that these things were taken away, the love seemed as whole as before. She sat in her chair at the window and loved us. She loved the people she saw in the street-- and beyond: her love took in the city, the land of Holland, the world. And so I learned that love is larger than the walls which shut it in. ”
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Analysis
In this quote from Corrie Ten Boom, the author reflects on the transformative power of love, particularly in the absence of physical gestures such as cooking and sewing. The quote illustrates how a mother's love transcends tangible actions and physical boundaries, encompassing not only her immediate family but also extending to strangers on the street, her city, her country, and even the entire world. Through this reflection, the author emphasizes the boundless nature of love and its ability to permeate through the walls that may try to confine it. This quote highlights the enduring strength and universality of love, showcasing its capacity to connect individuals across different contexts and distances.
Modern Relevance:
In today's fast-paced world where material possessions and external gestures often define love, the words of Corrie Ten Boom offer a timeless reminder of the true essence of love. The idea that love transcends physical objects and boundaries is perhaps more relevant now than ever before, encouraging us to see love as a force that extends far beyond the confines of our immediate surroundings. In a society that often values grand gestures and material gifts, we are reminded that true love is found in the simple act of caring for others and embracing the world with an open heart.
Example of Usage
In this passage, the author describes how her mother's love transcends physical acts of kindness such as cooking and sewing, reaching out to encompass the entire world. This serves as a powerful reminder that love knows no boundaries and can extend beyond the confines of our everyday lives.
Reflection Questions:
As we reflect upon this poignant excerpt from Corrie Ten Boom's memoir, "The Hiding Place," we are reminded of the transformative power of love that transcends physical boundaries and limitations. Consider the following questions to deepen your understanding of this concept:
How does the absence of material expressions of love, such as the soup pot and sewing basket mentioned in the passage, affect the way we perceive and experience love?
In what ways does the passage challenge our conventional notions of love as being constrained by physical objects or acts of service?
Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed love that surpassed the boundaries of space and time. How did this experience impact your understanding of the vast nature of love?
How can we cultivate a love that extends beyond the walls that confine us, reaching out to embrace not only those closest to us but also strangers and even the world at large?
Think about the role of empathy and compassion in expanding our capacity to love beyond our immediate surroundings. How can we actively practice these virtues in our daily lives to foster a more inclusive and expansive love for all humanity?
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“Mama,' I said as I set the tray on the bed and sat down beside it, 'can't we do something for Tante Bep? I mean, isn't it sad that she has to spend her last days here where she hates it, instead of where she was happy? The Wallers' or someplace?''Corrie, Bep has been just as happy here with us--no more and no less--than she was anywhere else. Do you know when she started praising the Wallers so highly? The day she left them. As long as she was there, she had nothing but complaints. The Wallers couldn't compare with the van Hooks where she'd been before. But at the van Hooks, she'd actually been miserable. Happiness isn't something that depends on our surroundings, Corrie. It's something we make inside ourselves.”