Been a long time book reviews, part 3

Generous Justice by Tim Keller - This is a gem, taken with the right perspective and that perspective is to take it as part one of a treatise on caring for the poor with the next book posted here as part two.  Keller's point, I believe, is to stir up our stingy, greedy hearts and look at what keeps us from being generous, while giving us Gospel motivation to be generous.  But taken by itself, I think it would be too easy to just feel guilty and pledge to give away more money and time towards loving and caring for "the poor".  And while that would be good, we are called very much to be active in loving and caring for those suffering poverty, injustice, and oppression - I'm not sure it would be best.  Which is why I think it should be taken in hand with this next book.  7

When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert - So Keller deals with our heart of greed and stinginess.  That is necessary to do first.  Fikkert and Corbett answer the next obvious question, the "So now what?"  I loved what these men had to say because I have personally struggled with what it looks like to love the poor and oppressed.  I was left with a bad taste after our time in Peru because I was tired of being lied to to get money, and of being manipulated because I was seen as "rich."  My heart was hardened - and I was angry.  But as I read, I discovered that most of the problem was my perspective as a "fixer" and not a "come-alongside-er".  I had to deal with my superiority complex that didn't see the poor as having anything to offer - just as takers.  I wish I had read this book while in Peru - I think it would have helped me to understand better the situation and how to respond with generosity and wisdom.  If you are considering a short term mission trip to a developing country, or even an urban project in North America, or if you are considering a long term missionary career,  or even if you just want to know how to better respond to suffering and poverty in your own world where you live and serve-  read this book.  9

The Wealthy Barber Returns by David Chilton - the Canadian Dave Ramsey, Chilton's first book was wildly successful being handed out to college graduates by the thousands.  So since we need to know how to do things in Canada, I picked up his latest and read it quickly before we did our latest budget.  It was helpful especially on the retirement planning side, so kudos to Chilton.  And a thank you very much.  7

And while we are on the topic of my idolatry...
Love to Eat, Hate to Eat by Elyse Fitzpatrick - So I'm just sick to death of trying to lose the same 10, 20, 25 pounds I have been trying to lose for ..well...since my second child was born.  I have tried everything - go on the diets, then get frustrated and go off - working out, blah, blah, etc., etc. Everyone knows the story.  So another diet book?  No.  A book dealing with food idolatry.  Yes, we all know that "comfort food" didn't just happen yesterday.  It developed because we use it to console and comfort ourselves.  As Christians, we know that anything we use to console and comfort ourselves apart from God is an...wait for it...idol.  Have I known this?  Yes.  Have I known I use food/drink as an idol?  Yes.  Have I tried to deal with my idolatry in every way but owning it and admitting it and taking it before the Lord?  Yes.
So finally, at the end of myself (a good place to be), I grabbed Fitzpatrick's book back off the shelf and read it with an open heart willing to hear that I am using the control of food as a god.  She skillfully and gently addresses the heart issues involved in overeating as well as attempts to control, as in bulimia and anorexia.   I will be working through this stuff for a while, I am sure.  But I really truly am excited. Thanks Elyse for this treasure of Scriptural wisdom.