Tzekdakah

Justice Versus Charity

I have just finished reading a book called "A Year of Biblical Womanhood" by Rachel Held Evans and one of the chapters really got to me. She says "Judiasm has no word for "charity".  Instead the Jews speak of tzedakah which means justice or righteousness.  While the word charity means a single act of giving, justice speaks to right living."  It is a way of  'repairing the world' as in the Jewish concept tikkun olam.

"What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God"  Micah 6:8

When you think of all the needs in our world and how we can go about 'repairing the world', to act justly, to help those in need, we really do need to be walking humbly with our God.



Here are some books in our library that might help with issues in your own life or a life of a friend.

Father Fiction by Donald Miller
With honest humor and raw self -revelation, Donald Miller tells the story of growing up without a father and openly talks about the issues that befall the fatherless generation.  Raw and candid, Miller moves from self-pity and brokennes to hope and strength, highlighting a path for millions who are floundering in an age without positive role models.





God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door by Alan Chambers



Alan Chambers-a former homosexual himself-and four of his colleagues at Exodus International off practical and biblical insights on how both individuals and churches can become a haven for homosexuals seeking freedom from same sex attraction.


Helping People Through Grief by Delores Kuenning

Based on her own experience as a pastor's wife, in-depth research and interviews with Christian counselors and medical professionals, the author believes that though most people lack the skills to really help people through a crisis, these skills can be learned. The book is designed to guide the reader in how to show care and concern--by what is said and done, by being sensitive to the process and by knowing when to do what.



Someone I Love Died by Christine Harder Tangvald

A simple, colourful book to help adults guid children through the process of grieving with heart healing words.

When Pete's Dad Got Sick by Kathleen Long Bostrom

A wonderful story that will help children deal with chronic illness in the adults around them.  A section at the end provides suggestions for parents and caregivers of hurting children.