Current Events Archives

The Tragedy of George Floyd and the Way Forward to Peace and Racial Justice

The terrible circumstances of George Floyd’s death last week in Minneapolis while in police custody, along with the accompanying multi-city protests and riots of the last few days and nights, leaves many more questions than answers.

Progress in the area of race relations all too often seems painfully slow.

How can we move forward – boldly, swiftly and thoughtfully, helping the disenfranchised remain both hopeful and encouraged?

We look at the headlines and the images on television and the internet and have to think, surely there is a better way.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events May 31, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Honoring the Sacrifice for Freedom

One million.

It’s a big number. Today, that number takes on even greater significance.

Today is Memorial Day, the day we remember over one million Americans who have died in war on behalf of us all.

That figure is even more sobering when you reflect on this: behind every number is a name, and behind every name is a family whose entire world changed forever because that soldier didn’t come home. Every number represents the loss of a husband, a son, a brother, or a wife, a daughter, a sister.

Topics: Current Events Tags: memorial day May 25, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Yes, Churches are Essential

Are houses of worship an “essential” part of American life? President Trump believes they are, and I couldn’t agree more.

Friday’s announcement from the White House that the Centers for Disease Control will be changing the COVID-19-inspired classification from “nonessential” to “essential” is long overdue. The president will also be calling on governors to allow churches, synagogues and mosques to open “right now.”

Thank you, Mr. President.

I’m not suggesting every church should swing open wide their doors, but as the rest of the country transitions back to a semblance of normalcy, they should have the right to make that determination for themselves.

Topics: Current Events Tags: religious freedom May 22, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why Are Liquor Stores & Pot Shops Allowed to Open But Not Churches?

There is news out of Chicago that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker will be imposing fines on three churches for meeting for worship services this past weekend.

According to the statewide stay-at-home order, churches are considered “nonessential.”

I understand that believers can worship everywhere, anywhere and at any time – but why are churches considered “nonessential” but liquor stores and pot shops deemed essential?

Illinois isn’t the first state to be so heavy handed and employ a double standard when dealing with people of faith.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events, religious freedom May 21, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Colorado Governor Jared Polis is Exhibiting Civility and Common Sense in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic

As all but a handful of states begin the long and careful process of reopening their economies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, strong opinions abound on both sides of the aisle.

Prudence dictated widespread closures early in the crisis, especially given the horrific death toll projections. But as the economy has cratered resulting in over 36 million people out of work, a rising suicide rate and the deaths of people who are forgoing healthcare out of fear of leaving their homes, it makes good sense to find our way forward in a responsible and measured manner.

Topics: Current Events Tags: Coronavirus, current events May 15, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Join Us for a Special Online Concert Featuring Toby Mac, Lauren Daigle, Lecrae – and More!

Are you a member of a small church congregation?

Every house of worship is feeling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, of course, but the extended closure and quarantine has put many smaller churches on the brink of closing their doors for good.

I spoke with my friend Benjamin Watson a few weeks ago about his efforts to help raise funds for these congregations. The former NFL star has a real heart for helping those on the margins.

This COVID-19 Church Relief Fund is being administered by the National Christian Foundation (NCF), a trusted organization that Focus on the Family has collaborated with for decades. Through this campaign, 100% of proceeds will go to churches that are the most at risk. NCF is distributing $3,000 grants to churches as funds are available.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events May 11, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Returns to Focus on the Family

It’s an honor to welcome Secretary of State Mike Pompeo back to our radio program for a few minutes at the top of today’s broadcast.

An Army veteran and former director of the CIA, Mr. Pompeo is deftly managing a myriad of hot button global issues these days. From the China roots of the coronavirus pandemic to the defense and promotion of religious freedom around the world, the former four-term Kansas representative has his hands very full.

Topics: Current Events May 11, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Ahmaud Arbery’s Death Should Grieve Us All

There’s a lot that we don’t yet know about the chilling and tragic story surrounding the violent death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery of Brunswick, Georgia.

But here’s what we do know.

On February 23rd Ahmaud Arbery was killed in broad daylight while running on a suburban street following an altercation with Gregory and Travis McMichael.

According to a press release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the McMichaels – who are father and son – “confronted Arbery with two firearms.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events May 9, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Prayers and Stories of Hope for America

Today is
the National Day of Prayer.

If you’re not familiar
with it, this annual observance is held on the first Thursday of May and invites
people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint
resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry
S. Truman.

In honor
of today, I hope you’ll tune in for a special edition of our Focus on the Family Broadcast we’re calling “Prayers and Stories of Hope for America.”

We’re airing
your stories of hope, your tales of God’s faithfulness during this time of
crisis, and your prayers for our nation in the days ahead.

Topics: Current Events Tags: current events, prayer May 7, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Ideal Way for Your High School or College Student to Spend a Week this Summer

If you’re like most parents with students in the home, the coronavirus pandemic has thrown a real wrench in academic plans – not just for the last two months but even looking ahead to the prospect of summer camps and other nontraditional instruction.

For the last 57 years, our friends over at Summit Ministries in Manitou Springs– led by Jeff Myers – have been helping to equip high school and college students during the summer months to become next generation leaders.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, family May 4, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura