Family and Home Archives

The Truth Behind XXX

It’s not what you think. Today is Valentine’s Day and millions of us are affectionately signing a card to our loved one with the symbol, “XOXO” or “XXX” to communicate a triple kiss.

But did you ever wonder where that tradition of the letter “X” representing a kiss comes from?

It would surprise a good many, I think, to discover that it’s rooted in Christianity.

In the early days of the Church, a cross mark, or an “X” was used to reflect a sworn oath.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: intimacy February 14, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Prayer at Grammy’s Reflects National Consensus

Although I didn’t watch the Grammy Awards last night, I did hear about host LL Cool J’s opening prayer. It was offered in response to the sudden death of singer Whitney Houston.

Saying that it was the only thing that felt right to do, here is how he prayed:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for sharing our sister Whitney with us. Today our thoughts are with her mother, her daughter and all of her loved ones.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, pop culture February 13, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What I Think About the Obama Adminstration’s Announcement

As an unapologetically, unswervingly pro-life organization, we disagree strongly with the Obama administration that free access to drugs that can cause abortions makes women or society healthier or safer.

Today’s announcement seems to be an acknowledgement by the White House that it went too far in disregarding the deeply held values, and constitutionally protected conscience rights, of religious organizations and individuals. Still, we are not convinced this tweak to the proposed policy, when analyzed at a level deeper than simple sound bites, truly addresses the religious-liberty concerns that have been raised.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: policy February 10, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Ten Ads That Show Just How Much Family Life Has Changed

It’s Friday! It’s also been a heavy news week, so I thought it might be good to lighten things up. A colleague came across these advertisements. Today’s family life is just a wee bit different, don’t you think?

Here they are:

Dad is appearing a bit insensitive. But for a family of four these folks certainly use a lot of dishes…

I was just reminding Jean of this the other day…

Hmm…did somebody really think this was a wise idea?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment February 10, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About Miscarriage

Her name is Yeva Esther Shaw. I never met her, but I will one day. I’m sure of it.

Hopefully you will, too.

She was a beautiful girl, perfect in every way, not a care in the world. Her parents had such dreams for her, even as dad wondered if he might measure up to the privilege of raising a daughter. After all, that’s just what good dads do, isn’t it? But then came the signs and the uneasy feelings.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: pro-life February 9, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

This is the Face of Clarity, Charity and Conviction

Up until yesterday morning, Karen Handel, who is openly pro-life, was the vice president of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. But as the controversy continued to swirl over Komen’s decision to reinstate its funding of Planned Parenthood, Ms. Handel resigned her post.

“I was too much of a focal point,” she said. “I really felt I had a responsibility to just step aside so they could refocus on their mission.”

Karen Handel refused to accept a severance package that was offered.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, homosexuality February 8, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Prop 8 Marriage Decision Stings But Doesn’t Shock

I suspect more people were surprised with the New York Giants victory in the Super Bowl than were shocked to learn that two members of a three-member panel of the liberal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals have once again ruled California’s Prop 8 marriage vote to be unconstitutional. The decision will now be appealed and we’re optimistic that the United States Supreme Court will agree to hear the case.

Still, although there is no shock regarding today’s decision, it stings.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: homosexuality February 7, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Komen Foundation was Bullied by the Left

The Susan G. Komen foundation succumbed this past Friday to a relentless barrage of political bullying, a fact that is not only sad news for those who cherish the sanctity and dignity of all life, but also for all of us who believe that a private philanthropic organization shouldn’t be subjected to such harassment.

That the Komen foundation apologized for its decision to halt contributions to Planned Parenthood is another illustration that political correctness is running amok.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: homosexuality, religious liberty February 5, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Check Out These Photos

I’m delighted to share with you a sneak peek of one of the new Focus on the Family photo walls here on campus. Thousands of you have submitted terrific snapshots and it’s been a blast planning these displays.

But what you see aren’t just photographs. They’re memories of special moments, of times that pass all too quickly..

Moses said it best:

“..do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family February 3, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why Did President Obama Do This?

Why did he do it?

Why has President Obama decided to force Catholic universities and hospitals to pay for health insurance that will cover such services and drugs as sterilization, contraceptives and possible abortifacients for its employees, despite the Catholic church’s teachings against those practices?

Did he decide to do it in order to shore up the radical liberal base in an election year? Or is he being deliberate in curtailing religious freedoms?

Either answer is very disturbing.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: policy February 2, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura