Jim Daly

Adrian Peterson: A Good Parent?

Adrian Peterson was back in court yesterday, but the USA Today headline from last week jumped out at me:

“Associates of Adrian Peterson only see evidence of ‘a good parent’”

The embattled former Minnesota Vikings star running back was indefinitely suspended last month after charges of child abuse against him were made public. He’s admitted to disciplining his son with a switch, although he suggests he never intended to harm the boy.

The pictures of the bruises suggests a much different and sordid story.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: news, parenting, pop culture

How Should We Respond to the Ebola Outbreak?

Are you worried about the Ebola virus? Daily headlines about the disease are generating more than a little fear and anxiety in our culture. When Ebola was confined to the other side of the world it didn’t seem like a pressing problem to many people in the U.S., but after an infected man brought the disease from Liberia to Texas in late September, a lot more Americans began paying close attention. Today news outlets are reporting the sad news that the infected man, Thomas Eric Duncan, has died.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: news

The Hardest Peace

I can’t remember the sound of my mom’s voice.

That’s because she died of cancer when I was just 9 years old. It was a blow, of course, the security of my entire world shattered in an instant. The tragedy was made even worse because nobody told me my mom was so ill.

How do you explain to a young child that his mother is dying of cancer?

It’s not easy to explain death and terminal illness to a young boy or girl.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, faith, family, kids

SCOTUS and Gay Marriage: No Court Can Change the Truth

Google “Supreme Court” and “gay marriage” today, and you’ll get dozens of articles on today’s news that the justices rejected to hear appeals from five states. The New York Times headline declared the move a “tacit victory,” because it allows for weddings in five more states.

Here’s the statement Focus on the Family’s judicial analyst, Bruce Hausknecht, released today in response.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to accept five state marriage cases sets the stage for the further spread of same-sex marriage, and with it, a further expansion of threats to religious freedom.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: marriage, news, policy, religious liberty

Friday Night Football Inspiration

We’re back in football season, and as a former high school quarterback, I couldn’t be happier. I have great memories of playing the game.

That’s why I relate to Apollos Hester, a high school wide receiver from Texas, so well. His post-game interview was probably even more exciting than the 42-41 victory his team had just earned.

And to all of you going to football games tonight – I hope your team wins!

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: pop culture

“The Cosby Show” versus “Modern Family”

As you know, the term “rose-colored glasses” is used to describe someone who sees the world in an optimistic fashion. It provides a good word-picture because the lens we use to see the world certainly impacts how we perceive it.

In the same way, our worldview influences how we see culture and life around us.

In today’s broadcast, we’re featuring a conversation I recently had with John Stonestreet, who works as the executive director of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, family, marriage, parenting, pop culture

This Pastor’s Mistress May Surprise You

Looking in from the outside, this young pastor was living a God-honoring life. He shepherded the church’s youth, taught Sunday school, and led a church neighborhood outreach.

But his young wife knew better. She knew her husband had a mistress.

Addicted to Busy

On today’s broadcast, we’re talking with Pastor Brady Boyd, who heads Colorado Springs’ New Life Church. Pastor Brady shares with us how his overly busy schedule almost destroyed his marriage.

Brady’s wife, Pam, had had enough.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, faith

Loving Your Neighbor Includes Public Policy Involvement

There’s no way around it: our nation’s laws impact families. The question is, will the influence be beneficial or harmful to our marriages and children?

Today I’m highlighting my recent interview with Citizen, Focus on the Family’s magazine devoted to public policy news and trends. In it, I share why I believe our faith mandates cultural engagement – and why that engagement includes politics. –JD

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A Political Conversation

With a major election approaching, Focus on the Family President Jim Daly takes time to articulate his views on public policy and Christian responsibility.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: faith, policy, religious liberty

Elementary School Students Now Being Censored and You Can Help

In my blog, I’ve often shared examples of Christians being punished for remaining true to their Biblical beliefs. Just a few weeks ago, we called attention to Christian college students encountering discrimination.

Even more disturbing is that this discrimination is happening to our youngest students. In today’s guest blog, our education analyst, Candi Cushman, gives more detail and explains how you can help. –JD

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The right to freely acknowledge and practice one’s faith was a cherished freedom our Founding Fathers were willing to risk their lives to protect.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: news, policy, religious liberty

“The Song” Movie a Great Date Night for Couples

“The Song” debuts today, and it’s a great date night movie option for couples looking to be both entertained and edified.

The film gives a unique, modern take to the ancient texts of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. It follows fledgling musician Jed, son of the late, great David King, as he tries to make a name for himself apart from his famous dad. Along the way, Jed falls in love, gets married, and faces some tough temptations.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: entertainment, faith, marriage