events Archives

Normalizing Pedophilia

Culture has always been rife with evil. It was the apostle Paul who declared, nearly 2,000 years ago, in fact, that “the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16). Yet, he also spoke with hope, urging Christians to “not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

My faith tells me this is true, that light will always overcome the dark. Still, despite such divine assurance, the presence of evil in society is a very heavy and heartbreaking reality.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, policy, sex August 31, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

iDea: Would Steve Jobs Trade His Fortune for Good Health?

By his own admission, Steve Jobs is ailing. The co-founder of Apple announced his resignation as CEO last week, opting to serve in a reduced capacity as Chairman of the Board. His departure leaves a big hole within the company, and investors responded accordingly. Apple stock dropped by 5% the day his statement was released.

Mr. Jobs reportedly has been struggling with his health for years. He is not alone in this battle, of course. Millions of people are plagued with poor health, and, in fact, I know many of you are currently suffering through chemotherapy and coping with a myriad of other physical challenges.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, news, pop culture August 30, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Contest: Faces of Life

Attention all pregnancy centers and clinics in the USA – or friends of those who invest in this important work:

Focus on the Family is inviting you to submit your best 3 minute video that features an abortion-minded client who chooses life for the baby at-risk for abortion. The video entry should demonstrate the benefit of life-affirming services offered by the contestant to women, men and children.

Important Dates

NOW: Prepare your video and obtain client releases.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, pro-life, staff August 29, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Win a Trip!

ATTENTION! I’m out of town today, but just wanted to make sure you were aware of a great contest here at Focus that will be wrapping up next week:

Tell us about a Courageous Parent you know…We’ve all come across people like this, difference-makers who go “above and beyond” to better the lives of kids and teens. We want to hear about these special men and women. To honor the Courageous Parent you have in mind, share your story with us.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith June 9, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tim Tebow’s “Strange” Priority

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is out this week promoting his new book, Through My Eyes, an inspiring memoir about his faith, life and, oh yeah, football, too.

The former Florida Heisman Trophy winner’s philosophy is wonderfully simple:

Live pure. Work hard. Leave the rest to God.

Many of you are aware that Tim and his mother, Pam, starred in Focus on the Family’s Super Bowl commercial last year. Pam’s decision to defy doctor’s orders and carry Tim to term is a dramatic story and one that has inspired other women to reevaluate the wonder and beauty of preborn life.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events June 8, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: The Beauty of March Madness

With all the heartbreak and heartache in the world today, from the suffering in Japan to the war-torn Middle East to our domestic challenges, basketball might seem like a superfluous subject to write, or even think, about.

But maybe that’s the very reason why I’m inclined to do so.

The NCAA basketball tournament kicked off earlier this week. Upset wins by Richmond, Morehead State and Gonzaga last night ushered in what promises to be three weeks of great fun and excitement.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events March 18, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

President Obama’s Refusal to Defend Marriage

The Obama Administration’s decision to no longer defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act, while not completely shocking, is still startling and significant on numerous levels.

Setting aside the president’s personal opposition to DOMA and the history of his contradictory positions on marriage over the years, yesterday’s announcement ostensibly reduces the legal interpretation and enforcement of the United States Constitution to but two people:

President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder.

In essence, the president and his AG have unilaterally determined that DOMA is unconstitutional.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, marriage, policy February 24, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

Writing in Saturday’s Wall Street Journal, John R. Miller, a former U.S. Ambassador, reminded readers of some history behind President’s Day:

In 1968, the public-employee unions, seeking a three-day weekend, convinced Congress to move the commemoration of Washington’s birthday to the third Monday in February. This eventually led to what we now call President’s Day, which marks the birthday of not only Washington but of Lincoln and all the other presidents. By celebrating every birthday, we effectively celebrate none.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith, staff February 21, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to Predict the Future

Yogi Berra once said that it’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.

He’s right – which is why I was so surprised when I began receiving notes from colleagues and friends reacting to my Super Bowl XLV prognostication in this space last Friday. I had actually forgotten all about it.

My prediction:

Packers 31

Steelers 24

Actual:

Packers 31

Steelers 25

“Have any good stock tips?” somebody asked. “Can we call you Jimmy the Greek?” joked another, to which I responded, “No, Jimmy the Irishman.” Yet another wrote, “Vegas is calling.”

“Sorry,” I replied.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith February 8, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Faith at Super Bowl XLV

I think I know who’s going to win the big game.

But first . . .

Over 100 million people will watch Sunday’s Super Bowl contest between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Many of you will be watching for the football. Many more will be watching for the commercials. And some, like my wife, will be indifferent, maybe stopping to catch a few plays or a few minutes here and there.

Jean is like many women, I think.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, events, faith, pop culture February 4, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura