Daly Focus Blog
This past Easter Sunday, Stephen Colbert’s animated television show, “Our Cartoon President,” not only lampooned the President (which is expected), but Colbert also had the nation’s chief executive talk crassly about severing a part of God’s anatomy.
Of course, his defenders will says it’s just a joke – satire on steroids. After all, how can we take a cartoon seriously?
Mr. Colbert is an entertainer, and as such, he understands how to get a strong response from a crowd.
The late Dr. Adrian Rogers once said that if you can learn to laugh at yourself you’ll never run out of things to laugh at!
In that spirit, the following video from the talented comedian Jon Crist is for all my pastor friends out there – or for all of us who love our pastor.
My sons are now becoming young men, and along with it comes the memories of a simpler time, when they were boys. Today I want to share with you a blog post that ran back in 2007. The main idea of this piece – to allow your children to make mistakes as they grow up – remains true today. I hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane with me… and that you heed the lesson I learned years ago while hanging out with my boys at a local Lowe’s store.
Some time ago, a colleague tacked up the following sign above his door here at Focus:
Live Well (Philippians 1:27-28), Love Much (John 13:34-35), Laugh Often (Proverbs 17:22)
There is so much to say about each of these, but if laughter is truly good medicine, I thought I’d end the week by sharing something sweet – and comical, with you.
Riley was five years old. His father is on our team here at Focus, and he and his wife have made a habit of recording some of the more memorable comments the little tyke makes, especially at bedtime.
The death of comedian Robin Williams has reignited something of a nationwide conversation about suicide and mental health. After all, most know someone whose life has been touched or severely impacted by depression. My own wife, Jean, lost a brother to suicide and Jean herself has shared that she struggled with bouts of depression earlier in our marriage.
Here at Focus on the Family our counselors talk with severely depressed people every day. In fact, suicide-related calls have skyrocketed in the past few years.
He’s tall, dark and handsome. Witty. Intellectual. Smart. Well-read. Spontaneous. Motivated. Masculine. Good hair, good dresser. Musically talented. Organized. Creative. Responsible. Strong handshake.
He also hates cats, but loves chocolate and talking about feelings. He spends most Saturdays volunteering at the homeless shelter or rescuing stray kittens. He’s working toward his MBA.
And when he isn’t fishing, hunting or running a marathon, he’s playing his guitar and writing songs. He doesn’t eat McDonalds.
He makes loafers look good.
Halloween is a volatile topic with many Christians, and for good reason. Its origins are pagan and disturbing. And yet, it seems to be growing in popularity on all fronts. From plastic front-lawn tombstones to inflatable monsters (and all the candy), Americans are expected to spend nearly $7 billion this year on the holiday.
Seven billion!
Nevertheless, when it comes to Oct. 31, as a Christian, you probably fall into one of three camps.
1. Enjoy It
You grew up trick-or-treating and wearing the Superman costume.
Focus on the Family’s blog for fathers, Dad Matters, has a great mix of content written by some of the dads on our staff. Some of the posts, like the one on staying involved during the school year, are full of practical insight. Others, like the post on presuming the best, offer life wisdom with real-life examples.
Then there’s Patrick, who specializes in writing humorous pieces inspired by his daily adventures in fatherhood. His latest post, “Flying the Frantic Skies,” is sure to make you laugh:
Notice anything about those airline ads on TV?
Have you noticed that most adults share a curious trait?
We can turn almost anything into something gravely serious. It’s no wonder stress-related illnesses have become so prevalent. That’s why it’s good to remind ourselves regularly to take a deep breath, relax, and laugh at ourselves.
Well-known pastor Bill Hybels can teach us a little something about that. He’s passionate about his work and calling, but he doesn’t take himself too seriously. He even proves it from time to time by inviting others to laugh along with him.
A colleague recently came across a funny website I thought you’d enjoy. It listed some hilarious mistakes people made on their résumés. Here are a few highlights:
“Skills: Strong work ethic, attention to detail, team player, self-motivated, attention to detail.”
“I have a demonstrated ability in multi-tasting.”
“Graduated in 1882.”
“Took a career break to renovate my horse.”
“My work ethics are impeachable.”
“I consistently tanked as top sales producer for new accounts.”
“Dear sir or madman…”
“Skills: I can type without lokng at thekeyboard.”
“Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain store.”
One woman sent in her résumé and cover letter without deleting a friend’s edits, including such comments as, “I don’t think you want to say this about yourself here.”
The whole job interview process can be stressful, can’t it?
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.
