Daly Focus Blog
I consider myself blessed to live at a time where we benefit from so many advances in medical science. In terms of physical health, we’re all much better off today than we were or would have been just a few decades ago.
But what happens when the latest and greatest in medical science comes at the expense of another human life? How would you feel knowing that a human life was created only to be destroyed for your benefit?
It’s an unsettling trend that’s quickly gaining speed: toddlers are increasingly being prescribed drugs for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
A recent article from the Today Show cites the number of U.S. 2- and 3-year-olds receiving the medication at 10,000.
Are these drugs necessary?
Let’s be honest: toddlers can be a rowdy bunch. It’s not easy to parent during these years and keep up with the constant running, screaming, climbing, and curiosity that’s characteristic of this age.
But when you think about it, toddlers are active because it’s their “job” to play.
Some time ago I found myself in Washington D.C. attending a series of meetings. After spending the entire day and evening inside several buildings, I was eager for some fresh air. What followed would be a night I’d never forget.
With me in Washington that evening was my friend, Roger Sherrard. Roger is a constitutional attorney and a dear man, now serving as principal at Sherrard McGonagle Tizzano, in the state of Washington.
It was 11 P.M.
May is full of graduations – for so many students, it’s a time of transition to a new era looming with possibility.
This year, the University of Texas at Austin welcomed alumnus Admiral William H. McRaven of the U.S. Navy to deliver the keynote address. He is the man who commanded the U.S. Special Operations Command responsible for organizing and carrying out the raid against Osama bin Laden.
During his speech, McRaven reflected back on the lessons he learned during his Navy Seal training.
In a light-hearted article, the Wall St. Journal recently declared Colorado Springs, Colo., where Focus is headquartered, the top place in the U.S. to find love.
Seriously.
Here at Focus, we think that’s great. In fact, we’re even holding a gathering event that might help cement that title: this Aug. 7-9 Focus on the Family’s Boundless ministry is hosting Pursuit 2014, a special weekend for single 18-39 year olds.
If you’re not familiar with Boundless, here’s a quick overview.
Two stories struck me yesterday. In one way, they’re unrelated and yet at the same time, very much connected.
LaChanze Sapp-Gooding is the widow of Calvin Joseph Gooding. Mr. Gooding was killed on September 11th as he worked inside the North Tower of the World Trade Center. At the time of the attack, LaChanze was 8-months pregnant with their second child.
Meriam Yehya Ibrahim is a Sudanese Christian who was sentenced to death yesterday for refusing to renounce her faith and embrace Islam.
The video Emily Letts recently made of her abortion was understandably met with shock, horror, sadness and disbelief. In it, the 25-year-old abortion counselor shares her story of facing an unexpected pregnancy, and includes footage of her undergoing the procedure during her first trimester.
It is a sobering and painful video to watch.
How should those of us who value human life respond?
Every abortion involves three people
The reality is abortion profoundly impacts at least three individuals: the child whose life is being terminated, the birthfather and the woman who must live with the reality of this decision.
No one can make a grown man cry with humble appreciation like a mom.
Take Kevin Durant, the 25-year-old winner of the 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player award. During his emotional speech that took place just in time for Mother’s Day, Durant reflected back on the uphill road his single mother, Wanda Pratt, walked with her two young sons.
From finding a way to make ends meet to cheering him on at his basketball games growing up, Durant’s tears are a testament to his mother’s powerful impact on his life.
A 9-year-old Atlanta boy had a unique response to being kidnapped from his own driveway last month: he sang praises to God.
Willie Myrick, now 10, repeatedly sang Hezekiah Walker’s “Every Praise” during the three-hour ordeal. Eventually, his abductor – who had been cursing and telling the boy to shut up – pulled the car over and kicked him out.
One can’t learn of a story like this without thinking of Bible verses that promise God’s protection, like Psalm 46:1, which says, “God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.”
The song itself references the theme of deliverance in its chorus:
God my Savior
God my Healer
God my Deliverer
Yes He is, yes He is
Thank God that those lyrics proved prophetic for Willie Myrick – and thank God for a family and church community that influenced his young faith.
Last month, a Duke University freshman made headlines because she chose to pay for her college education by appearing in adult movies. This young woman defended her decision to become a porn star via an article where she wrote, “I have never felt more empowered or happy… I am in control of my sexuality.” According to this student, it is “how the world should be.” As Christians we obviously disagree this is how things should be – but sadly, her view on sex is how things are for far too many college-aged women.
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.
