Jim Daly - Daly Focus Blog

The Abortion Debate Returns to the Supreme Court

Unanswered – or poorly answered questions, never go away.

Nevertheless, it’s very good news that the United States Supreme Court announced earlier today that they’ve agreed to review Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

At issue is a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks.

The nine justices should use this case to re-evaluate Roe and Casey and best case, overturn them both. At the very least, the court should allow the states more leeway in prohibiting abortion pre-viability, including for things like gender, race or disability.

History tells us not to pin our hopes on the court in cases like this.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: abortion, supreme court

Understanding Your Teen’s Behavior

“What were you thinking?”

If you’re a parent of teenagers, you’ve probably asked that question a few times. I know I have. More than once, Jean and I have looked at each other and asked about one of our boys: “What is going on in that brain of his?”

According to Dr. Jeramy and Jerusha Clark, our guests on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Understanding Your Teen’s Behavior,” there’s an avalanche of change happening inside a teenager’s body.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: parenting, Teens

Cherishing Your Spouse Every Day

Author Gary Thomas thought he had a pretty good marriage. Then God reminded him of the pledge he’d made to his wife at their wedding, a pledge you probably made as well if you used traditional vows.

It’s this: “I promise to love and to cherish you until death do us part.” Gary now admits that the moment he said those words at the altar was the last time he considered the word “cherish” in terms of his marriage.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: marriage

Understanding the Root of Your Child’s Misbehavior

Why do kids misbehave?

According to Dr. Kevin Leman, all misbehavior is a call for attention. If your children don’t get attention from you through positive actions, they’ll get it through negative actions.

He says the four goals of misbehavior are:

Once you understand the reasons behind your child’s misbehavior, the most important question still remains: what do you do about it?

Dr. Leman is our guest on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Understanding the Root of Your Child’s Misbehavior” to share how to uncover the root cause of whining, backtalking, and tantrums, and how to offer your children more love and acceptance without coddling them.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: parenting

Foster Care: How Everyone Can Help

What is the goal of foster care?

That’s a big question with a multi-faceted answer. We’re not all called to do the same thing, but we’re all capable of doing something. The ultimate goal is for every believer to feel empowered with a sense of calling and direction about their role.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, church, foster care

Finding New Strength as a Mom

Mom, are you suffering an identity crisis? When you introduce yourself, do you say, “I’m just a mom”? Do you see your own shortcomings and minimize the role you play in your kids’ lives?

I understand the temptation to think that way. On the surface, there’s nothing glamorous about chasing kids around the house, fixing meal after meal, and stepping on toys scattered down the hallway.

But motherhood is a unique calling. You’re not simply changing diapers; you’re molding character.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: mothers, parenting

WATCH: Ronald Reagan: A Man of Faith – A New Documentary from Focus on the Family

Ronald Reagan was the first president I voted for, though my decision came after some thoughtful soul-searching.

Although I shared most, if not all, of his ideological perspectives, Governor Reagan campaigned on a promise to reduce the Social Security Beneficiary Benefit. Having been orphaned, I was receiving this assistance and depended on it to help make ends meet.

For me, a vote for Reagan was a vote that would come at a price – as in dollars and cents.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: movie, ronald reagan, the daily citizen

Bringing Purpose and Power to Your Prayer Life

Today is the National Day of Prayer.

If you’re not familiar with it, this annual observance is held on the first Thursday of May and invites people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

In honor of today, I hope you’ll tune in for a special edition of our Focus on the Family Broadcast we’re calling “Bringing Purpose and Power to Your Prayer Life.”

Our guest is Kathi Lipp, who will help listeners learn how to pray diligently for themselves and others.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, prayer

President Biden’s “American Families Plan” Risks Hurting the Very People it’s Supposed to Help

President Joe Biden’s “American Families Plan” is being touted by the administration as “an investment in our kids, our families, and our economic future.”

In reality, it’s a very bad bet – and for numerous reasons.

Of particular interest to me in the bill is the president’s proposal to spend an extra $225 billion on childcare and another $200 billion on “free” preschool. The premise and rationale for such a massive expenditure is that more federal dollars equate to healthier kids and families.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: politics

The Joys and Challenges of Marrying Your Opposite

When Jean and I first entered premarital counseling, we knew that we were meant for each other. We enjoyed most of the same things and were alike in almost every way.When we finished our last session a week later, that had all changed. We were both thinking, “Wow, we are nothing alike!” And we were wondering, “Are we going to be okay?”

At some point, every couple recognizes their differences, and something strange happens when they do: The whole idea of “two becoming one” gets turned into, “My spouse should become more like me.”

When author and blogger Melanie Shankle realized how different she and her husband were, she had a revelation.