Current Events Archives

VIDEO: Watch Cheerios’ Controversial Commercial

Usually commercials for cereal are pretty run-of-the-mill, but there’s one that recently generated a lot of conversation, and even some controversy. The ad for Cheerios features an adorable little girl, her mom and her dad. Take a look:

That’s right: the noise around this seemingly innocuous commercial centers on the fact that the little girl is biracial, with a white mom and a black dad.

I know racism still exists, but I am still surprised that there were so many hateful remarks connected to the ad on YouTube that Cheerios was forced to turn off the comments section.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news July 19, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did You Notice This About the Royal Baby?

The big announcement that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge and the wife of Great Britain’s Prince William, was pregnant came with much fanfare last December. Almost instantly, headlines around the world heralded the news of the “royal baby.” Congratulatory messages poured in from high-ranking government officials and celebrities. #Royalbaby was trending on Twitter within minutes of the news breaking. There’s even a “Baby Watch” app available for download.

People should rejoice. Babies are a blessing, and it’s a delight to see a young couple like Prince William and Kate Middleton excitedly anticipating the birth of their child.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, pop culture July 18, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Analyzing the Supreme Court’s Decisions on Marriage

I’m still away with my family in Virginia, but I was able to record an important broadcast on Wednesday’s Supreme Court rulings on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8.

On today’s Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast, you’ll hear as Dr. Al Mohler, Focus Board member and president of Southern Seminary and George Mason University law professor Helen Alvare and I discuss the rulings expected impact to families and the Church. (To read my post that discussed the rulings, click here.)

It was a heavy conversation at times, as the decisions were largely disappointing to those of us who believe in God’s design for marriage and family.

Topics: Current Events Tags: broadcast, homosexuality, marriage, policy, religious liberty June 28, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Millennial Support for Marriage is #NotDeadYet

The media loves a “narrative,” the familiar storyline they tell and tell again. And in light of yesterday’s deeply disappointing Supreme Court decisions regarding marriage, one such narrative that we see again and again is that the younger crowd, the millennial generation, doesn’t care about preserving marriage. If you’re a believer in natural marriage, that’s a tough thing to swallow. Fortunately, however, that’s not the complete picture.

Millions of teens and twenty-somethings are standing firm for marriage.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, marriage, news, policy June 27, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why I’m Not Despairing Over the Marriage Rulings

The family and I have, ironically, just landed in Washington D.C. for a tour of historic Williamsburg. From the small television in the back of the seat on the airplane, I watched the proceedings from the steps of the Supreme Court as reporters analyzed the news coming from inside the historic building.

Today’s Supreme Court rulings overturning part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act and failing to rule on California’s Proposition 8 case are deeply disappointing.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, marriage, policy June 26, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

On the Closure of Exodus International

Over the years Focus has enjoyed working with Exodus’ leadership, including its current president, Alan Chambers. The dedicated team at Exodus has been used by the Lord to educate, inspire and encourage countless people.

Exodus’ closing is being hailed by some as a victory and indication that Christians are abandoning long-held convictions that living with God’s design for sexuality is possible through the power of Jesus Christ – that change is possible.

The reality is that while Exodus will no longer exist, there are numerous Christian ministries that continue to provide excellent help to those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction, including the Restored Hope Network and Desert Stream Ministries.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, marriage, news June 21, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Five Questions and Answers About the Same-Sex Marriage Issue

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on two key marriage cases before the end of June. And as the nation awaits the decisions to the Prop 8 and DOMA and cases, good people are asking thoughtful questions on why marriage matters. However, it’s not always easy to wade through the research and pundit talking points to get trustworthy information on this important issue. You might even find yourself in a conversation with a friend who might see things differently than you.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, marriage, policy, religious liberty June 18, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Fire Hits Our Area Again

Nearly one year since a massive wildfire decimated neighborhoods just to the west of our campus here in Colorado Springs, we once again find ourselves glued to news reports of devastating fires destroying homes in the area.

From our offices here we can see and smell the smoke of the Black Forest fire, which is still burning out of control this morning. And our hearts break at the sight of it all, especially when we know that hundreds of people have lost their homes and thousands have been forced to evacuate their properties.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news June 13, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Oklahoma Sorrow

According to the National Weather Service, the deadly tornado outside of Oklahoma City touched down just before 3:00 p.m. Central Time this afternoon. The mile-wide twister traveled on the ground for over an hour and covered nearly 20 miles, flattening homes, tossing cars high into the sky – and killing scores of people in the process.

The video and pictures are devastating. Our hearts break at the sight of such tragedy, especially the images of the grieving and those trying to cope with such suffering and loss.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news May 20, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

No Glee in Guilt

The trial of abortionist Kermit Gosnell came to a conclusion today when the Philadelphia doctor was found guilty of first-degree murder. It took the seven-woman and five-man jury ten days to reach its verdict. The proceedings were filled with gruesome and horrific details, including charges that Mr. Gosnell murdered children born alive. The more I learned of what happened inside that clinic, the more my heart was rubbed raw.

To be clear, the guilty verdict elicits no glee.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pro-life May 13, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura