Family and Home Archives

Meet the Man Who Changed the World

His name was John Joseph Hughes, and he may have been one of the most important men in American history, if not the entire world.

An Irish immigrant gardener eventually ordained to the Catholic priesthood, “Dagger John,” as he was called due to the habit of punctuating his signature with a dagger-like cross and behaving with a similarly aggressive flair, became the first archbishop of the archdiocese of New York. He served between 1842 and 1864, a time of explosive Irish-Catholic growth in America.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, news, staff October 16, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Look for This at Tonight’s Debate

At the height of a close election, it is worth a reminder that civility is the essential democratic virtue. Civility is not the same thing as niceness.

The high stakes of politics can produce intense disagreements. But manners — even cold, formal ones — communicate a modicum of mutual respect and preserve the possibility of cooperation. John Stuart Mill called democracy “government by discussion.”

Michael Gerson, as quoted in The Washington Post, October 15, 2012

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, news, policy October 16, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Five Questions and Answers About My New Book

As some of you know, I have a new book coming out tomorrow. It’s titled, ReFocus: Living a Life that Reflects God’s Heart. My colleagues at Citizenlink recently asked me five questions about the project. I’m delighted to share the exchange with you below.

CitizenLink: The title of your new book is ReFocus. Why do you believe it’s time we must begin to refocus our hearts and actions?

Jim Daly: I think that in the culture we’ve focused a lot on righteousness and living righteously.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, staff October 15, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Death in the Family

It’s with a heavy heart that I share the news that Barbara Hodel went to be with the Lord at 10:30 mountain time last night after battling significant health struggles following her fall and subsequent paralysis five years ago.

Barbara was the wife of Don Hodel, who served as the interim president and CEO of Focus on the Family from May 2003 until February 2005. Don also was a member of the Board for more than 10 years, beginning in 1995.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, news October 12, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to “Win” $250

Did the title grab you? OK, here’s the deal.

The Focus Leadership Institute, which has been operating on our campus since 1995, attracts college students from both Christian and non-religious universities all around the world. Each semester we’re thrilled to host some of the brightest young minds out there. Hundreds of these men and women are now serving the Lord in numerous professional and personal capacities – and making a difference!

I’m proud of each and every one of them.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, news October 11, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Texas High School Cheerleaders in Court Battle

Cheerleaders in Kountze, Texas, found themselves in court last week, fighting to preserve their right to inscribe Bible verses on homemade banners at high school football games.

According to published reports, the girls in this small east Texas town were looking to create an alternative to the negative signs that are typically prepared to inspire the team and elicit cheers from the fans.

So, instead of painting phrases like “Scalp the Indians” the young ladies started off the season with a banner that highlighted a well-known phrase from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians:

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

No parents or students complained, but school officials announced a ban on the future display of such signs.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: news, pop culture October 9, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

These People Save Others from Themselves

New York City police detective Peter Keszthelyi is assigned to an unusual detail.

When an individual climbs out on a ledge or scales a bridge threatening to commit suicide, Detective Keszthelyi and a partner are called in to try and talk the person out of it.

There are 300 officers assigned to this highly specialized unit in New York City. Unfortunately, they’re busier than they want to be, but often very successful, too. Every situation is unique, of course, but the officers are skilled at trying to get the people to talk and see things from a new and hope-filled point of view.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, friendship October 9, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did You Know This Actor Is Pro-Life?

A friend emailed me a story the other day about the actor Jack Nicholson.

I wonder if you’ve ever heard about his upbringing?

Mr. Nicholson was raised by his grandparents. His biological mother conceived him as an unmarried teenager. Now 75 years of age, he still speaks very lovingly about his childhood and the wonderful people who surrounded him as a young boy. It was this background that firmed up his opposition to abortion and his support for the pro-life movement.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, family, pop culture, pro-life October 7, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tim Keller: The Five Things You Need in Life

There are five things that comprise a wise, godly life. They function both as means to becoming wise and godly as well as signs that you are growing into such a life:

1. Put your heart’s deepest trust in God and his grace. Every day remind yourself of his unconditioned, covenantal love for you. Do not instead put your hopes in idols or in your own performance.

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith, pastors, relationships October 5, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why Strangers May Know Where Your Children Are

At the risk of alarming you, this is something you’ll want to know.

Whenever your youngster uses their phone or computer to access the Internet, there are businesses out there collecting, analyzing, dissecting and selling the details of their use to other businesses.

For example, if your daughter posts a photograph of friends on Facebook, it’s possible for certain technology to determine the exact location of the snapshot. Such finite details can be valuable to companies trying to market to teenage girls.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, kids, parenting, technology October 2, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura