Family and Home Archives

Parents Are Fed up with Their Children Being Culture’s Casualties

Previously published in the Washington Examiner:

Make no mistake – parents will play a major part in this year’s midterm elections, which may well upend current dynamics and potentially recast the direction and priorities of the nation.

Throughout our nation’s history, mothers and fathers have served as something of a bellwether in America. Political elites may jockey and joust with one another, often behind closed doors, but their policies are felt and then ultimately received or rejected by the families whom they affect.

Topics: Family and Home November 2, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Unleashing the Possibilities for Children in Foster Care

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me’” (Matt. 25:40).

When we act on behalf of “the least of these,” it’s the same as ministering to Christ himself. With this in mind, Christians have a clear command to care for children.

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Unleashing the Possibilities for Children in Foster Care,” we’re recognizing November as National Adoption Month in the U.S.

Topics: Family and Home November 1, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Bits of Magic Mirror

You and I are up against a world full of lies that distort what’s really true.

That distortion is illustrated in the classic fairytale The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. In the story, the devil creates a magic mirror that distorts everything it reflects. One day, students of the devil attempt to carry the mirror into heaven so they can mock God and his angels. But the higher the students ascend, the more the mirror shakes … until, finally, they lose their grip.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith November 1, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Laughing, Loving and Lasting With Your Spouse

Is happiness in marriage attainable?

A lot of couples don’t think so.

Author Kevin Thompson says, “Absolutely!”

The catch is that couples can’t make happiness the goal. Happiness is the byproduct of an even greater objective. Connecting at a soul level. “And the two shall become one flesh” (Matthew 19:5).

How?

By working through challenges together.

Kevin’s grandparents were happily married for 70 years. People often suggested that they were “lucky” to achieve that success.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: marriage October 31, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Do You Know Who I Am?

Usually when someone asks, “Do you know who I am?” it’s an arrogant celebrity who’s had a run-in with authorities. But when that question comes from the heart of a loving mother or father, it can draw the parent and their child closer together.

The next time a conflict erupts between you and your child, ask them the question, “Do you know who I am?” You’ll probably get a confused look the first time you ask it, but it’s a good way to break through the tension and speak words that will strengthen your relationship.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 31, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Humble Leadership

In June 1944, just hours before the D-Day invasion, General Dwight Eisenhower wrote two speeches. The first was to be delivered to his troops if the invasion succeeded. The second, if it failed.

Fortunately, that second speech was never needed. The Allies prevailed, and Hitler’s Nazi regime soon toppled.

But Eisenhower’s handwritten words, preserved in his presidential library, offer a fascinating look at his humble leadership. After praising his troops’ bravery, Eisenhower took full responsibility for the invasion’s failure.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 27, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Becoming a Wholehearted Wife

Dr. David Clarke estimates that 80% of women are lonely in their marriages because their relationships are plagued by disappointment, anger, monotony, and unmet expectations.

When couples are dating, many believe that their spouse will become their source of complete fulfillment after they’re married. But once they’re married, they discover that’s impossible.

Erin Smalley understands what it’s like when marriage expectations shatter. Early on in their marriage, she and her husband, Greg, fought frequently. Erin grew up without a positive male role model, so she expected Greg to satisfy her needs perfectly.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 27, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

He Meant Well

Picture this. You’re nine years old, and your mother just died. Your step-dad has abandoned you, so you’ve been taken to live with a family you’ve never met. You’re desperately hoping the man of the house will become the father you never had, but he’s, well, eccentric. Which is why his first assignment for you when you move into the family home is, “You gotta cut the head off a chicken.”

That bizarre scenario actually happened.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family October 26, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Being the Man Your Family Needs

There’s a lot of talk these days about “toxic masculinity,” that is, what men are not supposed to do.

Author Brant Hansen says that many men – especially many young men – don’t know what they’re supposed to do.

The culture routinely deconstructs, but we rarely construct. Men need a vision for what is distinctly and inherently good about masculinity.

God creates men for a purpose. Every man has a role to fill. Whether you’re healthy or have a disability, wealthy or poor, a student, an accountant, or a mechanic, God is calling you to do something and to be something for Him.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: parenting October 25, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Finding True Healing From Trauma

There’s a popular belief among Christians that “God won’t give us more than we can handle.” That phrase is intended to encourage, but it’s not biblical, nor is it true. We can’t handle the pain of life all on our own.

That’s never truer than when discussing trauma.

Most people define trauma in extreme terms, like enduring the battlefield or a school shooting. But we can also experience trauma in everyday life, like facing a serious illness, physical injury, or abuse.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 24, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura