Daly Focus Blog
Having a baby is supposed to be a time of great excitement and joy.
But what if it’s not?
What happens when something goes wrong? What happens when the joys of pregnancy become a devastating, heart-wrenching experience?
Adriel Booker has survived that experience three times. She’ll tell you that she has seven children, but only three sit around the dinner table. She gave birth to two boys, and then she and her husband experienced three consecutive miscarriages.
We’re doing something a little unusual on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Sharing God’s Light Through Art.” We recorded the program in a different kind of studio. Instead of microphones and recording consoles, we were surrounded by paintings, easels, and more paint brushes in one place than I’ve ever seen.
The art studio belongs to Morgan Weistling, who has been an artist since he was old enough to hold a crayon. He has studied under some of the most legendary illustrators and artists of the last century.
It’s likely that you’ve never heard of Caren Spruch, but according to a recent article in the Washington Post, the 62-year-old is working quietly behind the scenes in Hollywood to advance Planned Parenthood’s deadly agenda.
According to her online bio, Ms. Spruch is the “director of arts and entertainment engagement” for an organization responsible for over 300,000 abortions each year in America.
If it sounds oxymoronic to you to put “abortion” and “entertainment” in the same sentence, you wouldn’t be alone.
Do you have someone in your life who’s toxic? Someone who’s negative, even antagonistic toward you. Someone who tries to control your life. Someone who, no matter what you say or do to please them, it’s never enough.
What’s a good way to respond to a person like that?
Christians are especially likely to have relationships with toxic people. Coming alongside another person with the love of Christ in a time of need can be messy.
A father who came to psychologist Michael Anderson’s office for counseling illustrates the shift in thinking many moms and dads need to make.
The father said, “In the last 90 days, my daughter has completely changed. She’ll do anything her friends tell her to do. She’s smoking. She’s drinking. She’s shoplifting.”
Michael asked him, “What was she like 90 days ago?”
The father said, “She was an A-student. She was in the church youth group. She’d do anything we told her to do.”
That last phrase caught Michael’s ear.
My wife and I often discuss our relationship in terms of a theme. It could be “forgiveness,” or “grace,” or maybe “patience.” Then we try to weave that theme into every part of our marriage. Not only will we try to be more patient, for example, but we’ll make patience a part of our conversation with one another for that season of life.
Sometimes all it takes to infuse a marriage with more happiness is a few small changes.
A few days ago, I watched one of the most deeply moving acts of forgiveness that I have ever seen.
For those who don’t yet know, Amber Guyger, a former police officer, was recently sentenced to 10 years in prison for fatally shooting Botham Jean after allegedly mistaking his apartment for her own.
After her judgement was handed down, Brandt Jean, brother of Botham Jean, took to the stand. Instead of declaring judgement upon her, Jean decided to proclaim the gospel, and announce that he forgave Guyger.
Todd and Karen Ehman were convinced they were perfectly matched for one another … until they went to premarital counseling.
They underwent a battery of tests and expected their counselor to tell them, “Your relationship was made in heaven. You’re going places. You’re going to do great things for God.” Instead, he held Todd’s profile in one hand and Karen’s profile in the other. He said, “I have to be honest with you. I know you love each other, and you love the Lord.
The assassination of our 20th President, James Garfield, offers an important lesson for people struggling with bitterness and resentment.
Let’s start with when Garfield was assassinated. It’s hard to say exactly. He was shot on July 2nd, 1881, less than four months into his term. But he didn’t die until 79 days later, on September 19th.
It’s also difficult to say exactly who killed him. The man who shot President Garfield was named Charles Guiteau. But Garfield didn’t die from his gunshot wound.
By now you’ve likely heard that tomorrow (October 3rd) is “Bring Your Bible to School Day,” our annual celebration designed to encourage kids to share God’s Word in a winsome and loving way, and to exercise their religious freedoms.
Beginning six years ago with 8,000 students participating, last year’s event saw over 650,000 young people representing all 50 states joining the national movement.
This year’s event hasn’t been without controversy.
Last month, New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees elicited the ire of some liberals for endorsing the celebration.
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.
