Jim Daly

Preparing Teens to Bring Peace to Their Chaotic World

A teenager’s world can be chaotic. The question is, how can parents help their teens not only survive, but thrive, in the face of peer pressure, social media dangers, and challenges to their Christian faith?

One of the greatest examples of a teenager who stood strong was David. Before he became king over Israel, David was a shepherd. Culturally, he was insignificant. He was the youngest member of his family, who wasn’t afforded much respect. His older brothers would have inherited most of his father’s wealth and reputation.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, parenting

Victory in the Fight to Keep Seven-Year-Old James Younger from Being Transitioned into a Girl

By now you’ve likely heard that earlier this week, a Lonestar state jury ruled in an 11 to 1 decision that James Younger, the son of Jeffrey Younger, be transitioned due to the preferences of his non-biological mother, Dr. Anne Georgulas.

Simply put, officials had, in essence, mandated that a seven-year-old boy be put on puberty-blockers, pumped up with cross-sex hormones and eventually surgically castrated against the will of his father.

Thankfully, we received word on Thursday that the judge presiding in the case overruled the jury and granted joint custody to both the mom and dad.

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Men: Rising Above Stereotypes

Deep in their hearts, most guys want to be good men. They want to work hard and be faithful husbands and involved dads.

But a lot of guys feel like frauds. We know what to do. (At least, we think we do.) But we don’t always feel capable of doing what we know we ought to do (Romans 7:15).

Some guys feel like a fraud because … well, they are one. They’re hiding something sinful from their wives and Christian brothers, whose love and support they need most.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, father, men, parenting

Guest Post: But Mom, I Neeeeeeeed Followers! Helping Our Kids Recognize Social Media Dangers

By: Jonathan McKee

Decades ago the question was, “Do you know where your children are?” Today the question is, “Do you know who is following your children?”

Key word: following

Consider the app Instagram for a moment, the No. 1 social media platform used by teens today. Take a peek at anyone’s profile and you’ll see the word “followers” at the top of the screen with a little number above it. That number has become incredibly significant to today’s teenagers.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: parenting, technology

Getting Along with Others at Home and Work

More than likely, you’ve taken a personality test or two, read a book on the subject, or even heard us talk about the topic on our Focus on the Family Broadcast. In 42 years, our ministry has featured numerous guests who have helped listeners discover whether they’re a lion or a golden retriever. A pleaser or an avoider. A sanguine or a choleric.

If none of those terms sound familiar, listen through some of our past broadcasts that cover personality and love styles.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, relationships

New Hope for Moms Who Won’t Give Up

“I quit. I don’t want to be a mother anymore.”

Author Sarah Parshall Perry blurted that out one day in a moment of weakness while her husband was travelling for work and she was caring for three children with the stomach flu. She was exhausted after days with little sleep.

Her breaking point came as she was bathing her youngest child even though she hadn’t been able to shower herself. When she brushed against the shower curtain, and it collapsed on them both, she cried, “I quit.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, mothers, parenting

Timeless Truths in a Changing World

You may have read “The Fox and the Crow” when you were a child. As you’ll recall, the famous story from “Aesop’s Fables” warns us to be wary of flattery.

Or, you may have read about Christian’s journey to the Celestial City in “Pilgrim’s Progress.” On the road to the Celestial City, Christian meets a giant named Despair. Just as Christian must overcome the giant, Despair is a reality many Christians face in their spiritual lives.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: book, children, parenting

Remembering My Friend H.B. London – and the Other Heroes in Our Pulpits

Regular readers of my blog will remember me mentioning my dear friend, the late Reverend H.B. London.

H.B. was Focus on the Family’s “Pastor to Pastors” for over 20 years, a devoted shepherd who understood the challenges of ministry because he served several churches for more than two decades.

Today is the one-year anniversary of H.B.’s promotion to Glory, and so I thought it would be appropriate to use this occasion to remember a good man – and encourage all of you to thank your pastor for the incalculable contribution they are making in your life and the lives of others.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: pastors

Guest Post: Navy SEALS Prepare to Bike 1,000 Miles in 10 Days to Fundraise for Neuro-Rehab Patients

By: Zachary Mettler

The Daily Citizen had the great privilege to interview three former Navy SEALS, two of whom are participating in a 1,000 mile long, 10 day bike ride to raise money for the VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center in San Diego, CA. The SEALS have formed an organization, Beyond the Teams, which seeks to, “fight for those who can’t fight for themselves by bringing awareness and financial resources to any disabled military personnel, veterans, handicapped children, and others.”

For Beyond the Teams’ first project, five former SEALS will bike down the east coast from Virginia Beach, Virginia to Fort Pierce, Florida.

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Grieving, Healing, and Hoping After Miscarriage

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.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, pregnancy, tragedy