Daly Focus Blog
The Bible begins with marriage and ends with marriage.
That ought to tell us something about the importance God places on it. He’s infused it with profound meaning, both as a cultural institution and as one of the most significant relationships we can experience. It’s the bedrock of God’s design for families.
So where does that leave singles?
Throughout the Bible we’re reminded that God created us for community. No one is meant to be alone.
Have you been watching or reading anything related to the Judge Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation hearings?
Sadly, yesterday’s proceedings devolved into chicanery and chaos. In fact, it got so bad that Judge Kavanaugh’s daughters had to be escorted out of the room.
I had the opportunity to react to this spectacle for FOX News. Click here to read my comments – and please let me know what you think.
One of the most heartbreaking letters I’ve read was from a grown woman who wrote to Focus and recounted the divorce of her parents when she was a little girl. Her dad told her, “Your mom and I aren’t capable of being together, so I’m leaving. But I’ll always be there for you. I’ll see you on weekends. I’ll see you on your birthday.”
She never saw her dad again.
That father made a lot of promises, and never kept one.
“What do you do?”
That’s one of the first things people ask when they’re getting to know you. Or it’s one of the first things we offer to others to describe ourselves. We define who we are by what we do.
But the “dark side” to a lifestyle ruled by opportunity, hard work, and prosperity is that we get caught in a performance trap. We believe our value and worth as people is measured solely by what we achieve, what we acquire, or what we produce.
It’s that time of year again when parents and kids are checking their back-to-school lists twice before heading out the door:
Three-ring binder? Check.
Pencil sharpener? Check.
Lunch bag? Check.
The Bible?
Yes.
The Bible is now a must-have school supply for students like Ethan, who considers it essential for surviving the school day.
“When you have the Bible right out in front of you … when it’s sitting out on the corner of your desk, or in your backpack,” said Ethan, a 16-year-old student in Colorado, “it’s a constant reminder of what God has in store for you and to do what God wants you to do, rather than doing things off of your own selfish ambitions.”
Ethan was just one of the half a million students who participated last year in Bring Your Bible to School Day—an annual, religious-freedom event for students sponsored by Focus on the Family.
Did you know that about 39 percent of evangelicals believe that “mercy killing” for someone who’s suffering is morally permissible?
That raises another question: How many Christians today understand the Bible’s perspective on suffering?
Few people have the credibility to address issues as poignant as suffering and the value of human life like Joni Eareckson Tada. Fifty years ago, she broke her neck in a diving accident and was left a quadriplegic. Since then, she’s been a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and has stood against the growing movement that promotes suicide for disabled and disadvantaged people.
Saturday’s death of John McCain marks the close of a long and remarkable life. The Arizona senator and famed Vietnam war hero was a committed public servant who honorably served his country over the course of the past six decades.
The senator’s reputation as a “maverick” resulted in political sparring from time to time, especially within his own Republican party, and even within our own circle of social conservatism. But despite his sometimes unpopular positions, Senator McCain engaged his opposition or detractors with good manners and good taste.
Marci Seither and her husband owned a sawmill in Northern California. A customer hired them to remove a huge tree from the spot where their new home would be built. The homeowners thought it a shame to lose such a beautiful tree and planned to recycle the lumber by using it in the house’s construction.
Once the tree was cut down, however, they discovered that the wood was too weak to be used. The tree rings were too far apart.
My colleague, Public Policy’s Director of Education, Candi Cushman, recently answered some questions about the public schools that were posed to her from Decision Magazine. I thought you would find her answers both enlightening and interesting.
On a related note, if you are a parent of a school-age child, I hope you’re aware of our upcoming, Bring Your Bible to School Day. It’ll be on Thursday October 4th. It’s not too early to register and participate in some of our pre-event promotion.
My son Troy’s love language is physical touch. When he was younger, he was the first one to run into my arms when I got home each night. Even now as a teenager, he loves when I give him a big bear hug.
My older son, Trent, is more introverted and cerebral. I’ve asked him if he’s okay with hugs, and he says yes, but sometimes he stands so rigid he’s like hugging a pole. I have to remind him to use his arms.
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.
