Jim Daly

Good News on the Marriage Front

New research suggests the millennial generation is finally ready to settle down, get married and start a family – in that order.

That’s good news after years of disheartening trends. Ever since the sexual revolution, most of what we’ve heard about marriage has been bleak. Marriage scholar Brad Wilcox explains: “Since the 1960s, the rate of new marriages has fallen by more than 50 percent, and rates of divorce and single parenthood has more than doubled.”

Until recently, things haven’t shown signs of improving.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: marriage, pop culture

Change Your Attitude and Debt-Proof Your Life

You’ve probably heard it said before, but it’s as true now as it ever was: money problems are one of the most consistent reasons for the breakdown of marriages.

That fact is why we return to the topic of money again and again here at Focus on the Family, to help and equip couples who are struggling with their finances.

Our guest on our program Wednesday (Sept. 16), Mary Hunt, has been there. She knows what it’s like to crawl out of incredible financial debt.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: family, finances

Adversity Can Make You or Break You

I used to think successful people achieved great things because they faced less adversity than those who fail. But when I became an adult, I realized everybody encounters challenges of one kind or another. What matters is how we respond to the obstacles we face.

Probably no one communicates the truth of that concept better than best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell, our guest on today and tomorrow’s programs we’ve titled, “Battling Giants in Everyday Life.” His latest works tell the stories of people who not only overcame adversity, but in many ways those challenges became the catalyst for their success.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, faith

These Thoughts Still Hold True

Today, on the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, I want to share some thoughts I wrote during at the 10-year mark. So much of what I said then is, sadly, still applicable now at a time when our nation and its people remain divided among many lines. As we remember those we lost on 9/11, I hope we also remember the unity and brotherhood of that day. -JD

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“Ten Years Later”

On Sunday, our nation will mark the ten-year anniversary of 9/11.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: events, faith

“Truth Be Told” Movie Debuts Sunday

Note: Today is the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks that shook our nation. May I encourage you to spend a few moments today praying for our country, our leaders, and all those who are mourning the loss of a loved one who perished that day? For more thoughts on the 9-11 anniversary today, please click here. -JD

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If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly movie to watch this weekend, you might want to consider Hallmark’s “Truth Be Told,” the latest installment in the “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” TV movie series.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, promos

Kim Davis Is Free. What Does It Mean for You and Me?

As you know by now, Kentucky County Clerk Kim Davis was released from the Carter County Detention Center on Tuesday following a six-day imprisonment. Citing a religious objection, the recent Christian convert had declined to issue same-sex marriage licenses – despite a federal judge ordering her to do so.

Her freedom, of course, is very good news. But the bigger concerns surrounding this case are far from resolved, and it serves as a warning to the 244 million people (according to Gallup) in the United States who believe the Bible is God’s Word for humanity.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, religious liberty

How to Manage Hard Times

The doctor simply said, “Michele, it’s not good.”

In that moment, at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 19, 2010, Michele Cushatt’s life changed forever. She went from being, as she described herself, a “confident, somewhat assured Christian woman” to “being absolutely undone.”

There is something about the word “cancer” that can turn what we thought was cement under our feet into sand.

Suffering is like that. It’s a difficult topic to even discuss. There’s no way to put a positive spin on pain.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, faith

The Best Thing A Man Can Accomplish

To be a good father, you have to be a good man.

Not perfect. After all, there are no perfect dads or men.

You just have to be there.

Sadly, there are too many dads who aren’t. Twenty-five million children in the United States go to bed each night without their biological father in the home.

Statistically, these children are more likely to grow up in financially difficult circumstances and more likely to drop out of school.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith, family, kids, parenting

Let’s Make this Headline Happen: “Church Wipes Out Foster Care Adoption List”

Could you welcome a child who’s in need into your home?

Reports show there are approximately 100,000 children in foster care in the United States who don’t have a mom and dad because the courts have deemed them unfit and have terminated their parental rights.

But think about this: There are about 300,000 churches in the U.S. If just one church out of three had a family who was willing to adopt a child, the number of kids on the foster adoption rolls would be zero.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, family, pro-life

Want to Serve Others? Become a Volunteer Focus on the Family Online Mentor

If you love Jesus, people and social media, please consider volunteering as a Focus on the Family online mentor.

It’s a unique opportunity for anyone who has a heart for the hurting. Online mentors are digital missionaries, tending to real needs, sharing the Gospel, and going “through all the towns and villages,” just like Jesus did … except these modern-day missionaries “travel” through their Internet connection.

Focus will provide the technology and training. We’ll equip you to enter online communications and take part in conversations to breathe life, Bible-based hope, and encouragement to people in need.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: events, faith, promos, technology