Jim Daly

Thank You, MVP Moms

No one can make a grown man cry with humble appreciation like a mom.

Take Kevin Durant, the 25-year-old winner of the 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player award. During his emotional speech that took place just in time for Mother’s Day, Durant reflected back on the uphill road his single mother, Wanda Pratt, walked with her two young sons.

From finding a way to make ends meet to cheering him on at his basketball games growing up, Durant’s tears are a testament to his mother’s powerful impact on his life.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, news, parenting

Boy Praises His Way Out of Kidnapping

A 9-year-old Atlanta boy had a unique response to being kidnapped from his own driveway last month: he sang praises to God.

Willie Myrick, now 10, repeatedly sang Hezekiah Walker’s “Every Praise” during the three-hour ordeal. Eventually, his abductor – who had been cursing and telling the boy to shut up – pulled the car over and kicked him out.

One can’t learn of a story like this without thinking of Bible verses that promise God’s protection, like Psalm 46:1, which says, “God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.”

The song itself references the theme of deliverance in its chorus:

God my Savior
God my Healer
God my Deliverer
Yes He is, yes He is

Thank God that those lyrics proved prophetic for Willie Myrick – and thank God for a family and church community that influenced his young faith.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: faith, kids, news

WATCH: Two Powerful Minutes of Must-See Video

Tomorrow Focus on the Family’s first movie, “Irreplaceable,” will debut in more than 700 cinemas across the country. Seats are filling up fast (with some theaters already sold out) – despite attempts to censor our documentary.

Just in time for tomorrow’s premiere, we’ve released a powerful new trailer for the film. Check it out below:

As you can see, “Irreplaceable” is far from just your average documentary. Yes, you will leave the theater empowered and equipped better to defend your Bible-based views.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: events, family, marriage, pop culture

Abortion: Empowerment or a Consolation Prize?

Since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in all 50 states in 1973, about 51 million babies have been lost to abortion. It’s a staggering number that also represents millions of women who chose to end their pregnancies.

We would do well to give serious consideration to those factors that contribute to a mother’s decision to choose abortion for her child.

Proponents of abortion argue the bottom line boils down to a right, a choice – what’s “best” for her and her family.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: kids, policy, pro-life

Does Casual Sex Empower Women?

Last month, a Duke University freshman made headlines because she chose to pay for her college education by appearing in adult movies. This young woman defended her decision to become a porn star via an article where she wrote, “I have never felt more empowered or happy… I am in control of my sexuality.” According to this student, it is “how the world should be.” As Christians we obviously disagree this is how things should be – but sadly, her view on sex is how things are for far too many college-aged women.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: intimacy, news, relationships

The Underreported Cause of Poverty

Income inequality.

It’s a hot topic, with everyone from academics, pundits and politicians discussing it. President Obama even made it a focus in the weeks leading up to his State of the Union address earlier this year.

It’s a worthwhile goal to help lift families out of poverty and help ensure our fellow citizens have a fair shot at economic success. But I would hope that as we work towards that goal, we honestly pursue the underlying reasons that contribute to the problem.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: finances, marriage, news, parenting

Is McDonald’s Harming Children?

The McDonald’s “Happy Meal” is a predictable if not overly nutritious treat of childhood.

You know what you’re going to get: a kid-approved meal and a toy.

But a recent push by a daughter-father team is turning the traditionally mundane product into a political football.

No Such Thing As Girl or Boy Toys?

Slate’s recent blog post, “McDonald’s Gave Me the ‘Girl’s Toy’ With My Happy Meal. So I Went to the CEO,” outlines how, back in 2008, high schooler Antonia Ayres-Brown grew frustrated when McDonald’s asked her family if they wanted a “girl toy” or a “boy toy” with their Happy Meal.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: kids, news, pop culture

WATCH: Tim Keller Talks About Suffering

I’m in New York right now on a whirlwind trip. In a matter of a few days, I’m meeting with representatives of the media, giving interviews on Focus’ new movie, “Irreplaceable,” (out May 6) and my newly released book, “The Good Dad.” (Watch for me on Fox News Channel’s “Huckabee” this Saturday and Sunday.)

I’m also here to interview two important thought leaders for the Focus on the Family daily broadcast: my conversation with author Dr.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith

5 Factors That Make Married Sex Fulfilling

The New York Times recently ran an article that explored the premise that couples in egalitarian marriages had sex less frequently.

So how is a union defined as “egalitarian?”

According to “Does a More Equal Marriage Mean Less Sex?” it’s where husbands and wives “share the housework and child care, communicate openly and prioritize each other’s careers.”

Researchers found that couples in these types of marriages have sex 1.5 fewer times a month than those who subscribe to more traditional gender roles.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: husband, intimacy, marriage, wife

WATCH: Men and Women Are Different

It’s a minute-long video that shares a reality some would want to deny.

In a clip from “Irreplaceable,” Focus on the Family’s first movie debuting in a one-night event on May 6, host Tim Sisarich talks with Dr. Anne Moir, a neuropsychologist.

And yet, there are some professionals who claim that “saying there are differences in male and female brains is just not true.” These voices believe the differences between men and women are learned and shaped through culture.

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: events, husband, marriage, wife