Jim Daly

On the Closure of Exodus International

Over the years Focus has enjoyed working with Exodus’ leadership, including its current president, Alan Chambers. The dedicated team at Exodus has been used by the Lord to educate, inspire and encourage countless people.

Exodus’ closing is being hailed by some as a victory and indication that Christians are abandoning long-held convictions that living with God’s design for sexuality is possible through the power of Jesus Christ – that change is possible.

The reality is that while Exodus will no longer exist, there are numerous Christian ministries that continue to provide excellent help to those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction, including the Restored Hope Network and Desert Stream Ministries.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, marriage, news

Dr. Al Mohler Remembers His Father

If you’ve followed the ministry of Focus on the Family with any regularity over the past few years, you’ve probably heard me talk about the difficulties I encountered growing up—especially as they relate to my alcoholic father, who essentially abandoned our family when I was very young. That painful experience impacted and shaped my life in profound ways.

Unfortunately, my situation is not unique. Millions of kids today grow up without a father in their lives.

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

Please Watch this Video

I wish you could have been sitting with our team the other day when we gathered to watch a short video.

It’s about a young couple and their unborn child, and the story is told from the perspective of the father.

We’ve titled it “A Letter from Dad.”

Since you couldn’t be there the other day, I hope you’ll take a moment to watch it now:

Do you need a tissue? I’ve seen this video several times, but it never fails to leave me with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting

Five Questions and Answers About the Same-Sex Marriage Issue

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on two key marriage cases before the end of June. And as the nation awaits the decisions to the Prop 8 and DOMA and cases, good people are asking thoughtful questions on why marriage matters. However, it’s not always easy to wade through the research and pundit talking points to get trustworthy information on this important issue. You might even find yourself in a conversation with a friend who might see things differently than you.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, marriage, policy, religious liberty

These Things I’ll Remember

Yesterday was Father’s Day. For those keeping score at home, it was the 113th anniversary of the holiday, a day that finds its origin in the genius of a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd.

Ironically, Mrs. Dodd was inspired to set aside the day to honor her own father while listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day in Spokane, Washington. It was May of 1909. The first Father’s Day celebration was held the next June 19th, 1910.

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

Fire Hits Our Area Again

Nearly one year since a massive wildfire decimated neighborhoods just to the west of our campus here in Colorado Springs, we once again find ourselves glued to news reports of devastating fires destroying homes in the area.

From our offices here we can see and smell the smoke of the Black Forest fire, which is still burning out of control this morning. And our hearts break at the sight of it all, especially when we know that hundreds of people have lost their homes and thousands have been forced to evacuate their properties.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: news

Notes You’ll Never Throw Away

This is Jean Daly, Jim’s wife. I’m going to hijack Jim’s blog today to allow our sons, Trent and Troy, to pay a tribute to their dad, whom they absolutely adore.

And I suppose it wouldn’t surprise you to know that I do, too.

Earlier this week the boys sat down to offer some thoughts on what their dad means to them. When I first met and married Jim, I remember thinking he’d be a terrific father.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting

Bring the Books!

Looking to justify setting aside some time for summer reading?

Charles Spurgeon on Books and Reading:

We will look at [Paul’s] books. We do not know what the books were about, and we can only form some guess as to what the parchments were. Paul had a few books which were left, perhaps wrapped up in the cloak, and Timothy was to be careful to bring them. Even an apostle must read.

Some of our very ultra Calvinistic brethren think that a minister who reads books and studies his sermon must be a very deplorable specimen of a preacher.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith

Is It Time to Break Your Dreams Free?

Do you have ambitions you’ve kept hidden from everyone around you? Maybe it’s time to break them free from the shelter you’ve built to protect them.

Had you been walking by Henry Ford’s Detroit home that summer day in 1896, you might have thought he’d lost his mind. There he was, ax in hand, chopping away at the doorframe and surrounding brick of his makeshift garage. What you actually would have been witnessing was history in the making.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, technology

This is Why We Worry

Worry is a passive form of arrogance.

It’s believing that you know how things are supposed to turn out. It’s assuming God’s seat for yourself.

We don’t worry because we fear God’s will won’t be done.

We worry because we’re afraid that things won’t go our way.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith