Jim Daly

Texas High School Cheerleaders in Court Battle

Cheerleaders in Kountze, Texas, found themselves in court last week, fighting to preserve their right to inscribe Bible verses on homemade banners at high school football games.

According to published reports, the girls in this small east Texas town were looking to create an alternative to the negative signs that are typically prepared to inspire the team and elicit cheers from the fans.

So, instead of painting phrases like “Scalp the Indians” the young ladies started off the season with a banner that highlighted a well-known phrase from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians:

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

No parents or students complained, but school officials announced a ban on the future display of such signs.

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These People Save Others from Themselves

New York City police detective Peter Keszthelyi is assigned to an unusual detail.

When an individual climbs out on a ledge or scales a bridge threatening to commit suicide, Detective Keszthelyi and a partner are called in to try and talk the person out of it.

There are 300 officers assigned to this highly specialized unit in New York City. Unfortunately, they’re busier than they want to be, but often very successful, too. Every situation is unique, of course, but the officers are skilled at trying to get the people to talk and see things from a new and hope-filled point of view.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, friendship

Did You Know This Actor Is Pro-Life?

A friend emailed me a story the other day about the actor Jack Nicholson.

I wonder if you’ve ever heard about his upbringing?

Mr. Nicholson was raised by his grandparents. His biological mother conceived him as an unmarried teenager. Now 75 years of age, he still speaks very lovingly about his childhood and the wonderful people who surrounded him as a young boy. It was this background that firmed up his opposition to abortion and his support for the pro-life movement.

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Tim Keller: The Five Things You Need in Life

There are five things that comprise a wise, godly life. They function both as means to becoming wise and godly as well as signs that you are growing into such a life:

1. Put your heart’s deepest trust in God and his grace. Every day remind yourself of his unconditioned, covenantal love for you. Do not instead put your hopes in idols or in your own performance.

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith, pastors, relationships

What I Saw at Last Night’s Debate

“It’s fun, isn’t it?”

Those were the words of Governor Romney shortly into last night’s presidential debate with President Obama. I was privileged to attend the event along with three of my colleagues, Joel Vaughan, Ken Windebank and Gary Schneeberger (pictured below, left to right).

I have to admit. The debate was fun.

In the midst of the political frenzy and the seriousness of the stakes on November 6th, it’s easy to lose sight of something significant.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: events, family, policy

This NFL Player Said What?

And you thought the matter of replacement referees was controversial.

Earlier this season, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo publicly expressed support for same-sex marriage.

In response, Maryland state delegate Emmett C. Burns Jr., a Ravens fan, wrote a letter to the Ravens owner, Steve Bisciotti, asking him to prohibit his players from offering political commentary.

Outraged by the Maryland politician’s letter, Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe penned a lewd, rude and profanity-laden letter to Mr. Burns, chastising him for not only encouraging censorship but also, supporting traditional one-man, one-woman marriage.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, policy, pop culture, religious liberty

Why Strangers May Know Where Your Children Are

At the risk of alarming you, this is something you’ll want to know.

Whenever your youngster uses their phone or computer to access the Internet, there are businesses out there collecting, analyzing, dissecting and selling the details of their use to other businesses.

For example, if your daughter posts a photograph of friends on Facebook, it’s possible for certain technology to determine the exact location of the snapshot. Such finite details can be valuable to companies trying to market to teenage girls.

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Homecoming Prank Follow-Up and Focus Connection

Last Wednesday I shared with you the touching story of Michigan’s Whitney Kropp. Miss Kropp is the 16-year-old high school student whose classmates attempted to embarrass her by nominating the sophomore to the school’s homecoming court.

Instead, the so-called “prank” turned her into something of a national celebrity.

Miss Kropp’s community rallied to her side. A Facebook page created to express support generated over 125,000 “likes.” The cost of her dress, shoes and flowers were covered by local merchants.

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

Caption this Photo

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Three Ways Marriage Improves Your Health

I want to share with you some scientific findings about the family that were culled from nearly 35 years worth of research. The results were analyzed and compiled by two of my Focus colleagues, Andrew Hess and Glenn Stanton. Following is a condensed version of their full report.

The Health Benefits of Marriage

The pursuit of health has become a cultural phenomenon. Diet, exercise, supplements, relaxation and medications have all been touted as the way to achieve good health.

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