Jim Daly

Broadcast of the Year

I have some good news for you.

Our broadcast team is back in the office today after spending the last several days in Nashville, Tenn., for the annual National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention. It’s always a fast-paced and fruitful time of seeing old friends and meeting new ones who share our passion for communicating timeless biblical truths through radio, television, the Internet and ever-growing world of mobile apps.

This year’s NRB was a little-extra special, though, as the Focus on the Family daily broadcast was named Radio Program of the Year in an awards ceremony yesterday.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, entertainment

This Pastor Faces Execution

It’s really simple:

If he surrenders his faith, he’ll save his life.

Or will he?

Youcef Nadarkhani is an Iranian Christian pastor. He was arrested back in 2009 for protesting compulsory Islamic religious instruction in the public school system. Although initially charged with protesting, an illegal act, the charges were amended to apostasy and evangelizing Muslims.

When asked by a judge to “repent” of his behavior, Pastor Nadarkhani’s response was blunt:

“Repent means to return. What should I return to?” he asked.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith

Would These Men Be Elected President Today?

President’s Day is an amalgamation of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. Where and how it’s celebrated is dependent upon where you live, but the occasion gives rise to a question:

Would any or even some of the past United States Presidents be elected in today’s climate – especially Presidents Washington and Lincoln?

Ironically, George Washington really didn’t even want the job. He preferred farming to politics. Yet, he felt a duty and obligation to his fledgling country.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: policy, pop culture

Tale of Two Monks

William J. Bausch once shared the following story:

Two monks were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was falling. Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.

“Come on, girl,” said the first monk at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud. The second monk didn’t speak until that night, when they reached their lodging.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith

A Few Words About Jeremy Lin

Commentators are suggesting that Jeremy Lin is just what the NBA needed, a “Taiwanese Tebow,” as some have dubbed him, pointing to his outward expression of the Christian faith and his ability to capture the attention of spdorts fans everywhere.

To be sure, the 24-year-old standout from Harvard is giving kids (and kids at heart) someone and something fun to cheer about. And in the NBA, with the disproportionate moral deficiencies amongst some of its players, that’s no small feat, no pun intended.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, faith, pop culture

Did Hollywood Weaken “The Vow”?

The Vow,starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum, was the number one film at the box office this past weekend, pulling in a remarkable $41 million. The romantic drama was billed as the ultimate “chick flick” with a lot of suspense rolled in for good measure.

The story revolves around a young couple who fall in love, marry and shortly thereafter, encounter the ultimate test in their relationship. The young wife is gravely injured in a car accident.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, marriage

The Truth Behind XXX

It’s not what you think. Today is Valentine’s Day and millions of us are affectionately signing a card to our loved one with the symbol, “XOXO” or “XXX” to communicate a triple kiss.

But did you ever wonder where that tradition of the letter “X” representing a kiss comes from?

It would surprise a good many, I think, to discover that it’s rooted in Christianity.

In the early days of the Church, a cross mark, or an “X” was used to reflect a sworn oath.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: intimacy

Prayer at Grammy’s Reflects National Consensus

Although I didn’t watch the Grammy Awards last night, I did hear about host LL Cool J’s opening prayer. It was offered in response to the sudden death of singer Whitney Houston.

Saying that it was the only thing that felt right to do, here is how he prayed:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for sharing our sister Whitney with us. Today our thoughts are with her mother, her daughter and all of her loved ones.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, pop culture

What I Think About the Obama Adminstration’s Announcement

As an unapologetically, unswervingly pro-life organization, we disagree strongly with the Obama administration that free access to drugs that can cause abortions makes women or society healthier or safer.

Today’s announcement seems to be an acknowledgement by the White House that it went too far in disregarding the deeply held values, and constitutionally protected conscience rights, of religious organizations and individuals. Still, we are not convinced this tweak to the proposed policy, when analyzed at a level deeper than simple sound bites, truly addresses the religious-liberty concerns that have been raised.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: policy

Ten Ads That Show Just How Much Family Life Has Changed

It’s Friday! It’s also been a heavy news week, so I thought it might be good to lighten things up. A colleague came across these advertisements. Today’s family life is just a wee bit different, don’t you think?

Here they are:

Dad is appearing a bit insensitive. But for a family of four these folks certainly use a lot of dishes…

I was just reminding Jean of this the other day…

Hmm…did somebody really think this was a wise idea?

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment