Jim Daly

California High Court Approves Same-Sex Marriage

Yesterday, California’s Supreme Court ignored the will of the people by handing down a landmark decision overturning the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. The 4-3 decision reverses Proposition 22, which defined marriage as being exclusively between one man and one woman. Keep in mind Prop 22 had been passed in 2000 by an overwhelming margin of Californian voters (61 to 39%).

That wasn’t good enough for these justices.

Dr. Dobson reflected, “In 1863, Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg Address that ours is a government ‘of the people, by the people and for the people.’ Well, not in the state of California, where four imperious and unelected justices have just overridden the will of the voters.”

While New Jersey and Vermont have granted same-sex couples many of the same rights and benefits of traditional marriage, California now joins Massachusetts as the second state to redefine the definition of marriage.

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

Where’s God When I Hurt?

During the National Day of Prayer (NDP), I sat on the edge of my seat as NDP Honorary Chairman Dr. Ravi Zacharias told the following story. In 1971, when Ravi was a twenty-something young man, he traveled to the war-torn country of Vietnam for a series of revival meetings. Upon arrival, Ravi met Pham Hien, a 17-year-old youth, who gladly served as Ravi’s translator during his stay.

Not long after Ravi left the country, Pham was imprisoned by the Viet Cong because Pham had worked with Americans like Ravi.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith

There’s More To Life Than Winning

My dad was passionate about baseball.

As a young boy, I remember listening to my dad telling stories about the year he played for the Detroit Tigers. As I mention in my book FINDING HOME, there are two reasons why it’s a bit difficult to prove whether or not Dad actually wore the Tiger’s uniform for a season.

First, he’s dead. This, of course, complicates asking him any follow-up questions on the subject.

The second issue has to do with my last name.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, events, pop culture, relationships

Dad Died Saving His Daughter

I never met the man. I didn’t even know him. But his last act has touched my life in a profound way. Here’s what happened four days ago.

With visions of Happy Meals dancing in her head, four-year-old Kaniyah and her dad, Joseph Richardson, left a Chicago apartment for dinner last Monday night. Walking several short blocks to the nearby McDonald’s was one of the simple pleasures she shared with her father, a 39-year-old musician and choir director.

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

Mobile News & Movie Reviews

Has this happened to you?

It’s date night and you decide to see a movie. You’re standing in the ticket line tempted to see the movie everyone is talking about. You notice the larger-than-life posters swinging from the ceiling in the lobby heralding its release. Sure look interesting. But you remain uncertain. Far too often you’ve been disappointed by a friend’s recommendation. There’s been too much violence . . . more profanity than a gangsta rap record .

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: entertainment, promos, technology

Condoms for 11-Year-Olds?

I’m not sure if you saw this news story. In October 2007, the Portland, Maine School Committee voted in favor of a plan to dish out birth control patches and pills to students as young as sixth grade at King Middle School. That’s the same school that had been dispensing condoms to kids as young as eleven-years-old since 2002. Eleven?

Did I mention that parental consent isn’t required?

Actually, it’s against the law in Maine.

Schools in Maine – and in many other states – will not inform parents of how their children are treated at a school clinic if they’ve signed a waver for treatment in case of injury, illness, or other emergencies.

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

Giving Thanks for My Family

I’m in Washington, D.C. for a series of meetings this week as well as to participate in the National Day of Prayer. Tomorrow’s activities include brunch at White House which is a real honor. My wife Jean and the boys are with me and, with an eye on the National Day of Prayer, I can’t help but reflect and give thanks to the Lord for the joy that my family brings me.

One of the things I love about my wife, for example, is her incredible nurturing heart.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, wife

NDP: 7 Days and Counting

On May 1st millions of Christians from all walks of life, and from across the country, will unite their voices in prayer as part of the 57th annual National Day of Prayer. Why should believers take a day to focus on prayer? Why pray for our families, our friends, and the needs and challenges facing America?

Simply put, God invites us to do so and promises a blessing when we do. In the book of 2 Chronicles, God says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (7:14).

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: events, faith

EAT MOR CHIKN

Yesterday I returned home from a trip to Washington, D.C. where the streets are lined with pink, white, and red dogwoods starting to bloom. Talk about a beautiful sight to behold. I’m back home now where this morning my boys Trent and Troy awoke to a joyous sight . . . five inches of snow!

It’s springtime . . . and it’s snowing in Colorado Springs. Go figure.

The reason I was in the nation’s capital was to speak at a luncheon held in honor of Truett Cathy, founder and Chairman of Chick-fil-A.

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

Living With No Regrets

Art teachers depend on it . . . Kids love making things with it . . . Carpenters swear by it . . .

I’m talking about Elmer’s Glue, a cornerstone product of Borden, Inc. which also developed Krazy Glue. As difficult as it may be to imagine life without these adhesives, there’s a fascinating story behind one of the sons of the company’s namesake, inventor Gail Borden, Jr.. But first some background.

In 1857, Gail invented condensed milk.