Daly Focus Blog
Some relationships are naturally sources of conflict.
Whether it’s a spouse, a family member, a friend, a coworker, or even someone at church, we all have that one person who rubs us the wrong way.
The question is, how should we address conflict with that person?
Perhaps we don’t. Maybe we pretend that the conflict doesn’t exist. Or we refuse to talk about it. Or we verbally or emotionally attack the other person.
There’s a better way.
Lucille Williams was washing vomit out of her clothes when a thought occurred to her: “This is marriage.”
She was on the last night of her honeymoon cruise with her husband, Mike, and they were enjoying a final dinner with new friends they’d made that week. Suddenly, an unexpected bout of sea sickness hit Mike, and he began vomiting uncontrollably. Their dinner guests scrambled out of the way, but it was too late for Lucille, who ended up with Mike’s disgusting mess splashed all over her.
When you hear the term “controlling spouse,” you might picture the stereotypical angry husband who barks orders and intimidates his wife through verbal and physical abuse.
Although some men control like that, some control more subtly. They’re not malicious and may not even be aware how their behavior is affecting their family.
Either way, the result is the same: the spouse feels frustrated, powerless, and alone in marriage. Even in loving, Christian relationships, manipulation, anxiety, and fear can lead to unhealthy forms of control between a husband and wife.
Although it’s likely still several months away, anticipation and optimism are beginning to build ahead of the Supreme Court’s expected ruling on the constitutionality of Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban. That’s because for the first time in a generation, there appears to be a legitimate chance that a majority of justices will affirm a state’s right to put restrictions on the horrific taking of innocent life.
Since December’s high stakes hearing in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, some have suggested the pro-life community isn’t ready for a post-Roe world.
Don’t believe it.
Somewhere around the midpoint of life, the questions begin.
Am I on track with my goals? Or am I playing catch up?Should I make changes to my life?How am I doing in my marriage?How am I doing as a parent?
“Middle age” is often defined by age – somewhere between 40 and 60 – but it is also defined by stage. Some women feel like they’re in midlife in their early 30s because their children are older than other moms their age.
What makes a man a godly dad?
You’ll hear a powerful description on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “The Legacy of a Godly Dad.”
We’re airing a touching tribute paid by Brent Reaves to his father, “Smokey” John Reaves, the founder of Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que in Dallas. The family-run restaurant has a reputation for “serving up brisket with a side of Holy Spirit.” Not only did John serve some of the best barbecue in Texas, but he often hosted worship meetings and Bible studies in his restaurant.
Have you ever felt so caught up in what you wanted that you struggled to seek God’s will?
I struggled with that in high school when I had hopes of playing pro football. But God had different plans for me.
Learning to trust God has been a long journey for our guest on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Abandoning Idols to Cling to God,” Christian recording artist Phil Stacey.
After growing up in a musical Christian family, Phil was featured as a soloist for the Lee Singers, one of Lee University’s premiere touring ensembles.
Have you heard of the Better-Than-Average Effect?
That’s a term that arose out of psychological studies indicating that we think of ourselves more highly than we ought to. The Better-Than-Average Effect shows up in every area of life, but one of the most common is overestimating our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
The trouble is, when we perceive things to be better than they really are, we’re less likely to make improvements. Instead of investing in our well-being, we put things on autopilot.
Americans have been watching and listening with interest to the ongoing confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. A federal appeals court judge and the first black woman to be nominated to the High Court, President Biden’s pick to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer possesses a highly decorated résumé.
But an academically and professionally accomplished biography doesn’t necessarily equate to suitability for the Supreme Court of the United States.
During the past three days of spirited questioning from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Judge Jackson has confirmed suspicions that she subscribes to an expansive and progressive view of the Constitution.
God wires each one of us uniquely. Which is why learning who your children are, how they think, and what motivates them are critical skills to develop.
Years ago, when my older son Trent was in elementary school, he came home and said, “Guess what, Dad? I won a gold medal! In chess!” I still feel a guilty about that moment because I thought, “Really? Chess?” I had hoped that he’d want to be a football player like me.
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.
