Coronavirus Archives

Social Distancing? No. Physical Distancing? Yes.

Words matter.

Every year contains its share of popular terms and catch phrases, words uttered and written so often that they become part of the national vernacular. In the build-up to President Donald Trump’s impeachment in 2019, it was “quid pro quo” – a Latin phrase that means, basically, a favor for a favor.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, everyone from the president of the United States down to local community leaders have made “social distancing” the latest household phrase, and with the very best of intentions.

Topics: Current Events Tags: Coronavirus April 14, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Banning Drive-In Churches is a Road too Far

Since the outbreak and escalation of the coronavirus pandemic in March, pastors and faith leaders throughout the United States have cooperated with local and state officials in doing their part to “flatten the curve” of the pathogen by either canceling or transitioning in-person church services to online platforms.

For anyone born over the course of the last one-hundred years, the changes in weekly worship habits have been unprecedented. In fact, church services during the Spanish flu epidemic between 1918 and 1920 carried on as usual – for good or bad.

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, Coronavirus, current events April 14, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

On the Coronavirus, the Following Things are True

On the 100th day of the COVID-19 global pandemic, I would offer to you that the world has learned a few lessons.

This list is hardly exhaustive, but it’s nevertheless irrefutable – at least from my perspective:

1. We are not in control. God is.

2. Humans are frail, fragile – and resilient.

3. Because of sin, bad things happen to everyone.

4. No matter how dark the night, the sun rises in the morning.

Topics: Current Events Tags: Coronavirus, current events, faith April 8, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

4 Ways to Have Dollars and (Common) Sense During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Although Wall Street’s rout seems to have stabilized in recent days since the first surge of coronavirus cases, the volatility of the financial markets is nevertheless unprecedented in modern times.

Your perspective of this last month may mirror the late President Reagan’s witty observation of long ago:

“Recession is when your neighbor loses his job,” he once remarked. “Depression is when you lose yours.”

Economic experts are working feverishly to stabilize the markets. Part of the emergency relief plan involves stimulus checks for families – funds that should be received in the coming weeks.

Topics: Current Events Tags: Coronavirus, family, finances April 7, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why are New York City Officials Suspicious of Franklin Graham?

A 68-bed emergency field hospital now stands in the middle of New York City’s Central Park, the product of a herculean effort of Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse.

Since its inception in 1970, the ministry’s goal has been “to meet emergency needs in crisis” – and there is no greater humanitarian plight in the world today than the coronavirus global pandemic, the epicenter of which is now in the middle of the Empire State’s largest city.

Earlier in March, Samaritan’s Purse deployed a similar medical response team to Cremona, Italy, an area likewise hard hit by the virus.

Topics: Current Events Tags: Coronavirus, current events April 2, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tune in to Hear the Surgeon General Discuss Helpful Tips for Your Family

Dr. Jerome Adams is the United States Surgeon General and our special guest on today’s Focus on the Family Broadcast.

You’ve undoubtedly seen the Surgeon General in the news these last few weeks, often providing timely updates at the daily White House briefings on the coronavirus.

Dr. Adams is an eminently qualified physician with an extensive resume, but he’s also a man of deep Christian faith.At one point on the program, the doctor quotes 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.”

He then went on to say that God is at work in the midst of this crisis.

Topics: Current Events Tags: broadcast, Coronavirus April 2, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Planned Parenthood is Taking Life When Everyone Else is Racing to Save It

President Trump’s sobering update from the White House yesterday included projections that the current trajectory of the coronavirus global pandemic could potentially claim between 100,000 and 240,000 American lives.

The grim death rate, even on the low end, is almost twice as much as those who die annually from the flu.

The race to save lives has unleashed an unprecedented response from federal, state and local governments as well as other organizations. From field hospitals rising in convention centers and hotels to the deployment of hospital ships on both coasts, it’s an all-out effort to save lives.

Topics: Current Events Tags: abortion, Coronavirus, current events April 1, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Discusses Coronavirus Relief Bill on Focus on the Family

Less than 12 hours from shepherding the passage of a massive and complex coronavirus relief and stimulus bill through the United States Senate, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) joined us on Thursday’s Focus on the Family radio program to discuss the historic legislation.

It’s always an honor to host Kentucky’s senior senator, although his appearance this time around comes at a moment of great peril for the nation.

The House of Representatives is expected to pass the emergency relief package today, setting in motion a plan designed to provide immediate help to hospitals, families, governmental municipalities and businesses reeling from the global outbreak of COVID-19.

Topics: Current Events Tags: Coronavirus, current events March 27, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Trusting God in Worrisome Times

Corrie ten Boom once said,
“Worry is like a rocking chair. It keeps you moving, but it doesn’t get you
anywhere.”

There’s plenty of opportunity to worry and be
fearful these days. Society has ground to a halt in very real ways. And yet,
the world around us still seems hectic and chaotic.

The more we’re immersed in uncertainty, the more
likely we are to develop “spiritual
amnesia.” That’s what author Lee Strobel calls the worry and anxiety we feel over the
unknown because we’ve forgotten everything that God has done for us in the past.

Topics: Current Events Tags: broadcast, Coronavirus, current events March 26, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Practical Help for Your Family During the Coronavirus Pandemic

As the country finds its way halfway through the second full week of the coronavirus pandemic, Americans are still searching for a new sense of normal.

Long-established routines have been upended, impacting employment, school activities and many other facets of daily life. Anxiety and tensions remain high everywhere.

President Trump’s comments at yesterday’s White House briefing about a desire to “reopen” the country by Easter seemed to buoy spirits and provide the hope of a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.

Topics: Current Events Tags: Coronavirus, current events March 25, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura