news Archives

Should 2-Year-Olds Be Given Medication for ADHD?

It’s an unsettling trend that’s quickly gaining speed: toddlers are increasingly being prescribed drugs for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

A recent article from the Today Show cites the number of U.S. 2- and 3-year-olds receiving the medication at 10,000.

Are these drugs necessary?

Let’s be honest: toddlers can be a rowdy bunch. It’s not easy to parent during these years and keep up with the constant running, screaming, climbing, and curiosity that’s characteristic of this age.

But when you think about it, toddlers are active because it’s their “job” to play.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: discipline, kids, news, parenting May 28, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tears at Midnight

Some time ago I found myself in Washington D.C. attending a series of meetings. After spending the entire day and evening inside several buildings, I was eager for some fresh air. What followed would be a night I’d never forget.

With me in Washington that evening was my friend, Roger Sherrard. Roger is a constitutional attorney and a dear man, now serving as principal at Sherrard McGonagle Tizzano, in the state of Washington.

It was 11 P.M.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, news, relationships, religious liberty May 26, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Navy Seal’s Commencement Speech Full of Common-Sense Wisdom

May is full of graduations – for so many students, it’s a time of transition to a new era looming with possibility.

This year, the University of Texas at Austin welcomed alumnus Admiral William H. McRaven of the U.S. Navy to deliver the keynote address. He is the man who commanded the U.S. Special Operations Command responsible for organizing and carrying out the raid against Osama bin Laden.

During his speech, McRaven reflected back on the lessons he learned during his Navy Seal training.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, pop culture May 23, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Best City for Love?

In a light-hearted article, the Wall St. Journal recently declared Colorado Springs, Colo., where Focus is headquartered, the top place in the U.S. to find love.

Seriously.

Here at Focus, we think that’s great. In fact, we’re even holding a gathering event that might help cement that title: this Aug. 7-9 Focus on the Family’s Boundless ministry is hosting Pursuit 2014, a special weekend for single 18-39 year olds.

If you’re not familiar with Boundless, here’s a quick overview.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, marriage, news, relationships May 19, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Tale of Two Countries

Two stories struck me yesterday. In one way, they’re unrelated and yet at the same time, very much connected.

LaChanze Sapp-Gooding is the widow of Calvin Joseph Gooding. Mr. Gooding was killed on September 11th as he worked inside the North Tower of the World Trade Center. At the time of the attack, LaChanze was 8-months pregnant with their second child.

Meriam Yehya Ibrahim is a Sudanese Christian who was sentenced to death yesterday for refusing to renounce her faith and embrace Islam.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news May 16, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

We Need to Love Post-Abortive Women

The video Emily Letts recently made of her abortion was understandably met with shock, horror, sadness and disbelief. In it, the 25-year-old abortion counselor shares her story of facing an unexpected pregnancy, and includes footage of her undergoing the procedure during her first trimester.

It is a sobering and painful video to watch.

How should those of us who value human life respond?

Every abortion involves three people

The reality is abortion profoundly impacts at least three individuals: the child whose life is being terminated, the birthfather and the woman who must live with the reality of this decision.

Topics: Current Events Tags: kids, news, parenting, pro-life May 13, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Thank You, MVP Moms

No one can make a grown man cry with humble appreciation like a mom.

Take Kevin Durant, the 25-year-old winner of the 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player award. During his emotional speech that took place just in time for Mother’s Day, Durant reflected back on the uphill road his single mother, Wanda Pratt, walked with her two young sons.

From finding a way to make ends meet to cheering him on at his basketball games growing up, Durant’s tears are a testament to his mother’s powerful impact on his life.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, news, parenting May 9, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Boy Praises His Way Out of Kidnapping

A 9-year-old Atlanta boy had a unique response to being kidnapped from his own driveway last month: he sang praises to God.

Willie Myrick, now 10, repeatedly sang Hezekiah Walker’s “Every Praise” during the three-hour ordeal. Eventually, his abductor – who had been cursing and telling the boy to shut up – pulled the car over and kicked him out.

One can’t learn of a story like this without thinking of Bible verses that promise God’s protection, like Psalm 46:1, which says, “God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.”

The song itself references the theme of deliverance in its chorus:

God my Savior
God my Healer
God my Deliverer
Yes He is, yes He is

Thank God that those lyrics proved prophetic for Willie Myrick – and thank God for a family and church community that influenced his young faith.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, kids, news May 8, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Does Casual Sex Empower Women?

Last month, a Duke University freshman made headlines because she chose to pay for her college education by appearing in adult movies. This young woman defended her decision to become a porn star via an article where she wrote, “I have never felt more empowered or happy… I am in control of my sexuality.” According to this student, it is “how the world should be.” As Christians we obviously disagree this is how things should be – but sadly, her view on sex is how things are for far too many college-aged women.

Topics: Current Events Tags: intimacy, news, relationships May 1, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Underreported Cause of Poverty

Income inequality.

It’s a hot topic, with everyone from academics, pundits and politicians discussing it. President Obama even made it a focus in the weeks leading up to his State of the Union address earlier this year.

It’s a worthwhile goal to help lift families out of poverty and help ensure our fellow citizens have a fair shot at economic success. But I would hope that as we work towards that goal, we honestly pursue the underlying reasons that contribute to the problem.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: finances, marriage, news, parenting April 30, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura