news Archives

Alabama, George W. Bush and a Note

Alabama faces off against Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl tonight, a marquee match-up, to be sure, but not quite what the defending national champion Crimson Tide squad anticipated back in early December when they lost a heartbreaker to rival Auburn.

Following Auburn’s unexpected victory, much of the attention centered around Alabama kicker Cade Foster, who missed three field goals in the game. In fact, he struggled so much, he was benched, and the chance for a game-winning kick was awarded to his freshman teammate.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture January 2, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: 7 Ways God was Faithful in 2013

There’s no doubt that God helped Focus on the Family accomplish its mission of helping families thrive this year. There are so many tangible ways He’s guided and blessed our efforts during 2013 that I can’t list them all. I do want to share a few of them with you, however.

1. Our radio broadcast efforts included news-making interviews such as our program with U2 front man and activist Bono, and the launch of a brand-new show, “Everyday Relationships,” with Dr.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, technology December 30, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Should Christians Be Better Tippers Than Non-Christians?

Waiters and tipping have been in the news a lot lately. Consider these stories:

A lesbian waitress at a New Jersey restaurant that claimed a family left a judgmental note instead of a tip (an allegation that was proved a hoax)
A St. Louis-area server who posted a receipt signed by a pastor that says, “I give God 10% why do you get 18” (the pastor later apologized and said folks at her table left cash tips)

There has to be a reason these stories go viral.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news December 11, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why Did This Painting Sell for $46 Million?

Norman Rockwell was originally paid $3,500 for the painting, a detailed illustration of an older woman and a young boy bowing their heads in prayer over a meal in the middle of a crowded restaurant. It first appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post in 1951.

And just last week the 62-year-old masterpiece, “Saying Grace,” sold at auction for $46 million.

I don’t pretend to be an art connoisseur or an expert when it comes to the valuation of the art market.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture December 9, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Waitress and the Hoax

You may have heard the story of the homosexual New Jersey waitress who claimed some customers left her a hateful note instead of a tip.

It turns out her story appears to have been a hoax.

Since news media picked up on waitress Dayna Morales’ Facebook picture of a note that read, “I’m sorry but I cannot tip because I do not agree with your lifestyle,” the accused family has come forward refuting Morales’ story.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, news November 29, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: A Stirring Life Lesson

We have no idea the impact our random acts of kindness might have on the people receiving the good deed – that’s the lesson found in a beautiful Thai commercial that recently took the Internet by storm.

The ad features the story of a kindly shop owner who has compassion on a young, poor boy caught shoplifting medicine for his ailing mom. The humanity that man consistently shows the downtrodden is eventually returned to him when he needs it most.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, news October 21, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

One Reason Acts of Kindness Go Viral

Even the casual observer will acknowledge there’s an overabundance of sarcasm and biting attitudes throughout the culture today. Horrifying violence and evil are regularly depicted on the news and throughout social media. And in case you haven’t noticed, a growing number of people are cynical of societal institutions.

Then, in the midst of all that, there are the acts of kindness. A glimmer of hope and light, these stories oftentimes spread like wildfire via social media.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, events, news September 24, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

This Obituary Will Make You Smile

There’s something beautiful about a life well-lived. When someone consistently lives out their values in a million (sometimes quiet) ways, others notice – and are blessed by the legacy.

That’s the case with Mary Agnes Mullaney, a wife, mother and grandmother who recently passed away at age 85. The family she left behind honored her memory with an obituary filled with life lessons that gave colorful and heartwarming glimpses into Mullaney’s person and character.

“Pink,” as she was called, was the type of person who lived for others.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: family, news September 17, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: The 2 Questions We Should Ask Before War

The situation in Syria is dominating our evening and online news outlets. It can be challenging to think through what type of response, if any, the United States should take in response.

CitizenLink, our sister organization dedicated to issues that impact the family in the public policy world, recently released a video that explores the two questions we should ask before entering any armed conflict. I hope you’ll take a look.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: news, policy, religious liberty September 16, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Today, We Remember 9-11

Today marks the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Today, we remember what happened and those who lost their lives. We pray for the families and friends of the victims, whose hearts are undoubtedly hurting today.

I want to shine a light on the memorials either planned or under development at the sites that commemorate that day. The memorials at New York City’s Ground Zero and the Pentagon have been opened, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Penn.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, religious liberty September 11, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura