news Archives

Homecoming Prank Follow-Up and Focus Connection

Last Wednesday I shared with you the touching story of Michigan’s Whitney Kropp. Miss Kropp is the 16-year-old high school student whose classmates attempted to embarrass her by nominating the sophomore to the school’s homecoming court.

Instead, the so-called “prank” turned her into something of a national celebrity.

Miss Kropp’s community rallied to her side. A Facebook page created to express support generated over 125,000 “likes.” The cost of her dress, shoes and flowers were covered by local merchants.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, kids, news, pop culture October 1, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Who Would Bully this Beautiful Girl?

Have you heard about the 16-year-old Michigan girl who was voted to her high school’s homecoming court as part of a so-called “prank”?

According to various media reports, Whitney Kropp is a student at West Branch’s Ogemaw Heights High School, north of Saginaw.

At first, Whitney was excited and surprised. By her own admission she’s not part of the “in” crowd and couldn’t imagine why she would have been nominated in the first place.

But then she was told the truth, and the news broke her heart.

Topics: Current Events Tags: friendship, kids, news, pop culture September 26, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why the Presidential Election Could Come Down to Your Vote

When you review history, it’s remarkable how many things have been decided by the slimmest of margins:

Who can forget the presidential election of 2000? You’ll recall that George W. Bush defeated Vice President Al Gore by just 537 votes in Florida.

A race for the Alaskan House of Representatives in 2008 came down to a single vote.

That same year, Al Franken defeated Minnesota’s U.S. Senator Norm Coleman in a hotly contested election. Only 225 votes separated the two men.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, news, policy September 24, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Father-Daughter Dances Are Now Illegal?

Public school officials in Cranston, Rhode Island, have banned all “father-daughter” and “mother-son” activities, citing a threat from the American Civil Liberties Union, according to published reports.

The ACLU had filed a complaint on behalf of a single mother who argued such events were unfair to her daughter, who is unable to participate. A school attorney suggested that Rhode Island law banning gender discrimination makes gender specific activities illegal.

My heart breaks for every child forced to grow up without two parents.

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, kids, news, parenting September 19, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Do You Live in a Generous State?

A recent study commissioned by the Chronicle of Philanthropy revealed something that won’t surprise many people of faith: the more “religious” a state or region of the country, the more likely its people are to give generously to charity.

Here are the top ten most charitable states:

1. Utah

2. Mississippi

3. Alabama

4. Tennessee

5. South Carolina

6. Idaho

7. Arkansas

8. Georgia

9. North Carolina

10. Maryland

All of the bottom five states are located in the New England area: Rhode Island (46), Massachusetts (47), Vermont (48), Maine (49) and New Hampshire (50).

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, faith, news, pop culture September 6, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Professor Who Dared Rock the Boat

Mark Regnerus’ life was turned upside down this past June when he published a study in the journal, Social Science Research, with findings that contradicted popular homosexual activist talking points.

The respected associate professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin became fodder in the blogosphere and was accused of committing “scientific misconduct” by several individuals and organizations.

What was so controversial or egregious about Dr. Regnerus’ research?

In short, the professor’s study found that children who are raised by parents who have had a same-sex relationship don’t do as well in life when compared to children of married heterosexual parents.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, marriage, news, policy, pop culture September 5, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Communion on the Moon

The passing of Neil Armstrong this past Saturday stirs up a wave of nostalgia for me. At the time he became the first man to walk on the moon, I was seven and had just two great loves of my life: football and astronomy. My affinity for space was cultivated by my mother, who used to get gas for the car at the Gulf station by our home in Southern California. Gulf Oil used to sponsor NBC’s coverage of the U.S.

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, events, faith, news August 27, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

If You Think You Don’t Have Time to Read

Once upon a time in the dead of winter in the Dakota Territory, Theodore Roosevelt took off in a makeshift boat down the Little Missouri River in pursuit of a couple of thieves who had stolen his prized rowboat. After several days on the river, he caught up and got the draw on them with his trusty Winchester, at which point they surrendered. Then Roosevelt set off in a borrowed wagon to haul the thieves cross-country to justice.

Topics: Current Events Tags: discipline, news, pop culture August 23, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What’s So Wrong About a Church Feeding a Football Team?

A high school football coach in Georgia is under investigation today. But he’s not being scrutinized for sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse or recruiting violations.

He’s being investigated for allowing his football team to receive meals from local church groups. He’s also being accused of violating the Constitution by praying with his team, quoting the Bible in his inspirational messages and interacting with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Parents haven’t complained. Neither have school officials. The complaint was filed by the Wisconsin-based group The Freedom from Religion Foundation.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, kids, news, pop culture, religious liberty August 23, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tim Tebow, Chastity and New York

Is it more difficult to remain a virgin in New York City than elsewhere in America?

Some pundits and culture-watchers seem to think so, leading to speculation in Monday’s New York Times that New York Jet Tim Tebow is going to have a tough time remaining chaste in the Big Apple.

The writer of the piece spoke with Miki Reaume, a Christian and former Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. “When my friends found out I was planning on waiting until I was married, I got laughed at quite a bit,” she said.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture, relationships, sex August 22, 2012 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura