news Archives

Halloween and the 95 Points that Changed the World

In contrast to Halloween, few people will be celebrating “Reformation Day” today, the official anniversary of Martin Luther posting his “95 Theses” on the door of the Church of All Saints in Wittenberg, Germany. (The document was officially titled the “Disputation of Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences.”) Instead, many children (and some adults) will be donning costumes and participating in the time-honored tradition of trick-or-treating.

The topic of Halloween triggers strong reaction.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith, news October 31, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Gender Development: A Fork in the Road?

According to a news report, a lesbian couple in San Francisco have started giving their 11-year-old son hormone blockers in an attempt to delay the onset of puberty.

Why?

Because when the boy was 3 years old he told them he was a girl. He holds this belief to this day and the hormone blockers administered by his two mothers are intended to put his sexual development on hold until he can decide who he really is.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, family, kids, news October 19, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Dan Wheldon Didn’t Come Home

It is a difficult sight to see, flames bursting from a crushed Indy racing car, tires flying through the air, vehicle upon vehicle slamming one into another.

To watch a crash in which a man dies is a horrific thing. It’s just not supposed to happen this way. Racing is safe, we’re told, even safer than driving our car through our neighborhood on the way to the mall. But yesterday in Las Vegas something went wrong, and terribly so.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, family, news October 17, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

On the Murder of Christians in Egypt

By now you have heard that an estimated 26 Christians were killed in Egypt this past weekend. This is not the first time that Christians have been targeted in violent acts over there. Since the ouster of former President Hosni Mubarak, Cairo and its surrounding cities have become a dangerous place for followers of Jesus Christ.

The Associated Press is reporting that the ruling council and deputy defense minister are attempting to place the blame for the violence on the very people being persecuted:

At a lengthy news conference to present their version of the events, generals from the Supreme Council of Armed Forces showed footage of priests and a Coptic Christian activist they accused of instigating the violence on Sunday night with calls for demonstrations and storming the state television building.

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, events, faith, news, religious liberty October 14, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Dave Ramsey’s Great Advice

The Denver Broncos’ Tim Tebow might very well be the most talked about backup quarterback in the history of the National Football League. With each passing week “Tebow Talk” seems to grow, both nationally and especially on local radio and television here in Colorado.

For those of you who are sports fans, have you caught wind of it?

Tim did play in this past Sunday’s game – but only as a decoy receiver, so riddled were the Broncos with injuries.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture September 21, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Tough Day at Focus

Many of you regularly pray and support this wonderful ministry, so I wanted to alert you to some staffing reductions here at Focus on the Family.

This past Friday, due to budget constraints, we were forced to say goodbye to 49 team members. What follows are some thoughts that I shared with my colleagues after the decision was announced:

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Many of these individuals are friends with whom I have labored side-by-side for years, some two decades.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, finances, news, staff September 19, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Get Well Soon, Dr. Dobson!

We learned last night that Focus on the Family founder, Dr. James Dobson, took a fall while horseback riding with friends. Although he suffered several broken bones, he’s in good spirits and expected to make a full recovery.

Please join me and the entire Focus team in praying for him.

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Topics: Focus Events Tags: news, staff September 11, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Hero You’ve Never Heard Of

Over the course of the last ten years, in the shadow of the White House, Richard Retta has quietly saved over 350 lives.

But he’s not a doctor, fireman, paramedic or a policeman.

The 79-year-old grandfather is a sidewalk counselor outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Washington D.C.

Mr. Retta’s approach is understated and gentle, but direct. As a woman approaches the entrance, he walks within earshot of her, politely striking up a conversation. In those few fleeting seconds he tries to convince her to spare her baby’s life, and, in doing so, save herself from years of grief and torment.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, news, pro-life September 8, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Welcome, Dr. Greg Smalley!

I’m delighted to announce that Dr. Greg Smalley has joined the team here at Focus on the Family. From time to time you’ll be hearing him on our radio program, reading his articles and most importantly, benefiting from his wisdom and practical insight on marriage and parenting.

What a pleasure to welcome Greg to Colorado Springs!

If the name rings a bell, perhaps it’s because you’ve already come across Greg’s work yourself, or it may be because Greg is the son of our great and longtime friend, Dr.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: events, news, staff September 5, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

iDea: Would Steve Jobs Trade His Fortune for Good Health?

By his own admission, Steve Jobs is ailing. The co-founder of Apple announced his resignation as CEO last week, opting to serve in a reduced capacity as Chairman of the Board. His departure leaves a big hole within the company, and investors responded accordingly. Apple stock dropped by 5% the day his statement was released.

Mr. Jobs reportedly has been struggling with his health for years. He is not alone in this battle, of course. Millions of people are plagued with poor health, and, in fact, I know many of you are currently suffering through chemotherapy and coping with a myriad of other physical challenges.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, news, pop culture August 30, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura