Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

Former NFL chaplain Kerry Casey shares powerful insights on racial unity and Christian love, influenced by his family's legacy. He urges listeners to embrace their God-given identity and highlights the importance of dignity across races. Kerry recalls lessons from his dad on perseverance and loyalty, referencing his high school football days. He emphasizes the need for teachability, integrity, and a Christlike attitude, stressing that true Christian witness is demonstrated through love and service.

Justin Brierley delves into the rising openness to Christianity in today's culture, especially among young people. He emphasizes the importance of Christians understanding their faith to engage with skeptics effectively. Science and personal experiences shaped his belief in a Creator. Brierley highlights a notable conversion story and discusses how Christian narratives underpin Western morality. He advocates for gentleness and respect in apologetics, urging believers to embody their faith attractively amidst cultural challenges.

Dr. Randy Schroeder, a clinical counselor and author, shares essential strategies for nurturing a healthy marriage. He emphasizes the power of forgiveness and suggests that couples should focus on solutions during conflicts. With research highlighting that interruptions can predict unhappiness, he recommends pausing before responding. Laughter and shared faith are vital for intimacy, while practicing calm responses can change communication habits. Randy cautions against secrets and sarcasm, advocating for a respectful dialogue to foster marital happiness.

Dr. Randy Schroeder, a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of Simple Habits for Marital Happiness, shares invaluable insights on cultivating a healthy marriage. He emphasizes the power of forgiveness as the foundation for lasting happiness and warns against the dangers of secrets and sarcasm. Randy highlights the importance of self-reflection and transforming conflict into solution-focused discussions. He provides practical strategies, such as weekly giving questions and healing rituals, to strengthen relationships and build trust.

Tricia Goyer, an author and adoption advocate, shares her journey of faith and family as she discusses her book, Heart Happy. She reflects on her past as a teen mom and the importance of recognizing hidden brokenness among her seven adopted children. Tricia emphasizes the difference between happiness and joy, illustrating how God-centered happiness brings true fulfillment. Through techniques for bonding with trauma-affected kids and the necessity of self-care in the chaos of life, she inspires listeners to find peace in trusting God.

David Murrow shares his journey from screen addiction to healthier habits, emphasizing the role parents play in modeling behavior. He discusses the detrimental effects of heavy screen use on children's development and offers a striking analogy likening screens to a 'Ring' that distorts values. The podcast highlights the difference between passive and interactive media, advocating for clear limits on device use. Parents are urged to initiate conversations about digital content early and to cultivate real-world skills to counteract online distractions.

Kristen (Christin) Rosa, a teacher and author of "Saving Nate," and her husband Mauricio (Mao) Rosa, an associate pastor, share a powerful journey of faith and resilience after receiving a life-threatening prenatal diagnosis for their son. They discuss their emotional reactions to the diagnosis, the difficult choices presented by doctors, and their unwavering decision to choose life. Their story highlights the importance of faith, the struggles of a lengthy hospital stay, and the joy of seeing their son thrive today, offering hope to families facing similar challenges.

Courtney Ellis, an author and speaker, shares her journey of decluttering as a spiritual practice after a panic attack over busyness and excess. She highlights the importance of letting go of possessions to trust God more deeply, using Matthew 6 as a backdrop. Courtney discusses how clearing physical space allows for deeper prayer and greater hospitality. She emphasizes teaching children the value of generosity and balancing gifts to minimize clutter, ultimately connecting uncluttering to worship and prioritization of relationships.

Courtney Ellis, an author and speaker known for her insights on decluttering, shares her transformative journey sparked by panic attacks due to overwhelm. She discusses practical steps for families to clear physical and digital clutter, emphasizing the importance of saying no to busyness. Courtney illustrates this principle with a story about turning down a class pet to set boundaries. By prioritizing simplicity and clarity, she advocates for creating a family mission that aligns with faith and purpose, ultimately enhancing spiritual and communal connections.

For years, Christy Osborne turned to wine to manage grief, a struggling marriage, and the pressures of motherhood, only to feel trapped in her habits. In desperation, she cried out to Jesus—and through His grace, began a journey of healing, finding new strength in Scripture and healthier ways to face life’s challenges. She shares her story as a testimony of God’s peace, redemption, and the lasting hope found in Him.   Receive the Love Life Sober plus a free audio download of “Discovering the Joy of an Alcohol-Free Life” for your donation of any amount!   Get More Episode Resources    If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.