Whats Your Next Pitch
Several years ago, I was watching a sports program and a sportscaster was interviewing Greg Maddux who was, at the time, the best baseball pitcher in baseball. Being a Cubs fan, I was still bitter about the fact that they let him get away. He went on to play spectacularly for the Braves. The sportscaster […]
What is Gift Giving
Christmas-time causes me to think about the question, “What is gift giving really about?” I wonder if it is just commercialization, a capitalistic enterprise we Americans enter into at Christmas, birthdays, and other celebrations, devoid of meaning? Is it a social obligation we believe we have to fulfill, perhaps even resented? Or is there something […]
Unable vs. Unwilling
Do you ever find yourself feeling resentful, bitter, guilty or obligated regarding your relationship with someone close to you? Do you have difficulty saying, “no” to others or worry about how someone is going to respond to your “no”? Do you say “yes” to requests when you really mean “no”? Most of us can come […]
Two Eyes and Two Ears to Understand and Prevent Suicide
Among the many reasons people commit suicide, three stand out. First is a lack of personal connections, a lack of friends or people in one’s life. For a person who’s reached out and been rejected, these thwarted connections can haunt him or her and lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. One person who died jumping […]
To Grandmothers House We Go
Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house, we go. Or do we? That song would bring pleasant feelings to me as a child because I enjoyed going to my grandparents’ house. These were important relationships in my life, and fortunately, I was blessed to have my grandparents until I was in my […]
The Joy of Giving
Christmas is the season of giving – of passing out presents, throwing parties, and expressing warm wishes for peace on earth and goodwill to all. But what happens when the celebration comes to an end? Where does the spirit of giving go when the boxes, bags, and ribbons have been consigned to the recycling bin […]
Recovering From a Traumatic Experience
Have you ever been faced with the challenge of finding emotional healing and recovery after some kind of traumatic event? If so, you’re not alone. This type of experience has become increasingly common of late, not simply in the lives of military personnel and first responders, but also among the general populace. Time and time […]
Receiving Joy: Releasing Shame
“Looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 Joy and shame are two powerful emotional poles of our lives. […]
Parenting Children from Hard Backgrounds
Many Christian families are answering the call to care for orphans by exploring adoption from foster care. This is an encouraging trend, but it can also pose unique challenges because many kids come from traumatic and unstable backgrounds. Some have suffered physical or emotional abuse, resulting in numerous relational barriers with their adoptive parents. They […]
Mentoring for Sons of Single Moms
Here at Focus on the Family, we have nothing but the highest regard for moms and dads who are willing to shoulder the heroic responsibility of raising a child without the help of a spouse. We have always been of the opinion that single parents have the most difficult job in the universe. That’s why […]
