Focus on the Family Commentary

How do you find hope when your circumstances seem hopeless? Jim Daly explains that when times are tough, hope doesn’t emerge overnight. Hope grows slowly.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1304704If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

We often see the pain in our lives from the ground level – the struggles we face seem too severe to be resolved, and we lose heart. Jim Daly explains why when pain is at its worst, we need greater perspective.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1304704If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Can you think of a promise that your parents broke? How about a promise they kept? The fact that you still remember illustrates the value of a promise. Jim Daly explains why keeping promises to your children is worth everything.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1304704If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Are you worried that your spouse isn’t your soul mate? What if soul mates aren’t found, but formed over time? Jim Daly shares a perspective on romance that could transform your marriage for the better.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1304704If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Are you so exhausted that you walk around in a fog? If your nights are short and your days are long, then you might be a parent. Jim Daly explains why even though quiet time isn’t easy to come by as a busy parent, it’s worth pursuing.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1304704If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

What does a world record attempt to swim the English Channel have in common with effective parenting? As it turns out, a lot. Jim Daly explains why effective parenting adjusts as a child grows older and more mature.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

What’s the secret to a successful marriage? Jim Daly explains why successful marriages are built on commitment, not chemistry.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

It’s great to admire others, but what we really need is someone who inspires us. Jim Daly shares why it’s important to allow another person’s life to influence you in such a way that you’re sparked into action.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Have you discovered that motherhood isn’t always a bed of roses? Jim Daly encourages moms take joy in all they do and trust that the rewards for their efforts will blossom.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

In a world of political correctness run amuck, nothing is sacred – not even motherhood. Jim Daly explains why motherhood is a sacred mystery and a profound calling.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

In the holiday classic A Christmas Story, “Old Man Parker” wasn’t perfect, but he loved his family and held them together through tough times. Jim Daly shares why good dads are heroes for every child to emulate and follow.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

What’s your favorite Christmas movie? Jim Daly shares why the original biblical account is still the greatest story ever told.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

What are you giving your children for Christmas? Jim Daly shares a great gift idea that your children are guaranteed to love.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

If your marriage is in crisis, you may feel there’s no hope. Jim Daly explains how your marriage can heal if you learn to see past the problems to the true value of your relationship.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

What’s your greatest Christmas memory? Jim Daly explains how to create lasting memories by not cleaning up wrapping paper around the tree, or dishes from the Christmas meal too quickly.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

This Christmas as you’re hanging decorations, enjoying lights in the neighborhood, or cleaning up after dinner, will you be aware of just how precious those moments are? Jim Daly encourages you to open your heart to the blessings hidden in simple moments.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Christmastime can be a big problem if you’re an impulsive shopper. Jim Daly explains how good boundaries can help you have a very Merry – and debt-free – Christmas.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Love and connection are as vital to our well-being as the air we breathe, especially at Christmas. Jim Daly says: “If you’re blessed with family, reach out to someone who’s not.”Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Society once thought of dads as leaders who modeled strength and character. These days, they’re often portrayed as bumbling fools. Jim Daly shares how dads can pour themselves into the lives of their children and model true manhood.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

A well-known proverb says, “a rope of three strands is not easily broken.” Jim Daly explains why although that’s a simple concept to understand, it’s profound enough to transform your marriage for the better.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

What can a sporting event teach us about our place in this world? More than you think. Jim Daly explains why having significance and meaning requires us to believe in something bigger than ourselves.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Is life is more than logic, reason, and the material universe? What about the spiritual? Jim Daly explains why even though our bodies are wondrous biological machines, they can’t be reduced to mere circuit boards and computer code.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

If you’re a dad with a teen daughter who’s entering the world of dating, you may feel tempted to disappear into the shadows. Jim Daly encourages dads to stay engaged when young men start showing up on their doorsteps.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

When a challenge seems too deep, a child can either shrink back, or believe that it’s not the depth of the water, it’s how well you can swim. Jim Daly explains how to teach your child that they have what it takes to get to the other side.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

How far would you go to have a successful marriage? For former first lady Barbara Bush, the answer was three quarters of the way. Jim Daly explains how her perspective helped her stay happily married for over 60 years.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

The actions of good men often go unnoticed in our culture, but they are absolutely essential for creating strong, healthy communities. Jim Daly shares why good men do what’s right even when it requires sacrifice.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

What do you do if your spouse says, “I don’t love you anymore”? Jim Daly offers advice that will help you understand what your next steps ought to be.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Dementia is one of the most difficult medical issues a family can face. Jim Daly offers tips for walking alongside a loved one who has dementia with love and grace.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1292502If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Almost every guy has struggled with the feeling that he doesn’t measure up. That’s especially true once a man becomes a father. Jim Daly shares how men can grow through their fears and insecurities to become sources of stability and strength in their kids’ lives.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

The game of golf taught Bobby Jones a lot about how to make life work well. Jim Daly explains Bobby’s philosophy that since there are no mulligans in golf or in life, you have to play each moment as it lies.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Is a simple expression of concern really enough to cut through a person’s suicidal thoughts? Jim Daly explains how to make a difference to someone who’s hurting by “reaching in” and letting them know that you care.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Thanksgiving can be hard if you’re going through a tough time. Jim Daly shares a story about Abraham Lincoln that illustrates why thankfulness is at its most profound in the midst of difficulty.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Did you know that the average person thinks 500 negative thoughts every day? Jim Daly explains how to take every thought captive by replacing thoughts of worry and fear with thoughts of hope and faith.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Thanksgiving can bring families together – sometimes even complete strangers. Jim Daly shares a Thanksgiving story that shows why kindness is sometimes all it takes to turn a complete stranger into a friend.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

You can store up possessions, and you can save money. But time can only be spent. Jim Daly explains why the best strategy for using time wisely is to invest it in relationships – with your children, with your spouse, or with friends.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

When a relationship is in conflict, peace is what you desire most. Jim Daly explains the difference between "peacekeeping" and "peacemaking."Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

A lot of people would rather see pop singer Adele on a screen the size of their phone … even when she’s standing right in front of them. Jim Daly shares what Adele said about how technology is causing people to become spectators to their own lives.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

According to Dr. Kevin Leman, children misbehave for four reasons. Jim Daly shares those four reasons and explains why understanding them will better equip you to know what to do about it.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Why would a simple photo of an elderly man eating lunch with his wife go viral? Maybe because it captures the richness of marriage like few things can. Jim Daly shares the story.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

What does true beauty look like? The answer to that question isn’t as obvious as society wants you to believe. Jim Daly explains why true beauty is often imperfection itself.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

A wedding isn’t a stopping point. It’s the beginning of a journey through life between a husband and wife. Jim Daly shares a story that illustrates what growing together in marriage is all about.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

The physical and emotional wounds soldiers often bring home from war can be life-altering. Jim Daly shares the story of a soldier who lived through the worst war has to offer yet overcame his challenges to enjoy a quality of life that’s rich and meaningful.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Is there a difference between a fact … and the truth? Jim Daly explains why truth can only be known when the facts are properly interpreted and the puzzle fully assembled.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

It’s much easier to become a father than to be one. Maybe that’s why so many dads feel like they’re in over their head. Jim Daly explains how to handle fatherhood with patience and grace when you’re overwhelmed.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Nobody likes to be a second stringer. And yet, nobody achieves success alone. Jim Daly explains why you should hold your head high if you work behind the scenes, because you’re more important than you think.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Most of us believe in the power of forgiveness – when we want someone to forgive us. Jim Daly explains the wisdom of extending forgiveness to others.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Dad, you play a unique role in the lives of your sons. Jim Daly explains three ways that your masculinity has a positive impact on your boys.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Dad, you play a unique role in the lives of your daughters. Jim Daly explains three ways that your masculinity has a positive impact on your girls.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Most moms are busy from sunup to sundown, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for meaningful friendships with other women. Jim Daly offers simple ways busy moms can build a community of supportive women around them.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

When Hurricane Sandy swept across the northeast, she uncovered secrets in one Connecticut town that someone thought would never be discovered. Jim Daly shares the story and explains how the storms of life can expose your secrets as well.Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1178401If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/