Focus on the Family Commentary

Did you know that the phrase “sold down the river” originated in slavery? It referred to a strategy to prevent slaves from escaping. But one of the greatest African-American men in our nation’s history turned that phrase on its head. Jim Daly shares the story.

Are you too busy for your marriage? Jim Daly shares a story about Winston Churchill that shows you’re never be too busy to let your spouse know, “I love you.”

Are you worried about how to steer your teenager away from pre-marital sex? You’re not alone. Parents everywhere feel like it’s an impossible task. It’s really not. But you do need to think ahead and have a plan.

Life gets busy. Before you know it, today will turn into yesterday, and opportunities will be gone. Jim Daly shares why it’s so important to spend the time you have wisely.

The concept of “tolerance” in our culture has been completely turned on its head. How? Jim Daly will explain.

Do you know how to spot when your child is depressed? Jim Daly explains how to equip your teenager with the tools they need to find positive solutions for life’s troubles.

Even if you know a lot, you don’t know everything. Jim Daly explains why humility is so important to a successful life.

There really isn’t a secret to a happy marriage. But Jim Daly tells the story of a plane crash he witnessed that taught him a valuable lesson about successful relationships.

What you do may be about other people, but how you do it is about the kind of person you choose to be. Jim Daly shares why personal success is about living for a deeper purpose than the applause of others.

So you’ve done your best to raise your child into a mature adult. But now that he’s out on his own, he’s making poor choices. If you’re struggling with disappointment, Jim Daly shares some encouragement and advice.

No one has got marriage all figured out. Jim Daly explains why being coachable is absolutely crucial to the success of your marriage.

Strong-willed children can be a handful to raise. They want their own way, and they're willing to do battle to get it. Jim Daly shares why effective parenting isn't about breaking your child's will – it's about harnessing it.

When you get married, the quirky things your fiancée did somehow become annoying. Jim Daly shares how the things that drive you crazy can actually bring richness and intimacy to your relationship.

If you want to raise happy, healthy children, remember this: rules alone won’t work. Jim Daly shares why and offers advice for connecting with your children at a heart level.

Toxic inner messages can poison almost every area of your life, even cause you to doubt your value as a human being. Jim Daly shares what to do to find healing. Original Air Date 12/13/2012

When you make a mistake, do you shrug it off and let it go? Or do mistakes become emotional weights around your neck that drag you down? Jim Daly explains the difference between "I made a mistake," and "I am a mistake." Original Air Date 12/12/2012

In one national survey, a majority of couples admitted to arguing about their wedding plans. Jim Daly offers tips for investing as much into your marriage as you do the wedding ceremony.

Technology is making our lives more convenient, but it's not making them any more meaningful. Jim Daly shares how to spend less time looking at life through a screen, and more experiencing it for real.

What would it take for you to walk away from your dream career? Jim Daly shares about famed singer and musician Phoebe Snow who gave up one life dream for another. Original Air Date 08/24/2011

It's up to the American citizens to keep the promise of our republic alive. Jim Daly explains why we all have to do our part to protect the "Golden Triangle of Freedom."

Social movements can be powerful forces for change in a community. But the most important person in getting a movement underway isn't the leader, it's the first follower. Jim Daly explains.

The assassination of President James Garfield teaches an important lesson that can save your marriage. Jim Daly explains how couples can survive relationship difficulties with the antibiotic of forgiveness.

If you don't think of yourself as a person of influence, you should. Jim Daly shares why everyone has the ability to impact the people around them … and it only takes a moment. Original Air Date 10/24/2012

In the fairy tale Snow White, a mirror tells the queen someone else is more beautiful. Many women hear the same message when they look in their mirrors. Jim Daly shares about one woman who decided to do something about it. Original Air Date 10/09/2012

Sometimes you need a little luck – like the man who holds the record for surviving more lightning strikes than anyone. Jim Daly shares the story and explains why, along with hard work, you also need things to break your way.

Do little lies really hurt anything? Jim Daly shares why even little lies can add up to big problems.

Did you hear the one about the parents who went to court to ask a judge to kick their 30-year-old son to the curb? Jim Daly shares how to motivate that unmotivated 20-something – or 30-something – living in your basement to get them moving forward.

Authority is a powerful influence in a child's life. It can bring chaos into a home, or it can bring peace. Which are you choosing for your home? Jim Daly offers advice and direction.

For an easy way to boost the quality of your family's relationships, try laughing more often. Jim Daly shares why family life is better when you enrich it with laughter.

Why would a healthy four-year-old suddenly walk with a limp? For one boy, it was the "Law of Replication" at work. Jim Daly describes the importance of modeling the positive behavior and attitudes you want to see in your children. Original Air Date 02/26/2013

Author Brian Lowe says he discovered an important secret to marriage in an unexpected place: his garden. Jim Daly shares the story and explains how to give your marriage the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy.

If life seems to be moving in confusing directions for you, don't lose hope. Jim Daly shares why, with time, life can straighten out again, and you can finish well. Original Air Date 07/22/2011

Jackie Robinson is one of the most important baseball players in history. But he could have never withstood the intense criticism of being the first black man to play in the major leagues if it weren’t for the support of one person. Jim Daly shares who that is. (Original air date: April 14, 2017)Support family ministry: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/singleitem/checkout/donation/item/panele?refcd=1082904If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/