Re-Focus - Jim Daly

A Powerful Call to a Gentler Action.
The author is president of Focus on the Family, taking over when James Dobson left the organization.
According to the author,  "This book isn't about what's going badly in the culture,  but rather one about how Christians should respond to it."  And the author makes a lot of good suggestions to follow in doing this.  One of them is how to refocus our efforts to live for God.
There has always been a "culture clash" , always been "two kingdoms", for Christians in every time throughout history. In the section on politics,  I do agree with the statement "I believe government is God-given, and that the aim of government is to restrain evil."  that the author makes.  There is also a few interesting paragraphs on the interactions of Billy Graham and Ronald Reagan. 
Also a story about Bishop John Hughes and his one man influence that was instrumental in changing Irish immigrants behavior in the 1840's and 1850's in New York City, and probably influencing the image of America that we have today, demonstrates how one man can change a culture.  Mr. Daly suggests a willingness to have a conversation,  active and respectful listening,   thinking before we speak and praying before we think, as tools he has used to influence our culture.  Several examples of his time with Focus on the Family,  both good and bad,  are given as how to, or not to, use these skills. It is refreshing to hear him admit his own weakness in some areas.  Growing us in a broken home the author says "did nothing to prepare me for my role as leader of the world's largest family-based Christian ministry in the world,  yet it did everything."  It has given him a unique background and perspective on understanding the importance of the role of the family in our culture.  With chapters with titles such as The Clash of Two Worlds,  Don't Be a Miserable Christian,  and No One is Beyond the Reach of God,  the author is giving us many practical applications.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Focus on the Family in general and the President of the organization in particular.  On the internet at www.focusonthefamily.org and www.zondervan.com.
I have been provided a copy of this book at no charge from the publisher for the purpose of review.