Historical Events 1854 - Britain recognises independence of Orange Free State (South Africa) 1878 - 1st telephone exchange in San Francisco‚ California opens with 18 phones 1916 - Sigmund Romberg‚ James Hanley‚ Harold R. Atteridge and Edgar Smith's musical "Robinson Crusoe Jr"‚ featuring Al Jolson‚ opens at the Winter Garden Theatre‚ NYC; runs for 139 performances 1924 - American swimmer Johnny Weissmuller sets 100m world freestyle record 57.4s at Miami‚ Florida 1928 - American brothers‚ Jennison and John Heaton fight out the top placings in the cresta (now known as skeleton) at the St. Moritz Winter Olympics; Jennison takes the gold by 1.0s 2020 - Amazon boss Jeff Bezos pledges $10 billion to help fight climate change More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1850 - Anton Urspruch‚ German composer‚ born in Frankfurt (d. 1907) 1892 - Theodor Plievier‚ German writer (Des Kaisers Kulis [The Kaiser's Coolies]; Stalingrad)‚ born in Berlin‚ German Empire (d. 1955) 1906 - Ramon Tapales‚ Filipino composer and conductor‚ born in Baybay‚ Philippines (d. 1995) 1934 - Alan Bates‚ British actor (Zorba the Greek; An Unmarried Woman; The Rose)‚ born in Allestree‚ Derby‚ England (d. 2003) 1969 - Levon Kirkland‚ American NFL linebacker (Pittsburgh Steelers)‚ born in Lamar‚ South Carolina 1971 - Jeremy Edwards‚ British actor (Holby City)‚ born in London‚ England More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1609 - Ferdinando I de' Medici‚ Grand Duke of Tuscany‚ dies at 59 1924 - Henry Bacon‚ American architect (Lincoln Memorial)‚ dies at 57 1970 - Alfred Newman‚ American film music arranger‚ conductor and composer‚ winner of 9 Academy Awards (The Robe; How The West Was Won; Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing)‚ dies at 69 1985 - Wanda Perry‚ actress (Roberta‚ Death of a Salesman)‚ dies at 67 1993 - Alfredo de Leon‚ leader (Philippines Red Scorpio Gang)‚ killed 2021 - Gianluigi Saccaro‚ Italian fencer (Olympic gold épée team 1960; silver épée team 1964; bronze épée 1968)‚ dies at 82 More Famous Deaths »

Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said during an event this week that he does not believe that men with gender dysphoria should be allowed to compete against women in sports. Kennedy made the remarks during an event with WNBA Star Angel McCoughtry when asked what he would do about the trans issue if he became president. “I don’t think somebody who is born a biological male should be competing in consequential women’s sports‚” Kennedy said. “Oh‚ if it’s an in-house league‚ or something like that‚ and it’s all — but if it’s a competition when  there are scholarships at stake‚ where people are on career paths‚ or career trajectories‚ it’s not fair.” “My uncle Ted Kennedy was the author of Title IX‚ he fought for years to make sure that women’s sports were available in colleges‚ that they’re given equal attention as male sports‚ and he wanted to give female athletes a chance to compete‚” he continued. “I have right now a niece who is going to Boston College‚ who is on a softball scholarship. And her twin works from my campaign — Jackson‚ who is Cheryl Hines’ niece and nephew‚ and they’re twins. And when she was growing up‚ I would take her brother Jackson on all of our ski trips and take her to Cape Cod during the summer. She never came with us‚ because she was practicing her sport‚ because she was planning a career. And to me‚ it would be very‚ very unfair to her if a boy walks off a neighboring baseball field and comes onto her field and says‚ ‘I’m now going to compete against you.’ I don’t think that’s right. I don’t think that’s what we [intended].” “At the same time‚ I want to say this‚ we all should have compassion for people who have who have gender dysphoria‚” he concluded. “And we need to respect people’s choices. And we need to support people. And we need to end any kind of bullying. But there’s also common sense that says‚ you know‚ a male who’s born male and has these biological advantages should not be able to compete in female sports.” WATCH: WNBA Star Angel McCoughtry Asks RFK Jr for His Position on Trans Athletes Competing in Women’s Sports “I don’t think somebody who is born a biological male should be competing in consequential women’s sports…We all should have compassion for people who have gender… pic.twitter.com/34WYVEIucu — Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) February 16‚ 2024

U.S. Senators stood in solidarity on Friday in condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin for the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a remote Arctic prison. Navalny‚ a frequent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin‚ was in prison after being convicted on charges of “extremism” and sentenced to 19 years. Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service said that Navalny felt sick after going on a walk‚ and soon after‚ lost consciousness and died. Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) posted on X: “Putin’s regime is pure evil. Putin’s cronies murdered Alexei Navalny for having the courage to stand up for freedom.” “The death of Alexei Navalny is yet another heartbreaking reminder of who Vladimir Putin is: a bloodthirsty tyrant who thinks he can get away with anything‚” said Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA). “It’s another reason why we must continue to stand with the cause of freedom in opposition to Putin’s brutality.” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) wrote: “Alexei Navalny died as he lived: a champion of the Russian people and a brave voice of dissent in Vladimir Putin’s Russia. President Biden pledged ‘devastating’ consequences should Navalny die in prison; now he must follow through. America can’t afford another erased red line.” “Putin is a bully and attempting to send a chilling effect to his opponents and the world. His aggression stems from a simple fact: he is paranoid and a coward‚” said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS). “This announcement comes as world leaders are convening today to discuss how to confront Russia. Putin has proven he will stop at nothing to silence opposition voices. We will not be deterred from our commitments and if anything‚ this murderous regime strengthens our resolve. We will not stop calling for the release of Vladimir Kara-Murza and others still falsely imprisoned.” Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) posted on X: “I urge all elected officials/political leaders to denounce Putin’s killing of a political foe. It’s contrary to what America stands for FREEDOM we ought to be unified against Putin &; his cronies” Navalny had been sentenced to prison in 2021 after returning to Moscow from Germany‚ where he was undergoing treatment for poisoning from a nerve agent that was blamed on the Kremlin. The Kremlin has denied any responsibility for his poisoning‚ but United States intelligence officials have said they believe Russia was responsible. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Navalny frequently faced criminal charges during his career in Russian politics‚ which he said were motivated because of his opposition to Putin. Navalny founded the Anti-Corruption Foundation‚ which was dissolved in Russia in 2021‚ to expose corruption by high-ranking Russian officials and challenge the United Russia Party’s control over the country’s political system. Other responses from U.S. Senators included: I’m saddened to see reports of Alexei Navalny’s death. He was a tireless fighter for freedom and democracy in Russia. His death is a reminder of the true nature of the Putin regime. — Senator Deb Fischer (@SenatorFischer) February 16‚ 2024 For years Alexei Navalny stood up to Putin’s regime with courage &; defiance. He paid for it with his life. Navalny’s death is a tragic reminder of the depths to which Putin will go to silence his critics — but Putin will learn that you can’t kill the hunger &; quest for freedom. https://t.co/ZU3BxGyq47 — Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) February 16‚ 2024 There is a pattern whereby dictators—be they Putin‚ Ortega‚ or Maduro—eliminate their opposition. Although they try to present themselves as reasonable to the West‚ eliminating political opponents reveals their true colors. Navalny’s death is the latest example. — U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy‚ M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) February 16‚ 2024 Alexei Navalny was a warrior for democracy and transparency against a murderous dictator. We can all learn from his bravery. His death is a stark reminder of our obligation to stop Putin and stand up for democratic values and freedom. — Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) February 16‚ 2024 Make no mistake — Putin removes his opposition because he fears them. Alexei Navalny spoke up for freedom. In Navalny’s death‚ Putin has immortalized one of his staunchest critics. — Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) February 16‚ 2024 The death of Alexei Navalny is another reminder of the brutality and evil nature of Vladimir Putin’s regime. His death must not dim the hopes of millions of Russians who yearn for freedom. — Senator Ted Budd (@SenTedBuddNC) February 16‚ 2024 RELEASE: Sen. Cruz Issues Statement After Russian Regime Announces Death of Dissident Alexei Navalnyhttps://t.co/4nX7xDKbG1 pic.twitter.com/lRnIm77U3t — Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) February 16‚ 2024 Navalny laid down his life fighting for the freedom of the country he loved. Putin is a murderous‚ paranoid dictator. History will not be kind to those in America who make apologies for Putin and praise Russian autocracy. Nor will history be kind to America’s leaders who stay… https://t.co/wKnOIcrEi3 — Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) February 16‚ 2024 Moving to hear from Yulia Navalnaya just moments after she and the world learned of her husband’s death in a Russian prison. As she reminded global leaders‚ we need to hold Putin to account and counter authoritarianism in Russia and beyond. pic.twitter.com/JIvWdUvu3j — Senator Brian Schatz (@SenBrianSchatz) February 16‚ 2024

When you feel stuck in your marriage‚ there is a tendency to think your condition is permanent. Perspective is an important tool when diagnosing marriage problems. Are you really stuck‚ or is this temporary setback setting you up for greater awareness in your relationship?

We can be in a perfect environment or a horrible environment and still sin. It is just our nature. Yet God shows us what we can become by His grace.

There is something incredibly beautiful that happens when we allow the joy and peace of God to be what we live from.

“Our daughter is deconstructing her faith‚ and she has cut us off. She even wrote us a letter explaining that we’re unsafe because we have toxic theology. What do we do?” Sadly‚ this is a common sentiment we hear as we travel to speak about deconstruction. We’ve heard countless stories from concerned parents‚ siblings‚ spouses‚ and pastors. They’re desperate to understand what’s happening to their loved ones‚ and they hope to find a way to engage and reconnect with them. Understand Deconstructors In today’s culture‚ “deconstruction” is defined in many ways. Regardless of the definition‚ it’s important to remember that without a deconstructor‚ there’s no deconstruction. Every faith deconstruction story is about a person who has unique experiences. While the Bible doesn’t use the word‚ it does offer significant insights into faith deconstruction. Scripture gives an accurate description of who we are as people and how we relate to God. Therefore‚ if we want to better understand our deconstructing loved ones and how to relate to them‚ we should pay attention to five ways they’re described in the Bible. 1. Deconstructors as Image-Bearers There are some things we know about everyone who has deconstructed his or her faith because they’re true of all human beings. Every deconstructor—regardless of age‚ race‚ gender‚ sexual attraction‚ or social status—is made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). Therefore all are intrinsically valuable and worthy of love‚ dignity‚ and respect. 2. Deconstructors as Sinners Sin affects everything about us—our relationships‚ our desires‚ our emotions‚ and even our beliefs. Our sin nature isn’t something we simply put on the shelf until we feel like sinning. It’s always with us. And so deconstruction isn’t a morally neutral process. Whether we like it or not‚ we all experience a pull away from God. That’s why the apostle Paul reminds us to “put to death the deeds of [our] sinful nature” (Rom. 8:13‚ NLT). 3. Deconstructors as Seekers Writing to the Romans‚ Paul says‚ “[God] will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality‚ he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth‚ but obey unrighteousness‚ there will be wrath and fury” (Rom. 2:6–8‚ emphasis added). Notice Paul puts people in two groups: self-seekers and truth-seekers. It’s important to remember that without a deconstructor‚ there’s no deconstruction. Every faith deconstruction story is about a person. There’s a temptation to think that if we can provide enough evidence‚ our loved one will change his mind. But for many‚ it’s not an evidence issue; it’s a heart issue. While ridiculing Jesus as he hung on the cross‚ the chief priests said‚ “Come down now from the cross that we may see and believe” (Mark 15:32). The implication is that they’d believe in Jesus if they could see the evidence. However‚ Jesus had already provided plenty of evidence to warrant belief. The problem wasn’t a failure to provide evidence. The problem was a failure to accept it. 4. Deconstructors as Captives The Bible describes how some people are “captured by [the Devil] to do his will” (2 Tim. 2:26). One of the snares Satan uses is deception. That’s why Paul warns‚ “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit‚ according to human tradition‚ according to the elemental spirits of the world‚ and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8). Sadly‚ many false ideas are propagated in the deconstruction online space. Just scroll through the hundreds of thousands of posts tagged with #deconstruction and #exvangelical. For example‚ one deconstructionist posted‚ “#EvangelicalismIsUnreformable because any way you slice it‚ the primary belief is that child sacrifice saved the world.” Whether intentionally or not‚ this completely mischaracterizes Christianity. When our loved ones are held captive to false ideas‚ we respond with truth. We must “put on the whole armor of God‚” which begins with “the belt of truth” (Eph. 6:11‚ 14). 5. Deconstructors as Rebels While many deconstructors are captives of false ideas‚ some are simply rebels against God. Paul describes those “who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Rom. 1:18). These people have the truth‚ but they actively suppress it. Later in the same letter‚ he says‚ “The mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God‚ for it does not submit to God’s law” (8:7). For many‚ deconstruction is about self-rule. They refuse to bow their knees to the sovereign Lord. No one‚ including God‚ gets to tell them what to believe or how to live. In a candid post on Instagram‚ a deconstructor sums it up: Part of my deconstruction has included no longer allowing the opinions or expectations of others to determine my self-worth‚ my choices‚ or my identity. I no longer look to anyone else to define me. Not God‚ not people. I am my own person. Love the Deconstructor When faced with the reality of a loved one in deconstruction‚ we recommend doing triage. That’s what hospitals do when there’s a major accident on the highway and people begin to flood the ER. Doctors assess each injury and treat them in order of urgency. A punctured lung will receive treatment before a broken wrist. There’s a temptation to think that if we can provide enough evidence‚ our loved one will change his mind. But for many‚ it’s not an evidence issue; it’s a heart issue. Similarly‚ when engaging a deconstructing loved one‚ we recommend responding to the most urgent situation first. In the deconstruction space‚ traditional Christian doctrines (like original sin‚ penal substitutionary atonement‚ and the doctrine of hell) are seen as toxic. That means your loved one likely sees you as an unsafe person‚ and you may have a fragile window of opportunity to stay in her life. The most urgent need might be maintaining the relationship. Then‚ if there’s an open door for communication‚ seek to understand where the deconstructor is coming from. Remember the different ways deconstructors are described: image-bearer‚ sinner‚ seeker‚ captive‚ and rebel. Try to discern what heart posture is driving his deconstruction. It’s only after we understand a deconstructor’s perspective that we’re able to engage him. And never underestimate the power of prayer. God can open any hard heart. We’re never powerless unless we’re prayerless. Seeking relationship‚ living out the beauty of the gospel‚ and devoting time to prayer is critical in loving those in deconstruction. And have hope! Acts 16:14 tells us that God opened Lydia’s heart to hear what Paul had to say. He did it for her‚ and he can do it for your loved one too.