My eyes welled up with tears as I turned on my TV to catch some news and saw a scrolling message announcing our dear Dr. Dobson’s death. Immediately, though, the words from Scripture, “well done, good and faithful servant,” washed over me. As a young mother, I was introduced to Dr. Dobson’s radio messages. I have read many of his numerous books. Dr. Dobson was and will always be that loving father figure I missed out on. My father was present physically but was unable to fill my emotional and spiritual needs due to his own traumas as a boy. I am 69 now, and over the years my husband and I did our best to apply as much of Dr. Dobson’s good wisdom in parenting and, first and foremost, in staying true to our Bible study and connection to our church – all this through Dr. Dobson’s many examples. Our two children and their spouses, plus our 4 grandsons, are part of that legacy that Dr. Dobson leaves, and I trust for their future generations. My prayers are with Dr. Dobson’s beloved wife, Shirley, and their family. Until we meet in Heaven, many new blessings!

Olivia

I was blessed to have met Dr. Dobson in person when Focus took their first cruise to the Caribbean. I, like many others, raised my sons according to his wise advice. I actually used the Focus on the Family broadcast as part of my homeschooling curriculum. Our sons would listen to the broadcast and then summarize the program in writing. As a substitute teacher, I often recall the words of Dr. Dobson: “Anger doesn’t motivate, action does.” Thank you for this opportunity to share in the good memories of Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family.

Randy

Dr. Dobson, you have influenced my life since I was 15 years old. I am 49 now. I listened faithfully to your teachings and gained so much insight into the importance of faith and family. It felt as though you were a father to me. I am now a counselor working to impact the lives of others. I regularly refer to your incredible advice to influence families. It was a dream of mine to work at your ministry and also to meet you. I am sorry I wasn’t able to meet you in person, although some day I know I will. Thank you for leaving such a lasting impact for so many. You were one of a kind. Sincerely, Katie Lorenz, St. Louis, MO

Katie

My heart grieves at your repose and departure from this world, Dr. Dobson. I have listened to you for nearly fifty years. Early in my life, your ministry influenced me and how I think. Your wisdom and faithful witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ stood as a light on a hill in a dark world. Thank you for teaching Christ-centered principles about the family, about marriage, and how to thrive as a family in a culture in decay. Thank you for standing against evil and pernicious influences that pervade America today. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for founding Focus on the Family and your later Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. Thank you for faithfully serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am indebted to you. I praise God that I was blessed to be exposed to your convictions about a life of faith.

Michael

Unknown to Dr. Dobson, he and I traveled many thousands of miles together over the years. I was a young P.K., still not right with God; then I started driving a truck in 1987. Through many Christian radio stations, Dr. Dobson, along with other guests on his show, ministered to me in so many ways. I learned how to truly find God’s plan for my life and trust Him. I learned how be be a good husband and father before I was even married. Dr. Dobson was an answer to my parents’ prayers, and he had a huge impact on my life. I never met him in person, but I consider him a friend, and I thank God for his life and ministry. Thank you, Mrs. Dobson, for sharing him with us!

Tim

The world has lost what Heaven has gained: a titan for God’s kingdom and the God-designed family. I started listening to Focus on the Family with Dr. Dobson when I was sitting in a tractor during my summer job. I was 16. I’ve read his books on bringing up girls and strong-willed children. I felt his encouragement to hold the line as a mom to protect my children from a pervasive culture – to homeschool, to be engaged in politics as a Christian, to support those who are a voice for the voiceless. I’m now 38 and in the throes of rearing five children in the admonition of the Lord. His newsletters have encouraged me each Mother’s Day, and I still lean on those pearls of wisdom I heard on that tractor radio 22 years ago. God used Dr. Dobson and his ministry to lay a biblical foundation in my heart for the godly role that a mother and a family can play in today’s world. Yes, the world has lost a titan for God’s kingdom, and I mourn his passing while, at the same time, I deeply rejoice in the fact that one of God’s faithful servants has entered eternal rest. Dobson family, thank you for sharing your husband and father with me and with the world. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Brittany