Diana
Every day for well over 14 years, I would drop my children off at school and turn on Focus on the Family to listen to the day’s broadcast. If I had errands to run, I sat in my car until that broadcast was over. I heard Fern Nichols on one of those broadcasts, and, as a result, I found one other mom at our private school in Hilton Head, SC to start a Moms in Prayer group. (This was 1999, and our son was starting 4th grade.) I later visited a friend in Boulder, CO and knew that I had to drive to Colorado Springs to visit the Focus on the Family Welcome Center. I found myself gently crying as I walked through the area, seeing things like Dr. Dobson’s father’s jacket framed and the oil paintings that were released each year, that, along with other memorabilia, sparked memories of things about which Dr. Dobson so passionately spoke. I remember being taken aback at how emotional I was at the welcome center, yet this was my story too. This is how my character and relationship with God grew. Dr. Dobson helped me raise my family! I received his monthly magazine, his monthly newsletter, became a donor partner, and grew in my walk with Christ because of his leading, passion, and wisdom that he so eloquently shared in his talks. As I said in my Facebook post when I learned of his passing, I know Dr. Dobson heard these words today: “My good and faithful servant.” My prayers to the Lord for Dr. Dobson’s family – he will indeed be missed by many. Blessings, Lenna
Lenna
I’ve been a single mom from the ’90s until this moment. Listening to Focus on the Family helped me get through tough times raising my three little children (as the youngest was born when the oldest was eight), taking in every word. This great man of the Lord spoke truth to people who were struggling – and listening! Thank you for being obedient to and for the Lord. I was forever changed, and I’m living the life lessons that you taught.
Sharon
Dr. Dobson and others, like Billy Graham and Pat Robertson, spoke words that came across to me like the voice of the Father, ever since I converted to Christ as an adult (30+ years ago). Their voices have continued to guide, comfort, disciple, and teach me during these years through their examples, videos, and books. Dr. Dobson’s advice and counsel affected me as if the Father was speaking, affirming me as a daughter. This voice was brought with love, grace, and guidance in seasons of great sadness, painful separations, and the loss of relationships. I will miss Dr. Dobson’s compassion and hope, while keeping lit the fire of the Spirit! My condolences to Mrs. Dobson, Danae, Ryan, and the entire family. We will miss him, but we will see Dr. Dobson soon. See you in a while!
Ivonne
His parenting books and the many resources available through Focus on the Family helped my family and me get through some crisis moments. I am personally grateful for him and leaders like him who have had the backbone to stand against critics and accusers and speak truth!
Nick
As I drove my daughter to preschool each day in the early 1980s, I tuned in to Focus on the Family. My older child had started elementary school. You KNOW I was grateful for the encouraging words I heard from Dr. Dobson and his guests. Those days in a young mother’s life are challenging. I know this opportunity to feel that I wasn’t alone was true for hundreds of other parents as well. As his life continued, Dr. Dobson continued to fight for all children and their families – and for our society. We are blessed to have known Dr. James Dobson – even if it was only through the radio and his books. May God be close to all of you – family and staff – as you live life without this dear man.
Judy
Dr. Dobson has wielded such a great influence on me as a son, husband, and father. The conversations he had on “Family Talk” programs have shaped my thoughts on family, parenting, Christian worldview, etc. He always had razor-sharp “focus on the family.” Thank you, Jesus, for his life. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues at JDFI. Ananth Meshach, Bangalore, India
Ananth
With great respect, we honor Dr. James Dobson as a great Christian hero who saved countless families over decades with vigorous biblical leadership. He made a huge difference in the trajectory of America, having a substantial Christian influence on our nation. He will always be remembered as a true servant of Jesus Christ. Sincere gratitude to Heaven for his love and his unfailing guidance for God’s true family. He showed us what family really is. Heartfelt prayers for his family and his followers. May God continue to bless and keep the faithful always. Nicole
Nicole
When my babies were little, I discovered Focus on the Family. I was so hungry for the wisdom and truths that Dr. Dobson shared that I sat down daily during his radio show with paper and pen to capture the gold nuggets. It was evident that Dr. Dobson was a strong, devoted man of God, and I wanted that kind of spirit running through my life and my family. Both my sons are strong Christians who nurture their own children in faith in Jesus and loving others. I am so thankful for Dr. Dobson, his family, and all the staff who have supported this ministry through the years.
Denise
Dr. Dobson was not only a household name growing up but very much a part of our family. We heard his voice daily, and he was blamed for many of the activities that my family did, from the 10-yr-old trip with Mom and Dad to have “the talk” to the endless episodes of “Adventures in Odyssey.” My birth family and my own family have been affected positively by the work of Dr. Dobson. I am so grateful for the generational impact that has had and will continue to have on my family!
Kari