My childhood was full of abuse and neglect, but I came to know the Lord at 21. Dr. Dobson shaped my life through his books and daily radio programs. I homeschooled 3 children because of his admonition. He saved my marriage through a program on Valentine’s Day that found me at a crossroads. His books taught me that “love must be tough.” I could “dare to discipline,” and God can be trusted even in the darkest of times! He was a legend of our time, and he will be greatly missed! Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord!

Gina

As a young adult, I started listening to Focus on the Family in Wisconsin. I’ve been living on the West Coast for many years. It seems Dr Dobson has always been here. I believe he is one of our country’s national treasures, given to us by the Lord. He has helped shape our country’s children for several generations. I have mailed, recommended, and quoted his books, especially The Strong-Willed Child. I was heartbroken when he left Focus on the Family. True to his commitment to the Lord, he went on to establish Family Talk Radio, for which I am grateful. I will always hear his voice in the background of my mind, mentioning various things, during conversations (similar to hearing my parents’ voices). His passing leaves a tremendous hole . . . I trust the Lord to raise up others. However, no one will truly walk in his shoes. God bless Shirley, Danae, and Ryan and his family. Thank you.

Ellen

Dr. Doson’s radio program has impacted my husband & me since we got married more than 30 years ago, and I immigrated to the U.S.A. from Taiwan. The impact has been felt well beyond wherever I lived, even by a lot of families and friends in my home country, 💕 even though many in my family and a lot of my friends in Taiwan haven’t become Christians (Christians make up about 6% of the population). Writing this tribute has started my grieving process with the tears rolling down my face. May our victorious Lord reach out to even more counties. 🙏 I pray that this tribute could comfort Dr. Dobson’s close family and friends. God bless.

Kelley

I was saddened to hear that the voice that encouraged us to fight the good fight of faith was gone from this earth. We have 1 son. I married late in life, so I put all my effort into forming our child into something amazing, with every moment focused on bringing up our son in the way of the Lord. Dare to Discipline and Bringing up Boys are sitting on my headboard. Dr. Dobson encouraged me through his books as well as radio. I also bought Bringing up Girls for when the time comes that our son may marry and may have a daughter. Oh, I can’t forget The Strong-Willed Child. I always told Joshua that Dr. Dobson knew him personally because he wrote a book about him. Ha! Buy the books, my friends. I put faith into practice because of Dr. Dobson, teaching our son exciting hands-on fun Bible lessons when he was young, because boys learn differently. When he got older, I used every moment to be a lesson that would propel him to love God and live for Him. It worked! He has more godly wisdom than most 20-year-olds. I cemented his Christian values at a very young age. The public school could not sway him to think that abortion, gay marriage, and values that God doesn’t value were normal. Evolution went in one ear and out the other. I have kept all Dr. Dobson’s books for the next generation. Joshua also has respect for others and knows how to look a person in the eyes. Yes. I received these same teachings from my parents, but Dr. Dobson was my encourager. Our son opens doors for me as a way respect, and it’s what men should do. What are we going to do without you, Dr. Dobson? We’ll just keep trudging for the Lord. I’ve been praying for Shirley and the family. Thank you for making such a huge impact on me and our family. Love you always for doing what God had you do for Him. You were a strong pillar of faith, and you will never be forgotten. 💜

Janet

I read the tributes below, and they sound just like mine. Mrs. Shirley, Ryan and family, and Danae: I used to write notes to Dr. Dobson in my donations, and I always called him “Dear sweet Dr. Dobson.” I felt like I knew him. Not only did he help us raise our kids, he “introduced” us to so many wonderful people on his radio programs, and I began to follow them as well. Dennis Swanberg was one precious saint I learned about from Dr. Dobson. How he loved you all. The world surely is a better place because God created him. I loved knowing about his parents, and I can see why he became the precious man of God that he is (in present terms, because he is alive in Heaven and whole and complete). Also, I see for you children that your parents’ godly upbringing is evidenced in how they raised you, how you will do the same for young ones you are responsible for, whether in your children or the young people who look up to you. Dear sweet, beautiful Mrs. Shirley, thank you for being a godly wife and taking care of Dr. Dobson and loving him. I love you all.

Pam

Even though we never met, I felt like I knew Dr. Dobson. He was an integral part of my life as I raised my four children. I listened to Focus on the Family every day. I’ve read so many of his books, my favorites probably being Bringing Up Girls and Bringing Up Boys. He was a prophetic voice in his fictional work as well. I’m so thankful for his life and the wisdom he imparted to so many. What a gift he was, especially to me in my early days of mothering. I was always so thankful for his courage and standing for the truth, no matter what. I can hear his voice as he’d get fired up about an issue. I’ve dreaded his death for many years, wondering what will the world do without Dr. Dobson? God is faithful and will raise up more faithful men to carry the torch. I know because I’m raising two such young men. We mourn with his family, but not as those who have no hope. I love the thought that one day I will meet Dr. Dobson in heaven. Until then . . .

Tiffany