It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of a truly great man of God, Dr. James Dobson. I met Dr. Dobson several years ago when I was living in Colorado Springs and was invited to attend the autumn “Gatherings.” I always felt Dr. Dobson was more like a father to me than my real father, and he and his beautiful wife, Mrs. Shirley Dobson, were the only ones at these events who came up to me and spoke with me one-to-one. I always felt these meetings had a special kinship with their kindness, sincerity, and deep abiding Christian love. I remember that, at one of the “Gatherings,” pictures were taken with the Dobsons. I remember holding onto Mrs. Dobson’s hand, and she gently squeezed it as we posed for the camera. It was their warm smiles and affection that I will always remember, and the photo (which I still have) to reflect on that moment with fondness. My sympathy goes out to Mrs. Dobson, Danae, and Ryan and his family, and all of those at JDFI. Dr. Dobson’s Christian influence on the world will be sorely missed. P.S. I still have a signed copy of my favorite of all of Dr. Dobson’s books: “Love Must Be Tough.”

Judy

FOTF helped me in so many ways through the years. One time that stands out is from FOTF’s early years. I had become a new Christian, and my church was showing Dr. Dobson’s series about family life. The night I went, it was the episode about fatherhood. I wasn’t close to my father growing up. As a young teen, I dreamed that he was in our backyard, being mauled by a bear, and my honest reaction was I didn’t care. After the presentation was over, I quickly ran to my car and wept like never before. Afterwards, God’s wisdom and understanding started replacing the hurt and anger. The catalyst for healing came from Dr. Dobson’s presentation. My father and I reconciled, and we had a great relationship until his death. Thank you, Focus on the Family. I’ll always be grateful for Dr. Dobson’s tireless devotion to making families strong.

David

Dr. Dobson was very influential in my life, especially during the years I was raising my children. I remember him as a strong and dedicated man of God who used his expertise to inspire and help so many people on healthy lessons for teaching children. He also helped couples in their relationships with each other and with God. I treasure the many books, pamphlets, and videos that were instructional teaching resources that his ministry provided. I pray that his ministry will continue, and I pray God’s richest blessings on his family and those have gotten inspired across the globe.

Barbara

Dr. Dobson has changed and continues to change my family and me. He helped change my family tree.The main influences are and were: Focus on the Family (FOF) – the regular marriage and parenting advice is priceless. Currently, my wife is an unbeliever; The Bringing Up Boys book – this alerted my wife and me to the cultural and spiritual challenges of raising three sons; The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute – a godly perspective on how to influence our culture. What an amazing legacy! Thank you very much for working tirelessly for our Lord.

Tony

Many years ago, I listened to Dr. Dobson interview a woman who had a terminal illness. She needed a friend to get a card for her husband and could find no one home to help her with that and other little things. I began to pray that God would show me someone to whom I could minister. A few years later, a friend developed MS, the fast-moving kind. I began to visit her once a week. It became something I planned as part of my week. We talked and laughed together. Sometimes I would bake cookies with her for her family or bring something for the family dinner. I realized as time went by that I needed my visits with her as much as she did. I was blessed by our friendship. Her last 10 years, she could no longer move at all. I saw her pain but also her strength of character and her trust in God. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for opening my eyes to the need of another person..

Leslie

Dear Shirley, Ryan, and Danae: Although I have lived on Cape Cod (New England) for many years now, I have very often reflected on the twelve-plus years I worked so closely with Dr. Dobson as head of Focus on the Family Films, eventually earning his personal friendship. It was always an honor to not only work with and for him for so many years on a multitude of projects as well as being a guest on his radio program, but an honor to to call him a friend and mentor. I was saddened to hear of his passing, yet joyful in the Lord to KNOW that James Dobson is with his Lord and Savior and has heard those words for which he longed – “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Lovingly and respectfully, Bob Garner

Bob