As immigrants, our family had a rocky time adjusting to life in the US. As a child, the feeling of not fitting in exacerbated the feelings of loneliness, marginalization, and backwardness. In a culture of strong-voiced, charismatic male personas, Dr. Dobson was not that! He was a gentle, wise, kindhearted, and knowledgeable counselor who offered sound discussions about difficult problems in life that gave audiences this feeling: “by God’s grace, we can make it through this.” When I sat down in quiet evenings to do my homework, I’d turn on the radio and listen to Focus on the Family, and I’d get fatherly wisdom and insight from someone who explained why my life seemed like such a struggle, and he provided biblically sound advice on how to persevere, take heart, be courageous, and aspire for the best that God would bring about in the midst of life circumstances that were meant to train me for my good and His glory. I eventually went to school for a term at his Focus on the Family Institute, which enlarged my mind and provided me a world of mentors and friendships. HQ in CS is a special place. That experience set the vision and trajectory of my urban ministry work today. Focus on the Family is an organizational collaboration of many wonderful believers who shared his vision. We all touch a life, and each person there followed his leadership to do so in the love of Jesus, with wisdom, zeal, and joy. Thank you, Dr. Dobson.

Posted on August 25, 2025
By admin
In Tributes

Tony

There are not enough words to express my appreciation for Dr. James Dobson and his ministry. His books, Focus on the Family magazines, and radio messages provided much-needed guidance when I was raising my children. We loved the age-appropriate movies and magazines too. Since the inception of the radio programs and podcasts of Family Talk, I continue to learn and value the information from Dr. Dobson‘s messages and interviews, and those of his associates, even during these grandparenting years. My deepest appreciation, prayers, and condolences to Shirley and family. Dr. Dobson will be sorely missed. May God continue to bless the ministry of Family Talk.

There is so much I could say about James Dobson, and how his broadcast helped me get through life. I feel such a loss at his departure to heaven, yet oh what a celebration there must have been when that precious man was welcomed into the arms of Jesus! After getting married at 24, my husband and I accepted the Lord on the same day. This, of course, was God‘s plan, because a couple months later I found out I was pregnant with our first child. I had a wonderful neighbor down the road who was also a young Christian. She introduced me to Focus on the Family with James Dobson. At 10 o’clock every morning, I sat in front of the radio and listened to Focus as Dr. Dobson helped me learn to be a mom, a wife and, most of all, a Christian. Our new baby was born with a severe birth defect. We spent more days than I can count in the hospital, me taking the day shift, my husband taking the nights. I don’t believe I would’ve made it through those years without the steady voice of Dr. Dobson, every day, reassuring me that, indeed, I would get through this with the help of God! The years to follow were filled with advice passed along to me and my husband through the wise words of James Dobson. I can honestly say he taught us to be more like Christ every day. Dr. Dobson was a blessing to so many people; he will be greatly missed! I’m looking forward to meeting him in heaven one day! Peg

We will miss wonderful conservative points of life lessons!