“At this stage of your life, what is the main concern you have on your heart?” Dr. Dobson quietly asked my husband, Steve, when we were in his office before being interviewed on his Family Talk program. Steve, who had been a pastor of the same church for nearly two decades, immediately teared up as he responded, “I want to finish well.” Dr. Dobson reached out to shake Steve’s hand, while clasping their grip in his left hand. He replied, “Me too, me too.” Oh, what a joy to know that our beloved Dr. Dobson truly finished well on August 21, 2025, when he entered into the presence of our Savior and King. During our visit, I was also deeply moved when I saw, framed on the wall, legal-sized yellow tablet pages with Dr. Dobson’s handwritten manuscript for “Dare to Discipline.” Doc was delighted when I told him how this book had transformed my parenting and had been a guiding light for me as a young mother. His eyes lit up as he explained what inspired him to write this beloved book. And finally, Dr. Dobson has a portrait of Winston Churchill hanging at the entrance of his office. When my husband explained that Churchill was his distant cousin, the two men (both for whom I have the utmost admiration) began to discuss how Churchill’s war tactics are very much how we as Christians need to plan our fight against the enemy of our souls. Oh, yes, Dr. Dobson, you were ordained by God to hold the banner and train our generation how to guide our children toward loving and following Jesus. You, my friend, most certainly have finished well. Thank you for your service. Soli Deo Gloria. ~ Rhonda Stoppe

Posted on August 27, 2025
By admin
In Tributes

Rhonda

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!