Focus on the Family was the very first Christian radio program that I ever heard. That was in January of 1984 at the age of 19, as a new Christian. Dr. Dobson became ‘my Christian psychologist.’ I was married in July of 1984. We were both new Christians and knew very little about making a proper home. Everything that I learned about having a Christ-centered home and raising our 2 children to know the Lord was from Dr. Dobson over the next 34 years until my children both married. His impact throughout my life has been immense. He was a trusted advisor. I am so deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Prayers for his family. I am thankful that even in the midst of grief for his death, there is great hope in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Posted on August 21, 2025
By admin
In Tributes

Gretchen

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!