It’s hard to believe that two of my heroes in the Christian faith have gone home to be with the Lord this month. The first was Dr. MacArthur, and now Dr. James Dobson—“Doc,” as I affectionately called him. As I’ve read through countless tributes to Doc, one theme stands out again and again: he was a man who walked his talk. He was the same person behind the scenes as he was on the platform—genuine, caring, and deeply committed to living out his faith. Years ago, when I was working at Focus on the Family, my wife Holly faced a serious health crisis after being diagnosed with a pituitary tumor. Before her surgery, Doc himself came to the hospital to visit us and pray with us. That simple act of kindness left a lasting mark on my heart. After Holly’s successful surgery, I wrote to thank him—and in return, he sent us a full-length, handwritten letter expressing his gratitude to God for her recovery and assuring us of his continued prayers. Every time I saw him after that, I would give him updates about Holly’s health. I’ll never forget the big hug he gave me when I told him she was expecting a child—something the doctors had said would never happen naturally – and then another hug when we shared the news of our next child! That was who he was: genuinely rejoicing with those who rejoiced, truly bearing others’ burdens. Doc finished well. He loved the Lord. He loved people. And he left behind a legacy of faithfulness and compassion that will not be forgotten.

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3. It’s hard to believe that two of my heroes in the Christian faith have gone home to be with the Lord this month. The first was Dr. MacArthur, and now Dr. James Dobson—“Doc,” as I affectionately called him. As I’ve read through countless tributes to Doc, one theme stands out again and again: he was a man who walked his talk. He was the same person behind the scenes as he was on the platform—genuine, caring, and deeply committed to living out his faith. Years ago, when I was working at Focus on the Family, my wife Holly faced a serious health crisis after being diagnosed with a pituitary tumor. Before her surgery, Doc himself came to the hospital to visit us and pray with us. That simple act of kindness left a lasting mark on my heart. After Holly’s successful surgery, I wrote to thank him—and in return, he sent us a full-length, handwritten letter expressing his gratitude to God for her recovery and assuring us of his continued prayers. Every time I saw him after that, I would give him updates about Holly’s health. I’ll never forget the big hug he gave me when I told him she was expecting a child—something the doctors had said would never happen naturally – and then another hug when we shared the news of our next child! That was who he was: genuinely rejoicing with those who rejoiced, truly bearing others’ burdens. Doc finished well. He loved the Lord. He loved people. And he left behind a legacy of faithfulness and compassion that will not be forgotten.