I was driving around lunch time heading to my kids school to volunteer. I was listening to Focus on The Family with James Dobson. The "show" was James Dobson's farewell speech to the ministry that he and his wife started years ago....Focus on The Family. He is stepping down from the Board of Directors.As I listened to his words...tears were streaming down my face....
Eight years ago when my son was only around 2....I remember staying up late and reading the book "Bringing Up Boys" from James Dobson. Stuggling with a very active little boy who would pick up anything and go "Bang Bang"...it was James Dobson's words in that book who showed the beautiful way that God made boys....to embrace it...not feminize it.
After my third child was born a few months went by...realizing again that I had another "strong willed " child. The words from his book "The Strong-Willed Child" encouraged and lifted me as a young mother in the trenches of mothering.
The many times that outside forces put pressure on me and made me doubt the choice to stay at home and be a mother and wife rather than a career...it was James Dobson's words on the radio that showed me the beauty and high-calling of being a mother who stays home.
When I turned on the news and felt discouragement about values and future of our nation...it was James Dobson who spoke out (even when he probaly felt alone b/c almost all the churches have become silent)against the breakdown of the family and corruption in our society with encouraging words and "direction".
I had to pull over to wipe the many tears before I walked into the school b/c I am forever grateful for this man's amazing ministry...his encouragment....his stronghold.....
He ended his "speech" with parts of a poem by Henry Longfellow to encourage the {future} board of directors of Focus on the Family...it was beautiful and good.
Thou, too, sail on, O Ship of State!
Sail on, O Union, strong and great!
Humanity with all its fears,
Is hanging breathless on thy fate!
I can't think of many Great Men today...however, Mr. James Dobson is a great and godly man. He had a "heart" for families...realizing this is the moral fiber of our nation and future.
This mother of three thanks him for his words and his boldness!
42 comments:
Oh Sandy, I am with you! I love Dr. Dobson and those first two books.. which have been a lifeline for me in tough times. I am SO sad to see him step down right now.. I just feel like we need him. We NEED strong moral leaders right now, no matter how much they are made fun of and ridiculed. And yet, if it were me? It would be hard to be a target, like a duck in a shooting gallery. He has deserved his time of rest, and I'll pray that God gives him many more years to spend with his family before he's called home. I'm just glad that that WE got the chance to hear him...
Have a wonderFULL weekend! hugs...
I have not heard this till now. I agree with you he is a "great man"!
Have a fabulous weekend!
What a wonderful post! I didn't realize that he was stepping down.
Dr. Dobson is a wonderful leader. I haven't read "Bringing up Boys"~I will check it out.
Have a nice weekend!
I don't know much about him but I remember reading a Strong willed child with Noah it helped alot.
I have both those books and treasure them dearly! Thanks for your story, I didn't know he was stepping down.
I think i need to read the "Bringing up Boys". I know he has done so many good things. I'm sorry to see him go.
our radio station stopped airing the daily focus on the family show a few years ago... and i miss it! i think Dr. Dobson will surely be missed in the ministry...
Me too! I listened to his program a lot when I was home with my kids and we did a few of his film series too. I really respect him and his boldness. He will be missed!
I didn't know this-I am so sad too-I also have relied on his books for parenting boys and strong-wills. He has been on of the greats-His ministry has been so influential in our family!
Dr. Dobson has been a staple in our home for 20+ years. We have had the honor of being involved with Focus on the Family for many years. Had a good friend that worked very closely with Dr. D...he is truly a great man and such an inspiration. I recently met a new Mom at our school and in conversation mentioned Dr. Dobson...she said Dr. who? I was shocked...every parent should read his books!
I did not realize he was retiring from his ministry. What a wonderful man! I hope he continues with his writings and guest appearances.
What a lovely tribute!
I loved that book: The strong willed child. It was MY bible for a time...
NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO - I can't believe it!! I had no idea. I agree with your first commentor, we need men like him who stand strong for their convictions whether people agree or disagree. He doesn't wave with the tide of "relevant truth" like so many, and even when other Christians disagree, he stays the course. AHH..I know there will be others to stand in the gap, but there will be a huge void.
And can I just add that seeing those legos all over your sons room made me feel so much better. I know how wonderfully organized you are so that was a little blessing for me....hee hee...xoxo
Wow what a tribute! I have never heard of him, but I obviously need to read those books. Thanks!
Yes, what a great man. He will be missed by many. I've enjoyed his radio program so much like countless other parents.
Have a wonderful day!
I didn't realize he was stepping down. He is a special man that has done great things, you're right!
I have always enjoyed listening to this wise man. :)
Nice..you should be a writter
I didn't know he was retiring. I used to try to listen to his show, but with toddlers running around it was just frustrating. A friend and I had a joke about saying to our kids, "shut up, I'm listening to Dobson!" Of course, we never really said that to them ;-) And I never really got to listen to Dobson either!
I love him too! I have heard him on the radio as long as I can remember!
I always feel like I can trust his judgement...Kind of like a really good dad!
Hello Sandy
I came over from Ruby Red Slippers Blog. I have been enjoying her blog for several months. That's great you have been friends all those years and blogging now keeps you connected.
I have enjoyed your blog today. The lego all over the carpet made me smile. I just have one daughter (age 12)and she loved lego. I enjoyed your house tours too. You have a beautiful home and I love your style. I have not heard of Dr Dobson but am so pleased his books helped you.
Best Wishes
Lindsay
I didn't realize that Dr. Dobson was retiring from the Board of Directors! I love that man and what he stands for...he has provided me with such encouragement and inspiration over the years. He is a true man of God!
I had no clue he was retiring!
I have several of his books! He is a great man, indeed.
He is amazing, Sandy, and I hate to hear he's retiring from that ministry. He is a great and good man, fearless in the face of naysayers and mudslingers. I've learned a lot from him, even about myself from reading his books about children.
XO,
Sheila :-)
Hi Sandy,
I'm so glad that Dobson has been such a blessing in your family. I went to college with his son and even had dinner with him once. He has so many wonderful things to say.
Thanks so much for reading flipflops and applesauce and leaving such lovely, encouraging comments. I enjoy your blog very much!
Have a great day,
Chrissie
I've wanted to read the strong willed child book for a while. I'll have to pick it up.
That is really sad! I didn't know about this. I also think I will get the book "Bringing up Boys" for a friend of mine.
I have taken his radio show for granite...I will miss the sound of his voice.
Amen! I am very thankful for all that Dobson has done over the years. I have not always agreed with him. But I have always appreciated his stance on Conservative Christian family values. We owe a lot to him. Thank you for this tribute!
I really enjoy listening to Dr. Dobson! He is right on target.
Hope u are having a great weekend!
I had never ready any of his books.....I might have to pick up the one for Strong willed children.....I could use some help:)
Lisa
Oh girl! I love this man! He is such a wonderful speaker and has spoken life into so many things. WOW! I had no idea that he was even considering stepping down. I will have google to read more on this. Wow! I am just shocked! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Catching up on my blog reading--thank you for your many comments and prayers for us as we welcomed our baby girl!
So sad to hear about Dr. Dobson--he is a remarkable man with such a great influence on so many people, including myself.
I feel sick to my stomach after reading your blog! I LOVE Dr. Dobson almost like a radio father. I remember my mom always listened to his programs and his voice was very soothing to me even as a child. As an adult I have also LOVED his books on parenting. I am sad to hear he has stepped down. It makes me want to cry too!
What a great post. We SO love Dr D. Did you know he interviewed me and Paul not too long ago? We got to go and sit in his office and talk - it was one of my most cherished memories! Happy Sunday, friend!
(For No More Christian Nice Guy and Married but Not Engaged books!)
I agree! Our family has been blessed by the ministry of Focus on the Family, like so many others! I guess it is only "fair" that we let Dr. Dobson "retire."
So refreshing to hear someone else extol the virtues of a family! Dobson has great insight and I am sure his books will be used for generations.
I really think more women need to speak up as what it means to have morals and values...they seem to be lost these days.
Keep posting!
Janet Doherty
http://itisanevolution.blogspot.com/
I love Dr. Dobson...I also have both of those books! Hmmm, I might want to read them again.....Boys.... :)
Jen
How I will miss Dr. Dobson. He has been such an influence in my life, marriage, parrenting, and in standing on Biblical principals in this immoral world. I know that the Lord will continue using him, even in his season of retirement. Your tribute to him was beautiful.
I so agree! I grew up with Dr. Dobson on the radio, and my husband and I have also benefited from his wisdom. My parents bought us the Bringing Up Boys DVDs and they have been so helpful! And you are totally right~ he is one of the few who is willing to speak the truth.
Do your children listen to the Odyssey radio series? It is fantastic, and our children~ especially our son~ loves it! :)
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, he has been there through my entire life!!
m ^..^
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