Dr. James Dobson was the Founder Chairman of the James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produced his radio program, Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and held 18 honorary doctoral degrees. He also was the author of more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family.
Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years, and on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years in the divisions of child development and medical genetics.
He advised five U.S. presidents and served on eight national commissions.
Dr. Dobson was married to Shirley for just shy of 65 years, and he was the beloved father of two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren.
As strange as it seems, habitual well-being is not advantageous to a species. An existence without challenge takes its toll on virtually every living thing. Just look at the flabby animals in a zoo, for example. Food is delivered to them every day, and they need do nothing but lie around and yawn.
Although hundreds of Scriptures tell us that God hears and answers prayer, it is important to acknowledge what most of us have already observed—that He does not do everything we ask in the manner that we would desire. Years may pass before we see the fulfillment of His purposes. There are other occasions when He says “no” or “wait.” And let's be honest, there are times when He says nothing at all. Many believers become confused and wounded in those instances, and their faith begins to wobble.
One of the most breathtaking concepts in all of Scripture is the revelation that God knows each of us personally and that we are in His mind both day and night. There is simply no way to comprehend the full implications of this love by the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is all-powerful and all-knowing, majestic and holy, from everlasting to everlasting. Why would He care about us—about our needs, our welfare, our fears?
Clearly, what we have in Scripture is a paradox. On the one hand, we are told to expect suffering and hardships that could even cost us our lives. On the other hand, we are encouraged to be joyful, thankful, and “of good cheer.” How do those contradictory ideas link together?
We live in a fast-paced world where we have come to expect instant responses to every desire and need. But God doesn't operate that way. He is never in a hurry. And sometimes He can be agonizingly slow in solving the problems we bring to His attention. It’s almost enough to make an impatient believer give up and try something else.
In my work with families who are going through various hardships, from sickness and death to marital conflict and adolescent rebellion, I have found it common for those in crisis to feel great frustration with God.
Raising a strong-willed child with success takes love, discipline, and a lot of time!
An innocent man served 17 years in federal prison for a crime he didn't commit.
Dr. Dobson talk about what parents can expect from children with different temperaments as they become teenagers.
Studies have shown that there are three times as many strong-willed children as compliant. What type of child is in your home?
