Our founder, Dr. James Dobson, loved writing to friends and partners like you. In every letter, he shared what mattered most to him: faith in Jesus Christ, love for this nation, and a commitment to strengthening families.

I’ve recently wondered what Dr. Dobson would have written to you as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence this July 4th. I believe he would have strongly encouraged us to thank God for His providential hand on our nation, to remember the principles upon which America was founded, and to recommit ourselves to passing those truths on to the next generation.

Founded on Biblical Truth

As we celebrate this historic anniversary, it is worth remembering that America’s founders were not only brilliant statesmen, but men deeply influenced by biblical truth. While they studied the great civilizations of Greece and Rome, they understood that our rights did not come from kings, governments, or legislatures. They came from God. That conviction is woven throughout the Declaration of Independence. In the very first paragraph, our founders appeal to the “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.” In the final paragraph, they express their “firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence.” And at the heart of the declaration stands the sentence that has guided our nation for 250 years:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Those words changed the world. They established a revolutionary idea—that every human being possesses inherent dignity because each person is created in the image of God. Our liberties are not granted by government; they are gifts from our Creator. This truth has inspired generations of Americans to defend freedom, pursue justice, and preserve the blessings of liberty for their children and grandchildren. Earlier this year, my wife and I were honored to participate in a gathering on the National Mall where thousands of Americans came together to pray, worship, and thank God for His faithfulness to our nation. It was a powerful reminder that despite our challenges, millions of Americans still believe that our future is brightest when we seek God’s guidance and blessing.

Our First JDFI Essay Contest

That same sense of hope I felt during the national gathering was recently reinforced through the James Dobson Family Institute’s USA 250 Essay Contest. We invited middle school and high school students from across the country to answer a simple but important question: How has faith shaped the founding of our nation—and how is God calling you to help shape what comes next?

The response was extraordinary. We received hundreds of thoughtful essays from young people who demonstrated a deep understanding of America’s history, a sincere Christian faith, and a desire to make a meaningful difference in their generation. Reading their submissions reminded us that while much attention is given to the challenges facing our nation, God is still raising up young men and women of character, conviction, and courage.

Our first-place high school winner captured this spirit beautifully when she wrote, “This bold Christian faith has been the root of the United States of America from the very beginning.” She later shared a personal aspiration that I believe reflects the best of America’s future: “I do not care about being rich, influential, or popular. My greatest goal is to serve God and enrich His people.” Those words are remarkable coming from a young student, and they filled me with tremendous optimism about the generation that will one day lead this country.

From our younger category, the middle school winner reflected on the famous “fog that saved the Revolution.” He wrote that while historians often explain the atmospheric science behind the effect, “the why, the when, and the fact that everything happened the way it happened points to God.” He then concluded the essay with these powerful words: “I am hopeful this nation will come back to God and His principles . . . I know we can’t save this nation without Him.”

That challenge is not new. It’s been with us since the beginning of our nation.

Continuing Our National Challenge

You may have heard the story of Benjamin Franklin emerging from the Constitutional Convention in 1787. When asked what form of government the delegates had created, Franklin reportedly replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

For 250 years, generations of Americans have accepted that responsibility. Farmers, teachers, pastors, parents, soldiers, business owners, and public servants have all played a role in preserving the American experiment. Today, that responsibility belongs to us.

One of my favorite places in Washington, DC, is the Lincoln Memorial. On its walls are engraved some of Abraham Lincoln’s most important words. In his Second Inaugural Address, delivered as the Civil War was drawing to a close, Lincoln repeatedly pointed the nation back to God. Despite the immense suffering of that era, he reminded Americans that “the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.”

Lincoln understood something that remains true today: National strength ultimately depends upon moral and spiritual strength. A nation cannot remain free if it loses the virtues that sustain its freedom. For freedom is not merely inherited; it must be understood, cherished, and stewarded. Every generation is called to preserve the blessings it has received and pass them on to those who follow.

This is why the work of strengthening families remains so important. Strong families produce responsible citizens. Responsible citizens sustain free institutions. And free institutions preserve liberty.

The founders understood this connection. They knew that self-government requires self-discipline, moral character, and faith. These are values first learned in homes, churches, and communities.

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we should certainly enjoy the parades, fireworks, and family gatherings. We should thank God for the extraordinary blessings He has bestowed upon our nation. We should honor the generations who sacrificed to secure and preserve our freedoms. But we should also ask ourselves what kind of nation we will leave to those who follow us.

Will our children and grandchildren know the truths that guided our founders? Will they understand that freedom is a gift worth protecting? Will they have the courage to stand for faith, family, and truth in their own generation? I believe they can.

The students who participated in our USA 250 Essay Contest gave me great confidence that America’s best days can still be ahead if we remain faithful to the principles that made this nation exceptional.

Gary Bauer
Senior Vice President of Public Policy

A Message from the President

Thanks to you, we can help meet Gary’s challenge of honoring God and our founders as we bring practical biblical principles, defend our freedoms, and support families through daily broadcasts, podcasts, articles, and social media.

Now, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, you can help provide special help through our $250,000 Matching Challenge for the month of July. Every gift to the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute during this $250,000 campaign will be doubled, allowing us to reach even more families with trusted biblical guidance and practical resources when they are needed most.

Thank you for helping us preserve, strengthen, and pass on the enduring truths of faith, family, and freedom. Together, we can ensure that the values that shaped our nation’s founding continue to strengthen American families for generations to come.

Happy Independence Day and Happy 250th Birthday, America!

With gratitude,

Bart Brock, Ph.D.
Chairman and President
Dr. James Dobson Family Institute

This letter may be reproduced without change and in its entirety for non-commercial and non-political purposes without prior permission from the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.