Greetings on behalf of all of us at Family Talk. These are busy days here at ministry central. They remind me of my experiences in 1977, when Focus on the Family was brand new and there was so much excitement in the air. We called it “focus fever.” For the next 33 years, I huffed and puffed to keep up with it all. Eventually, 1,400 employees labored with me side by side. We were like one huge family that worked together in remarkable harmony. Who would have believed that as my term of service was coming to an end, I would feel led to recalibrate professionally and start another ministry from scratch?
I’m aware that some of you have been curious about Family Talk and wonder what we are trying to accomplish. Specifically, I have heard six recurring questions that are being posed by friends who call, email, write or come by for a visit. Let me speak candidly and from my heart in response to each of the following requests for more information.
Question 1: There was talk in the media and within Christian circles about your retiring, once you announced your resignation from Focus on the Family. Many of us assumed you would end your busy career and spend your remaining years with your family and friends. Why didn’t you?
Answer: The truth is, I have not even considered retiring, which is a concept never endorsed or mentioned in the Bible. I am not implying that retirement is wrong or that others shouldn’t go this route. It is simply that I want to continue to serve actively for as long as I am able to do so. God has given me what appears to be excellent health, and I want to use it productively.
I’ll admit that having time to travel with Shirley and take life easier had a certain appeal for me. I have a three-year-old grandson whom I adore, and I could have enjoyed spending my days with him and the rest of my family. However, the Lord gently put His hand on my back and seemed to be saying, “Don’t even think about it. There is still too much work to be done.” The day after I said goodbye to my friends at Focus on the Family, I started Family Talk. So here I am now, broadcasting a daily radio program with my son Ryan Dobson and LuAnne Crane, and working as hard as ever. And I am loving it.
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