Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk

Why was the 2022 March for Life so well attended by enthusiastic high school kids, college students, and young adults from varied backgrounds? On today’s edition of Family Talk, Jeff Hunt, director of the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University, claims the reason is simple. These young people who are that vital next generation, grew up seeing the sonogram pictures of their baby brothers and sisters taped to the refrigerator door before they ever met them. Therefore, this new generation of pro-lifers rejects the lie that babies in the womb are just a clump of cells that you can get rid of without any remorse or guilt.

In a poem by Helen Steiner Rice, she wrote, "Sometimes we come to life's crossroads, and we view what we think is the end. But God has a much wider vision. He knows that it's only a bend." On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. David Jeremiah and Dr. James Dobson use the poet’s words to illustrate the mystery of faith. Dr. Jeremiah, who battled reoccurring cancer, staunchly refutes the belief that Christians won't and should not experience pain and suffering. Whether you’re facing cancer, divorce, broken vows, or a prodigal child, remember that God’s grace is truly sufficient for every need.

In 1994, Dr. David Jeremiah, founder of Turning Point Ministries, was diagnosed with cancer. While he wasn’t afraid of dying, he was afraid for his family and their future. On today’s edition of Family Talk, the author of When Your World Falls Apart, recounts his health journey with Dr. Dobson and the role that faith played in his recovery. During times of pain and disillusionment, Dr. Jeremiah believes the church needs a theology of adversity. The Christian life does not guarantee smooth sailing, but King David reassures us in Psalm 46, that "God is our refuge and strength."

On today’s edition of Family Talk, political commentator, news personality, and podcast host, Liz Wheeler, firmly declares that what we are facing today in our culture is a blatant attempt to delegitimize our nation. Citing the 1619 Project, Critical Race Theory and the transgender movement, Wheeler believes there is an outright agenda to destroy institutions that have defined our nation since its origin. Despite the declining state of our country, after having listened to the oral arguments at the Supreme Court about the Mississippi case concerning the ban on abortions after 15 weeks gestation, Wheeler believes we are finally on the cusp of Roe v. Wade being overturned and living in a post-Roe America.

"Jesus can lift our hearts, soothe our sorrows, heal our wounds, and drive away our fears." Those words sound like something Franklin Graham or John MacArthur would say. But on today’s edition of Family Talk, you’ll discover that America’s 40th President, Ronald Reagan, made that declaration. In his 1983 speech at the National Religious Broadcasters convention, this God-fearing president cited Isaiah 40:8 which says, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God shall stand forever." Reagan’s contention that "the Bible can touch our hearts, order our minds, refresh our souls" is as true today as it was then.

When a husband and wife blow up at one another, it can quickly become destructive. A marriage cannot withstand ongoing anger. Psalm 37:8 warns, "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; it leads only to evil." On today’s classic edition of Family Talk, the late Jean Lush suggests that you can defuse the intensity by talking to a close friend, exercising, or even doing something constructive such as cleaning the garage. These strategies will help you to cool off and wisely address your spouse in a gentle manner that will be pleasing to the Lord.

When a long-term dating relationship implodes, it can be devastating. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Jackie M. Johnson, author of When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty, urges singles to grieve the loss of a relationship. After all, it’s the loss a friend, a romantic companion, and a possible spouse. Psalm 147:3 says, God "heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Forgiveness, as Jackie reminds us, is another important step in the journey toward healing.

When a dating relationship ends abruptly, singles typically experience a range of emotions including sadness, anger, and loneliness. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Jackie M. Johnson, author of When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty, empathizes with other Christian singles who’ve gone through painful breakups. In her search for Mr. Right, Jackie turned to God for comfort, hope, and encouragement when the bottom fell out of a relationship that she thought would lead to marriage.

You might be surprised to learn that Gary Chapman, best-selling author of The Five Love Languages, had a rough start in his own marriage. Long before he discovered the five love languages, his relationship with his wife, Karolyn, was rocky to say the least! On today’s edition of Family Talk, Gary explains that it wasn’t until he began serving his wife, as Christ serves the church, that things really started to turn around.

On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton is joined by Gary Chapman, author of the best-seller, The Five Love Languages, to discuss Gary’s most recent book, Life Lessons and Love Languages. You'll hear about pivotal moments in Gary’s life, from his profession of faith at the age of 10, to discovering the five love languages during his years of counseling married couples. In this candid conversation, Chapman shares life lessons he’s learned during his 84-year unexpected journey.

On today’s edition of Family Talk, Pastor Ted Cunningham, comedian on the "Date Night Comedy Tour," insists that you haven’t started marriage until you end up with your parents’ broken-in, worn-out mattress. Since the dip is already built in, you’ll both roll to the center. On a serious note, Cunningham counsels spouses to plug into God, not each other, as their source of life. After the Lord has filled up your spirit through Bible reading and prayer, you can share His love with your spouse. If you try to do it on your own, you’ll not only have an "empty tank," but you and your spouse will begin to resent each other.

God created families to be a safe haven from a dangerous world. But oftentimes, our families themselves are the source of emotional danger. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. Sharon May explains that we all experience family disappointments on some level. If it’s not addressed, that pain and anguish can lead to greater discouragement. That, in turn, can lead to depression, estrangement or even despair. As time passes, even as mature adults, we can feel lost and unseen in our families, which can prompt angry outbursts. Unless there’s abuse, Dr. May counsels against cutting off family members. In every situation, she recommends open communication and healthy boundaries.

When your extended family gathers for Thanksgiving or Christmas, does it ever become tense or result in cross words or a heated argument at the dinner table? On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. Sharon May explains that we each long to be loved and stay connected with our God-given family, despite the past disappointments we’ve endured. Because families can be messy, she recommends establishing healthy boundaries and following three keys: Choose to be self-reflective, speak with gentle honesty, and ask God to restore the peace.

A Christian wife married to an unbelieving husband has to walk a tightrope. On today’s classic edition of Family Talk, Jo Berry, a favorite guest of Dr. Dobson for many years, shares lessons from her book Beloved Unbeliever: Loving Your Husband into the Faith. On one hand, Jo says a wife should not participate with her husband in any activities prohibited by Scripture such as getting drunk or viewing porn. On the other hand, she warns the Christian wife against flaunting her spirituality, becoming dogmatic, or disrespecting her husband. One thing is indisputable: a wife should not hesitate to disciple the kids in the ways of the Lord.

First Peter 3 counsels Christian wives of unbelieving husbands to win them to the faith through their purity and reverence rather than simply with words. Easier said than done. On today’s edition of Family Talk, the late Jo Berry, who was a lecturer, Bible study teacher, and faithful wife, clarifies that this is not a strict prohibition from ever talking about God or church activities. Berry acknowledges that a wife should not try to nag her husband into Heaven. If she allows her Christian witness to do the "talking," God can use her faithfulness to convert her husband.