Dear Friend:
As we continue celebrating the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute’s 15th anniversary, July seems like the perfect time to remember our humble beginnings and ponder how things have changed. It’s also the month we celebrate America’s birthday and independence, having risen from a meager beginning to a mighty nation.
Challenges for the Journey
Remembering JDFI’s own humble origin 15 years ago, it’s a miracle that we survived. Time fails me to tell of the many times that prayer alone allowed us to continue, but it’s exciting to remember how often the Lord worked on our behalf in unexpected ways.
That was an era when the world felt simpler, and we’d innocently watch Independence Day fireworks light up the night sky, gather with family for a barbecue, honor our country, and salute the flag of the United States of America.
Now things are much more complex just about everywhere we look. Social media, a rising force when we began JDFI, is now dominant in the majority of American lives, and artificial intelligence (AI) is not far behind. These are truly modern wonders. Extended families can easily stay connected across any amount of geographic distance, and learning new facts and trends is just a click away. We’re now “informed” about every subject at lightning speed.
But our enemy, who goes about as a roaring lion seeking to deceive and devour (1 Peter 5:8), twists these tools to destroy the very safety and innocence we once cherished.
We now face threats to our freedom and to the values of our Founding Fathers that are no longer limited to external forces and governments. They’ve found their way directly into our homes, cars, and pockets through the ubiquitous daily apps we use. They promise connectivity and information while secretly exposing our families to harmful images and ideologies that undermine the biblical foundation that many heroes fought to establish—and that we strive to uphold.
The more things change, the more they remain the same, as the old adage goes. Satan twisted even paradise into a punishment as he tempted Eve with “secret” knowledge (Genesis 3:5). And let’s not fail to recognize that Adam did nothing to stop this evil. Instead, he chose to go along with it (Genesis 3:7).
The effects of harmful ideologies are on full display. America is being rocked with violence and riots driven by those who believe our country is not a sovereign nation founded on biblical principles with the obligation to defend its borders and citizens. Protestors scream that America is not good and never has been, and it’s unrighteous to enforce boundaries or borders. Yet they ignore the biblical principles that integrate boundaries and mercy.
Moses instructed the Jewish people that, “Cursed is anyone who moves their neighbor’s boundary stone” (Deuteronomy 27:17, ESV), and afterwards he instructed them, “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow” (Deuteronomy 27:19, ESV). We learn from these Scriptures that while we are to help the foreigner, it’s not merciful or right to steal from a neighbor to do so. Boundaries and borders matter.
Defending Freedom
One of our callings at JDFI is:
To encourage respect for the American founding, its Constitution, the role of judges to interpret and not to make law, and the free enterprise system.
Can there be a better time than July to renew our commitment to this JDFI distinctive? You will hear it in many of our dynamic broadcast interviews this month.
We are excitedly looking ahead to another special anniversary in 2026 when our country will celebrate its 250th anniversary of our independence. Now more than ever, we are reminded of the enduring importance of these founding principles. President Ronald Reagan rightly said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” 1
These words resonate more loudly than ever as families and our nation wrestle with false narratives and dangerous ideologies that seem to circle the globe and ignite violence at warp speed. And JDFI is answering the call.
Our Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Gary Bauer, who served in the Reagan administration, represents our biblical perspectives on policy issues in the nation’s capital every day. You can stay up to date on these issues by listening to Gary’s podcast, “Defending Faith, Family, and Freedom,” along with his weekly articles.
Facing the Challenges in Social Media
So what are we to do? It’s tempting to run from social media, AI, and other new technologies in an attempt to steer clear of some of the very real and immoral threats. But by avoiding the bad, we also avoid the good.
JDFI is compelled to utilize these same technologies for worthy purposes—to bring the gospel and practical biblical principles to a society in desperate need. As the Apostle Paul admonishes:
To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings (1 Corinthians 9:22-23, ESV).
Through our increasing social media presence, we are reaching families at their points of need with biblical guidance, encouragement, and resources to navigate these complex and uncertain times. Our content on various platforms is designed to counteract negative influences with positive faith-based messages, and we are committed to using these tools to strengthen families, just as we have for the past 15 years through our broadcast interviews and publications.
Thank You for Your Support
As we celebrate this month, we honor the sacrifices so many have made for our country’s independence. We also commit to protecting the legacy of faith, family, and freedom for future generations. “As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.” 2
Thank you for your continuing support. It is crucial for our mission. By engaging with our content, sharing it with others, and contributing to our ministry, you are helping us extend our reach and amplify our impact.
God’s blessings to you, and may He continue to bless America!
James C. Dobson, Ph.D.
Founder Chairman
James Dobson Family Institute
P.S. Please make a special effort to listen to our broadcasts this month as we celebrate our nation. And stay tuned for more updates and inspiring content coming soon!
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1 https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/january-5-1967-inaugural-address-public-ceremony
2 https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1986/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19861130_perth-australia.html
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