Devotionals by Dr. James Dobson
A Successful Mom
“Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water.”
Ezekiel 19:10
My mother was a very strong woman when she was young. It was only through her wisdom and devotion that I survived the emotional pressures of my early childhood.
To keep her family fed, Mom found a job at a fish cannery. She was required to work unpredictable hours; many times she would be called at three or four in the morning. I marveled at her ability to hold a job and do the shopping, cooking, housekeeping, and laundry under such stressful circumstances.
Despite the difficulties, Mom was tremendously successful in the two areas of parenting that matter most. First, she convinced my brother and me that she loved us. Second, even though she was not a practicing Christian, she understood that attending the local evangelical church was important for her children. Mom would not go with us (Sunday was her “catch-up” day), but she insisted that my brother and I get involved. She pulled back the blankets every Sunday morning and ordered us to get ready for church. We often complained and moaned, but to no avail. Now I am so thankful for her insistence. It was in that little neighborhood church that I was introduced to Jesus Christ and eventually invited Him into my heart. A few years later, Mom came to know Him, too.
You may be facing your own difficult circumstances as a mother right now. Perhaps your kids’ childhoods aren’t turning out the way you’d planned. But don’t worry about achieving perfection as you raise your children. Cast your “anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7) and your kids. Show your children your love and teach them to love the Lord. A mother who accomplishes that is doing just fine. -Shirley M. Dobson
Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com. For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.
This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
About Family Talk
Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of Family Talk, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.
Dr. Dobson's flagship program, "Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,300 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions of people each month.
About Dr. James Dobson
Dr. James Dobson is the Founder and President of Family Talk, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, "Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk." He is the author of more than 30 books dedicated to the preservation of the family, including The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Marriage Under Fire, Bringing Up Girls, Head Over Heels and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift.
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. He has been active in governmental affairs and has advised five U.S. presidents on family matters. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development. He holds 17 honorary doctoral degrees, and was inducted in 2008 into The National Radio Hall of Fame. Dr. Dobson recently received the following awards: Winston Churchill Lifetime Achievement Award from the Faith & Freedom Coalition (2017), Daniel Award from AZ Christian University (2016), and the Defender of Life Award from the Justice Foundation (2015).
Dr. Dobson is married to Shirley and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren. The Dobsons reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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