It is with a heavy heart that I write today's Prayer Alert. The past few weeks have seen monumental losses for men and women of faith. Two of our leaders are no longer among us.
 
A few weeks ago, the founder of the James Dobson Family Institute and our dear friend, Jim Dobson, left the bounds of this earth to be welcomed into the arms of his Savior. Jim had lived a full life, befriending and advising presidents, communicating daily with millions through his radio shows and highlighting the importance of biblical-based marriages and parenting through 36 books, speeches and video presentations. 
 
In his early professional years, he stepped out in faith beyond his private practice to use his wide-ranging skills to mold and guide American families. I recently heard an apt statement describing the impact of Billy Graham and Jim Dobson. Billy Graham brought hundreds of millions into the family of God … and Jim Dobson served as a voice of calm, reason, humor and loving strength to those families now seeking to live out Godly marriages, family formation and development. 
 
Jim worked hand in glove over the decades with his Washington partner, Gary, on their shared goal to strengthen the American family as ordained by God. What a remarkable life he lived! Now he has heard the words we all long to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Rest in peace, friend.
 

Please pray for Jim's beloved wife, Shirley, and their children, Danae and Ryan and his family. They have lost the rock in their lives. Ask God to comfort them, wipe away their tears and steel them for the days ahead as thousands upon thousands honor Jim's legacy. 

May the knowledge of Jim's broad and continuing influence on the American family be a soothing balm to their souls. Ask the Lord to light their way in the weeks and months ahead as they each carve a new path absent Jim.
 


While we mourn Jim Dobson's passing, it was not unexpected. However, just last week an amazing young Christian leader, Charlie Kirk, was struck down in the prime of his life by a leftist assassin.

Charlie Kirk had a unique voice and impact on young people that even now is hard to quantify. How many of us have only learned after his death that young people, particularly young men, far and wide were listening to him? 
 
His intellect, bravery, good cheer, debating smarts and work ethic were legendary. He challenged young people to question, dig deep, believe in themselves and believe in the God who created them and His son, Jesus, who died for them. 
 
He explained with kindness and depth that there are eternal truths and that a life built on Jesus and His teachings would be fulfilling, positive and impactful. He felt the pulse of today's young people who are searching for meaning and he guided them toward his Savior. 
 
Jim Dobson recognized the unique role of Charlie and, in fact, asked him to speak at two large JDFI events in the past three years. On a personal note, after one speech Charlie looked at Gary and said, "You're a hero of the movement." Those words spoken to Gary, who has been on the front lines fighting for our shared values for decades, were a special moment.
 

Heavenly Father, the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk with his family in the audience, is seared in the minds of millions upon millions. This young man spent his life expressing his love for You and encouraged so many to begin their own journey of faith. 
 
Lord, we are already seeing the fruits of his work as many youths are being drawn to the family of God. Strengthen our church leadership teams so they are ready and worthy of incorporating those people, now called "the Charlie effect," into their body of believers. 
 
Dear Jesus, wrap your arms around his young widow, Erika, and their two small children. Give them the peace of knowing where Charlie is for eternity. Bring the right family and friends into their lives who can in some small part fill the enormous void left by Charlie. Shower them with your love.
 


It feels like our country is at an inflection point, a moment we will look back on as a marker which presages a future that has yet to unfold. To me, it feels similar to the aftermath of the JFK assassination. Too many among us do not share the values of our Founders and those of us calling for a speedy return to those founding principles. 
 
We live in our separate political bubbles, have little interaction with those who think differently, and have the option to rant anonymously and dangerously on social media. Frighteningly, huge chunks of young people are willing to resort to violence to shut down voices with which they disagree. So many of our differences are so stark that a "middle ground" does not exist. The chances of coming together seem so remote right now. 
 

Lord, walk with us through these tumultuous days. Whisper to us that You are always by our side. Encourage us, challenge us, grant us bravery and insight for the days ahead. Guide the leadership voices of our country. In these days of uncertainty, gird your Church to be the voice it was meant to be in times of trouble. May You find us faithful.