Standing Up, Standing Out

Posted on November 1, 2007 
Filed Under Dr. Dobson's Broadcast, Life, Social Issues

magellan-photo.jpg

He faced many difficulties and failures, the types of circumstances that would have stopped lesser men.

Whatever happened, Magellan’s response was always, “Sail on, sail on!” “He never flinched. It was always, “Sail on, sail on!

That line is from a book by Os Guinness, The Call. In this excellent treatment of God’s will and His call on our lives, the author references the power of being laser-focused on the right things:

Magellan’s character was far from perfect…but in his single-mindedness, his unflinching conviction, his resolute indifference either to approval or rejection, and his stubborn defiance of discouragement, defeat, and death, Magellan demonstrated the fortitude of a life in focus.

I think the world is hungry for men like this: Men - and women - who adhere to principle no matter what circumstances occur, no matter what worldly pressures come to bear. An individual who speaks the truth unflinchingly, regardless of the criticism leveled at him. A person of such conviction that nothing – nothing! – can move them from their course.

In the 16 years I’ve known and worked for Dr. Dobson, I’ve seen him “up close and personal.” I’ve had the privilege of joining him in the studio for over six years now and we’ve had many casual conversations. With those opportunities to see him in various settings, I feel pretty qualified to offer an opinion about the man. When people ask me about the “real Dr. Dobson,” I tell them that he is indeed the person he seems to be on the radio: warm, very intelligent, insightful, engaging, funny, principled and unwavering in his commitment to the cause of Christ.

It seems to me that Dr. Dobson has the respect of so many worldwide because he has zeroed in on eternal truths that do not change, and he has consistently adhered to those values. He has refused to bend in the wind of political expediency or pragmatism.

He has taken some criticism for such dedication to his beliefs. On two very important days of radio programming, Dr. Dobson spoke from his heart to remind both supporters and critics that he isn’t going to change who he is. He remain true to his theology, his values, his conscience.

The audience really responded to that address, and I think you will too when you listen.

People respond so positively to Dr. Dobson because the world wants to see and to follow men who are single-minded in their convictions.

Those men are often right, even if nobody else believes.

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