Light from Lucas: Lessons in Faith from a Fragile Life by Dr. James Dobson

December 4-6, 2023
Guest: Bob Vander Plaats

Part 1
Some of life’s greatest lessons are born out of seemingly insurmountable circumstances. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson sits down with Bob Vander Plaats to celebrate the life of his son, Lucas, who, despite being born with severe disabilities, brightened the lives of everyone he came in contact with. Though Lucas went home to be with the Lord in 2021, Bob and his wife, Darla, thank God every day for the gift of their son.

Part 2
What if you were told that your newborn child might only have two days, two weeks or two years to live? It would be a real “when God doesn’t make sense” moment that would bring you to ask, “Why me, Lord?” On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson continues his heartfelt conversation with Bob Vander Plaats. He recounts the journey that he and his wife, Darla, went on, raising a baby, then a boy, and finally a young man who was severely disabled and in need of full-time care. No matter the circumstances or obstacles, the Vander Plaats persevered with faith and love, all in an effort to share the “light from Lucas.”

Part 3
According to Bob Vander Plaats, “God’s greatest miracle might be wrapped up in your biggest problem.” On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson concludes his three-part series with Bob, who explains the unique relationship between earthly problems and the Lord’s divine purpose. Bob also describes how God moved in and through his disabled son, Lucas, to bring the most “beautiful chaos” into his and his wife’s lives, as well as that of their other children.