OPINION:
It’s rare that a person’s death sparks widespread reaction and emotion, but the loss of “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson has certainly transcended the norm.
Influencers, actors, pastors and even Christian brands are posting tributes, photos with Mr. Robertson and stories about the profound impact the famed duck hunter had on their lives.
See, the Robertsons have always been far more than reality TV stars. They’re encouragers, Jesus-followers and examples of what it means to live out authentic faith in a confused and confounded age. And they’ve never been ashamed of the Gospel.
Mr. Robertson, the family patriarch who was struggling with Alzheimer’s and other issues before his death, was the centerpiece of the family — the proverbial glue who helped infuse truth into multiple generations of his brood. The fruits of that effort continue to pay off.
Even the way the Robertsons announced his death pointed to their deep reliance on the Almighty. The family statement wasn’t showered with lament. Instead, it was a celebration of their belief that the beloved patriarch is “now with the Lord.”
“[Phil Robertson] reminded us often of the words of Paul, ‘You do not grieve like those who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him,’” the statement proclaimed.
With that in mind, it’s hard to overemphasize the impact Mr. Robertson has had on pop culture and the Christian space. As many reflect on his life, it’s essential to explore some of the most important lessons with which he left us.
First and foremost, Mr. Robertson kept his faith first, even amid wild success in Hollywood. When “Duck Dynasty” became a meteoric hit and the most-watched nonfiction cable series ever after its 2012 launch, he never lost touch with what mattered most.
He traveled, spoke about his Christian faith and shared his journey from alcoholism and torment to finding hope in God. Humility was Mr. Robertson’s posture. In fact, he told The Christian Post in 2013 that he had decided not to cling to temporal things.
“Fame is rather fleeting, as you know, or should know. Money can come and go, and fame comes and goes,” he said. “Peace of mind and a relationship with God is far more important, so this is the precedent that we’ve set in our lives.
“The bottom line is, we all die, so Jesus is the answer. Many have told me through the years: ’I think I’ll take my chances without Jesus.’ And I always come back and say, ’so what chance is that?’”
The lessons abound from there. Mr. Robertson and his family have opened up their lives in ways many other well-known celebrities would typically avoid. This was particularly true when it came to past pain and transformation surrounding Mr. Robertson’s own life story.
The first few decades of his existence were characterized by alcoholism, sex and chaos — to the point where his life was spinning out of control. He almost lost his marriage to his wife, Kay, and was on a dark path with no clear offramp.
Kay Robertson once told me it was so bad before her husband found Jesus that she described him as having “devil qualities.” Mr. Robertson, who never pushed back on these descriptions, agreed he was a “drunkard and a heathen.”
But an encounter with God changed everything, restored his family and set Mr. Robertson on the path toward creating duck calls and a launchpad for what eventually became “Duck Dynasty.”
“You can only run the sex, drugs, rock ‘n roll so far,” Mr. Robertson said in a 2013 “I Am Second” video. “It’s only when you meet Jesus and you look back at where you were that you end up saying things like, ‘What was I thinking?’”
And Mr. Robertson has lived out this faith. Much of his kindness has extended from loving God to loving others. He once told Fox News he has devoted his life to assisting those in need.
“[My wife and I] go to them. The rehabs. The prisons. The downtrodden. The ones that no one would give a hoot about. The homeless,” he said. “When we meet together we have food. We meet together on Sunday mornings. … People who sleep under bridges can come in. [And we] get them a good meal. … [It’s] all God’s children coming together.”
Mr. Robertson added that “God speaks through his people” and encouraged others to love God and their neighbors.
And, finally, Mr. Robertson lived with boldness. When he had a chance to meet with then-candidate Donald J. Trump before the 2016 presidential election, he didn’t focus on power or the presidency. Instead, he took out a paper and started drawing pictures to help Mr. Trump visualize Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and resurrection.
“[I discussed] God becoming flesh … dying for the sins of the world, and, in his case, I said, ‘Dying for your sins, Donald, all of them, I figure there’s a lot — what do you think?’” Mr. Robertson told me years ago. “He didn’t disagree with me.”
These lessons were highlighted in a powerful statement I received from Mr. Robertson’s eldest son, Al, who has pledged to help carry on his father’s legacy.
“I feel joyful, and even relieved, that he no longer suffers from a terrible, mind-destroying disease known as Alzheimer’s,” he said. “I am also humbled to keep his legacy going to reach as many people as possible with the saving grace of Jesus Christ’s coming to earth, death, burial, resurrection and ascension.”
Al Robertson concluded: “As he told me over and over in my life, especially the last few years, ‘Al, the resurrection looms larger every day for us all.’ Indeed it does Dad, indeed it does.”
Pray for the Robertsons as they mourn the loss of a true giant of the faith and let’s all ponder the ways we can learn from Mr. Robertson’s example.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Mr. Hallowell is the author of four books.
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