This past weekend, we lost a legend. Phil Robertson - the bearded patriarch of Duck Dynasty, a man who made duck calls, grilled frogs, and prayed over every episode, went home to Jesus.
I’ll be honest: my wife and I binge-watched every episode of Duck Dynasty like it was our job. And not just once. We watched it enough times to know when Uncle Si was about to say something off the rails and when Jase was about to roll his eyes. But at the center of all the camo and craziness was Phil. Steady, grounded, and never afraid to speak the truth, even if it made the network nervous.
He was an amazing man of God. A former wild man turned Jesus follower, Phil’s story wasn’t polished or pretty, it was redeemed. And that’s what made him powerful. He didn’t just believe the Bible; he lived it. He led his family by faith, preached the Gospel without watering it down, and wrapped every episode with what most reality shows try to avoid like the plague: a family dinner and a prayer.
That’s what stuck with me.
In a world where families are falling apart, Phil showed us that faith and family go hand in hand. He didn’t need lights, scripts, or applause, just his Bible, his family, and maybe a duck blind. He reminded me that masculinity isn’t about being loud or bossy; it’s about being bold in faith, humble in heart, and steady in stormy waters.
Now, I know some folks wrote them off as just another reality TV family with long beards and southern drawls. But if you watched closely, you saw men who prayed, women who loved fiercely, and kids being raised to know the Lord.
That’s rare these days.
And here’s the thing: Phil wasn’t perfect. But he was faithful. And that’s a legacy worth celebrating.
So today, I’m thankful for the laughs, the frog cookouts, the awkward Si rants, and the constant reminder that God can use anyone, beards, flaws, and all.
Rest in peace, Phil. You finished the race. And I imagine heaven just got a little rowdier… and probably smells like smoked duck.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." —Joshua 24:15
