“Happy, Happy, Happy”

Happy Monday to our CFC Family!

Some of you may have heard by now about the passing of Phil Robertson, who went home to be with the Lord yesterday after a brief period of declining health. For those who may not be familiar with the name, Phil was the patriarch of the Robertson family, who were known for their rugged lifestyle, unwavering Christian faith, and their successful business, “Duck Commander,” which produces duck calls. That family business eventually became the centerpiece of a hit reality show that aired from 2012 to 2017 and drew millions of viewers called, “Duck Dynasty.”

The show captivated audiences with its humor, southern charm, and strong family values. Many even credit the rise in the popularity of long beards to the influence of Dynasty show. Yet beyond the laughs, duck calls, and Louisiana swamp life, what stood out the most was the family’s bold, public witness for Christ—especially Phil’s.

Despite being featured on a mainstream network, Phil revealed in interviews that producers often pressured the family to stage conflicts and insert “bleeped-out” profanity to give the show a more “realistic” feel. When the family refused—insisting that this wasn’t how they actually lived or spoke—the producers still tried adding fake bleeps. Phil quickly put a stop to it, and the phony edits were removed.

One of his firmest convictions was that each episode should end with a family prayer around the dinner table—and that the prayer would conclude in Jesus’ name.  Again, even though producers initially pushed back, Phil stood his ground, and the prayers stayed.

At the height of the show’s success, in 2013 Phil was briefly removed from the show due to controversial comments he made about his Christian beliefs during a public interview. But following widespread support and public outcry, he was reinstated—without being asked to compromise his convictions.

Born in 1946 in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil grew up poor, learning to hunt, fish, and live off the land. He was a gifted athlete and played college football, even starting ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw at Louisiana Tech. But he walked away from a potential professional career to follow a different path. Reflecting on that choice, Phil once said, “Some guys followed the bucks, but I decided to follow the ducks”— a decision he believed helped save both his marriage and his soul.

Phil’s early adult years were marked by rebellion. Heavy drinking, partying, and infidelity deeply wounded his family, especially his wife, Kay (“Miss Kay”). But in the early 1970s, everything changed. After Kay sought help, Phil reluctantly agreed to meet with a preacher. Though resistant at first, he was eventually broken by the gospel message of grace, forgiveness, and redemption through Jesus Christ. He repented, was baptized, and began a new life. He turned away from his destructive lifestyle, began rebuilding his family, and dedicated himself to studying Scripture and preaching the Word.

Even as fame and fortune came, Phil and his family never lost touch with their roots or their convictions. They remained grounded in Christ, boldly sharing their faith at every opportunity.

One of Phil’s most well-known catchphrases from the show was “Happy, Happy, Happy.” While many embraced it as lighthearted humor, those who knew Phil understood that his true happiness didn’t come from duck calls, TV fame, or success—it came from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His joy was the result of a transformed heart and a life anchored in God’s grace.

In a world constantly pressuring us to compromise, to soften our stance, or to stay silent altogether, I believe God is still looking for men and women like Phil. People who are willing to stand up for Jesus, even when it costs them.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:32-33, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”

On this day when we remember a great man of faith, may Phil Robertson’s life serve as a reminder that it is possible to live boldly for Christ—even in the public eye, even when the world around you says you can’t. May we have the same courage, the same conviction, and the same unshakable faith.

Stay close to Jesus. Even though the world may press in on all sides, stay close to Jesus, because He is really the most important thing worth standing for. And may you, like Phil, choose a life of joy that flows from knowing Christ. A joy that’s real, rooted, and contagious. A joy that makes others wonder what’s different about you.

A life that really is the only thing that can make you;  

“Happy, Happy, Happy!”

            Have a blessed week and we’ll see you next Sunday!

Christian Fellowship Church

417 Hanover Street

Steinbach, MB R5G 0G0

Church Office: 204-326-2228

http://christianfellowshipchurch.ca

daniel.krebs@steinbachcfc.org

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