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The Good, the Bad, and the Grace of God: What Honesty and Pain Taught Us About Faith, Family, and Forgiveness

Review

The Good, the Bad, and the Grace of God: What Honesty and Pain Taught Us About Faith, Family, and Forgiveness

There’s no doubt that the Robertson clan has created a prosperous business for themselves with their famous duck calls. And due to their “Duck Dynasty” success, they are certainly considered a “celebrity” family in the entertainment industry. However, the Robertsons seem to be the least “star-motivated” personalities on television today. Instead of highlighting their fame and fortune, they focus on more important things, like family and faith. Are they perfect? Hardly. But their gratefulness and love for each other and for God are what drives their success. America has fallen in love with this quirky and self-proclaimed redneck clan that doesn’t apologize for or compromise their values for Hollywood’s sake.

Jep is the youngest son of Phil and Kay Robertson, and possesses the same trademark beard, love for hunting and heart for God. But he has struggled with the same things we all do, such as rebellion, addictions and finding his place in the world. Naturally, though, the challenges he faced, as well as the consequences for bad choices he made over the years, helped shape him into the man he is today.

"Like their television show, the stories in this book contain humor, humbleness, honesty and a ton of heart. The transparency is refreshing, the insight profound, and the takeaways priceless."

Jessica Stickland grew up with issues of her own. A people-pleaser, she dealt with immense insecurities and strongholds that took her down a not-so-straight-and-narrow road. She met Jep at a rather rebellious time in her life, and they embarked on a whirlwind summer romance that led to Jep proposing three months later. A few months after that, their first child was born.

Now, in their book, THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE GRACE OF GOD, Jep and Jessica talk about their childhoods, how they met, and the numerous challenges they’ve faced over the years --- personally and with their marriage. They openly share those trials that could have destroyed them, yet somehow brought them to a deeper love for each other and God, and a stronger marriage than they ever could have imagined.

Chapters alternate between the perspectives of Jep and Jessica. Each gives readers a peek into their lives, fears, hopes and dreams, and the fascinating journey they’ve taken through the years. Both reveal secrets from their past that caused immense pain and held them back. Sexual temptation, alcohol and drug use, eating disorders, divorce and dangerous living are all addressed. There is no judgment…only a real look at the consequences of the choices we make. More importantly, though, readers are reminded of the beauty and healing that can come from those mistakes.

Fans of “Duck Dynasty” will relish the magnified look into the life of the Robertsons, including a section with color photos of the family. Like their television show, the stories in this book contain humor, humbleness, honesty and a ton of heart. The transparency is refreshing, the insight profound, and the takeaways priceless. Perhaps the greatest message offered is that no matter how bad our choices are or how big a mess we make of our lives, nothing is ever too big for God, and forgiveness is one prayer away.

Jep and Jessica Robertson have learned a thing or 20 along the way, and they present their insight and wisdom in a very relatable way. As the title indicates, Jep and Jessica have been through more than their share of the good and bad. But, most importantly, they have experienced firsthand the infinite and powerful grace of God. Their story will certainly inspire and encourage readers in their own faith walk.

Reviewed by Lynda Lee Schab on August 27, 2015

The Good, the Bad, and the Grace of God: What Honesty and Pain Taught Us About Faith, Family, and Forgiveness
written by Jep Robertson and Jessica Robertson, with Susy Flory

  • Publication Date: June 23, 2015
  • Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction
  • Hardcover: 240 pages
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishing
  • ISBN-10: 0718031482
  • ISBN-13: 9780718031480