While I have been a fan of Duck Dynasty from the beginning, I haven't always been the biggest fan of Jep and Jessica Robertson. At time on the show they come across as spoiled liltle brats. That view has changed, however since I have had a chance to hear their story in their book, "The Good, the Bad and the Grace of God." Using an alternating format, Jep and Jessica tell the story of growing up, getting into trouble and getting together by the grace of God. Both are extremely honest in facing their past mistakes and showing how the forgiveness of God not only saved their souls, but also their lives and relationships. The struggles they share are ones that most young people can relate too, the desire to be popular, the drive to succeed and the dangers of falling in with the wrong crowd. Special attention is given to the deception and danger of sexual sins; including molestation, promiscuity, and pornography. But through many dangers, toils and snares; Jep and Jessica show the triumph of faith, forgiveness and family. I have a greater appreciation for them and for God's grace in this snapshot of their life journey so far. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Duck Dynasty and its characters, but more so for anyone who is struggling with their past mistakes and is longing for the freedom found in God's forgiving grace.

I will start out by saying my family and I used to LOVE to watch Duck Dynasty! Somehow though, the shows began to appear a bit staged and not as real, and we haven't kept up with the new shows this past year. I still like them and love their sense of family! I especially love their openness and willingness to share their love of God in a country that seemingly no longer believes a Christian has any right to speak their religious views.

As I sit here in my Duck Commander shirt, I have to say, I absolutely loved this story and couldn't seem to put it down. My attention was immediately captured by the realness of their lives. Their backgrounds, their childhood, and their trials. Wow, how very similar to many people across the nation.

Something I've tried to tell myself, and try to teach my kids, is that you can't compare your life to a snapshot of someone else's life. We tend to get so down in the dumps thinking our lives stink and we don't have this or don't have that because we've compared our lives to a picture of an actor/actress or neighbor down the street or fellow church member taking a vacation on a beautiful, remote island in the Caribbean! It's not how it is! Life is hard, everyone is different! For me, Jep and Jessica's story exemplified that point to a T! When we see them on TV, after hours of shooting, hours of editing, of course their lives look perfect and they may come across as Bible thumping goody two shoes! BUT, when you read their stories, you realize, they're just like you and me!

"You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful. - Amy Bloom" I absolutely LOVED this quote from the book! How true! We are all flawed, but with the grace of God, we are forgiven, and BEAUTIFUL!