The Robertson family is synonymous with beards. Walk through any airport with the men of this family, affectionately known as “the beards,” and you’ll quickly understand the stir they cause. For John Luke Robertson, growing up, beards were simply a family trait, a rite of passage. Before the phenomenon of Duck Dynasty, the beard was just a beard, something you grew when you were old enough to cultivate a respectable one, free from ridicule. Yet, as his family will tell you, there’s more to a beard than meets the eye. His Papaw Phil, for instance, swears by the insulating properties of a beard, perfect for keeping warm and camouflaged during duck hunts, and a natural lip balm against winter’s harshness.
However, to define the men in John Luke’s family solely by their beards would be a disservice. They are a collective of creative, intelligent, kind, and supportive individuals, qualities far more significant than facial hair. John Luke acknowledges his blessing of being raised in such a strong family unit. Both sides of his lineage are filled with accomplished men and women. His Papaw Phil’s vision in the seventies laid the foundation for Duck Commander. His father then expanded this vision, propelling the company to its current stature, with his mother being an integral part of the business from the start. On his mother’s side, his grandfather, John Howard, and great-grandfather, Alton Howard, built a chain of discount stores that eventually transitioned into SAM’S Club stores, sold to Sam Walton. Later, his grandfather ventured into Christian publishing, establishing Howard Publishing. John Luke’s childhood was immersed in the industrious environments of both the duck call business and the publishing house, witnessing firsthand the power of dedication.
It would have been easy for John Luke to rest on the laurels of his family’s hard-won success. By the time he was born, the foundational struggles of these businesses were largely overcome. His grandparents had navigated the lean years, fueled by big dreams and little else. Papaw Phil and Mamaw Kay often recounted tales of survival, sometimes relying solely on the day’s catch to feed their growing family. But their perseverance transformed their circumstances, creating a legacy of success that John Luke and his generation inherited.
A pivotal moment arrived for a young John Luke at a summer Christian camp. During his last year as a camper, a pastor posed a life-altering question: “What do you want to do with your life?” It was a question he’d likely heard before, but this time, it resonated deeply. He immediately began journaling, first acknowledging his blessings – a loving family, the burgeoning success of their TV show, Duck Dynasty, and basic comforts.
Then came the crucial follow-up: “What do I do with all of this?” This question sparked a profound realization. John Luke understood he couldn’t simply be a passive recipient of his family’s achievements. He couldn’t stand still while others shaped the world. He recognized a responsibility to emulate the drive he had witnessed, to dream audaciously and work diligently towards his own aspirations.
At that same camp, the pastor challenged the attendees to choose a life verse. John Luke selected Ephesians 1:18: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” The word “inheritance” resonated powerfully, given the significant legacy he was born into. However, he felt a strong pull not just to be grateful for this inheritance, but to actively pursue the first part of the verse – to discern and fulfill God’s calling for his life.
Being “young and beardless,” as he puts it, signifies a journey of continuous learning, growth, and discovery of his life’s purpose. While growing a beard might be a humorous nod to his family tradition, it’s the potential for personal growth that truly captivates him. His life’s journey, though perhaps still in its early stages, is brimming with potential. John Luke Robertson understands that his story is still unfolding, and he remains attentive and receptive to the path God has laid out for him.
