There is no joy for any parent to see their children in a troubled state, but Missy Robertson from "Duck Dynasty" has learned how to become a better person because of her daughter Mia's cleft lip and palate condition.
"I feel much more mature in my faith. We use this verse a lot-Romans 5: 3-4. Paul says in Romans 5 that we should find joy in our suffering. That's like an oxymoron - how can you be happy in your suffering? That doesn't make any sense. But the joy comes through those steps that he talks about. He says we should find joy in our suffering because suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope," she explained during an interview with The Christian Post.
If not for Mia's condition, Missy believes that she would not be the same person she is today. And she believes her husband Jason and other children all feel the same way.
"So, I know that my character has grown, I know that Jason's character has grown. My boys' characters have grown, and I see things in them that would, most likely, not have been in their personality - in their character - had they not had a sister who had some major medical problems in her life," she said. "I can say that I think we're a better family because of it."
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Mia-who had to go from one surgery to another since she was a baby-has become a lively young girl who inspires her family with her zest for life and varied interests, particularly in cheerleading.
"She is flipping everywhere and pushing herself every single day. People are amazed at the accomplishments that she's made," her mother gushed.
Looking back to the past, Missy mentioned that she did not have an easy childbirth with Mia, and she thinks it is one step that prepared them for Mia's condition.
"If that child that I was pregnant with three months before Mia had developed normally, we would have a completely different story in our family. Not that it would be bad - I don't know," she pondered. "Only God knows what that would have been. But I just thank Him for allowing those steps to happen so we could have Mia. I don't believe in coincidences."
Mia's story was featured during an episode of "Duck Dynasty" titled "Stand By Mia," and the overwhelming response and feedback from viewers inspired Missy and Jase to share their struggles in Missy's newly released book "Blessed, Blessed ... Blessed."
"This is not just a book to say, 'Look at us.' This is a book that we can encourage other people and tell them 'you can do this,'" said Missy. "It does not have to be devastating and overwhelming for you. It may feel that way, but hopefully with our example and Mia's inspiration, we can give people that hope."
Meanwhile, the eldest brother Alan Robertson has waddled into politics according to Trail Blazer Blog. Based on the report, Alan endorsed Houston-area Republican Kevin Roberts. Kevin is running for a district in Spring, Texas.
Alan released a statement on Tuesday. "Robert is the kind of man that embodies what our great country was founded on," he said.
