'Duck Dynasty' Stars Give House to Family in Need, Phil Robertson Breaks Down in Tears
In light of Christmastime, "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson and his family bought a house for a family in need at their church recently.
During a special Christmas-themed episode, the 68-year-old patriarch announced that his family would be providing a home for an old family friend this season. First, Phil's son Willie shed light on the 40-year friendship between his family and the Lewis's – an African-American family that attends their church.
"I thought we could be the secret Santa and get a special gift for a special person," Willie said as the Roberton family opens Christmas gifts during the episode, entitled "A Home for the Holidays."
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Willie, who is the CEO of the family business Duck Commander, explained that he and Paul Lewis were best friends growing up. It turns out that Paul's mother is aging, the family fell on hard times financially, and their home was in disrepair.
"I thought that we could give Paul's mom a new home," he told the Robertson family who immediately began applauding. "Christmas is all about giving, and what better way to celebrate than giving a family something that means so much to us."
The family agreed to keep the gift a secret until the house was completed and was ready to be revealed to the Lewis family. After working together to install the home from Clayton Homes, which came with a deck and Christmas décor, the entire Robertson family gathered to present it to the Lewis family.
"I must have died and went to heaven," Mrs. Lewis said through tears.
Adding to the emotional moment, Phil Robertson began a prayer to welcome Mrs. Lewis into her new home before breaking down into tears.
"Father we just give you a great big thank you," the patriarch said before readjusting his glasses and wiping away tears, overcome with emotion.
After a brief pause to gather his thoughts, Phil acknowledged that he rarely breaks down emotionally. Furthermore, the Duck Commander founder pointed to the racial unrest in the U.S. today.
"Father as you know probably, I don't cry that much," he said. "We love you father and we know you love us. Help us to love you more Father each day as we love each other so all will see that we are one. Thank you for the rest of this day. In Jesus name I pray, amen."
"Loving God and loving your neighbor are the two greatest commandments in the Bible," Phil later told the camera toward the end of the episode. "Really that's what Christmas is all about. It's a good feeling."
Watch Phil's prayer on YouTube here.
