'Duck Dynasty's Missy Robertson on The Secret to Godly Motherhood, How Parenting Strengthens Her Faith

May 12, 2017 09:34 AM EDT

"Duck Dynasty" star Missy Robertson, wife of Jase Robertson, has revealed that motherhood has helped her understand God's love for her in a very real way -- especially after watching her daughter, Mia, go through five surgeries over 10 years due to a cleft lip and palate.

In an interview the Daily-Journal just ahead of Mother's Day, Missy shared how her role as a mother parallels her Christian faith.

"Being a mother is wonderful," she said. "It's helped me understand my Father's love for me. Even though he lets us go through struggles, I understand more now that they help us grow in our dependence and gratitude for him and his ultimate sacrifice. This life is not about me. It's about Jesus."

Missy, the daughter of a pastor, certainly speaks from personal experience: In 2003, Mia, the Robertsons' only daughter, was born with a cleft lip and palate, requiring numerous surgeries from the time she was just 3 months old. Mia's last surgery took place in 2015.

To raise awareness and help children with similar problems, the Robertsons formed the Mia Moo Fund, whose slogan is "Because Every Kid Deserves A Smile,"

In addition to Mia, Missy is also the mother of Reed and Cole. She told the outlet her children are her "biggest success" as said she's thankful God entrusted her with "three beautiful souls...to raise and point toward him."

"I pray every day they keep on his path," she said. "I could not be more proud of each of them. They have surpassed every one of my dreams for them. They all work hard, are kind and inclusive of all people around them. Most importantly ... they understand that without Jesus, we are nothing. They also understand that they have and will mess up, but that they can go to their Father in heaven and their parents on earth for forgiveness and understanding. Success!"

In a 2014 interview with The Gospel Herald, Missy further shared how she and Jase encourage their children to walk with the Lord

"We try to make it a daily part of our lives," she said. "It's not just 'Go to church on Sunday and on Wednesday, if you're not too busy or not too tired.' A lot of families that we know of do that, and then they're surprised when their children don't choose to live like Jesus wants them to - you know, it's not integrated into their lives on a daily basis."

She added that while she and Jase "are not perfect parents at all", they strive to model a godly example for their children.

"We don't always succeed because of our selfishness, and selfish desires sometimes get in the way," she admitted. "But I think our kids know...that their parents try to walk with the Lord every day."

She added, "I think it's important for them to understand that you have to be the same on Monday as you are on Sunday, and the same on Saturday night as you are going to be the next morning at church. I think that's the main thing - just to be real, really real to your kids. That's not just a cliché, but really try to do it."