Behind The Lens On The “Bad” Brad Berkwitt Show with Guest Bo Gibbs, JR

By Debbie Edwards

Family! No institution offers more support, growth, nurturing, and encouragement as the family unit. And while not all families exemplify this, the ability to do so by encouraging positive behavior, responsibility, offering reassurance, and assisting one another in furthering goals is always present.

As I sat behind the lens of “The “Bad Brad Berkwitt” Show, with guest Bo Gibbs, JR., I got the chance to see a strong family unit in action. Bo is the defending ABA Mid Central Regional Super-middleweight Champion, and sports a record of 14-0, 7 KO’s. He has also fought in close to 100 amateur fights. He was described “As the best super-middleweight prospect coming out of Oklahoma” by Dale “Apollo” Cook, yet what stuck me the most about this interview was the solid family values that this young man holds.

Bo was accompanied by his father, Bo SR., and it was a delight to get a chance to meet them. Their graciousness and love of family impressed me. I usually write about my perspective of interviews behind the lens, but this time, I am writing about my perspective behind the scenes. In talking to Bo SR., he revealed that they are a family of 5, and are strongly rooted in Christianity. This was obvious to me in the manner in which he lovingly spoke of his children. Bo, JR. has accomplished some pretty incredible feats, yet Bo, SR. spoke about all of his children’s accomplishments with the same amount of pride and adoration. Nothing warms my heart more than to see a close family unit where each other’s presence serves as a haven. I am reminded of the scripture in 1 Corinthians 7:14, which says, in part “whereas a united family may, in God’s plan, result in the children’s salvation”. Good job Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, SR..

In closing, I encourage all families, regardless of your size or structure, to nourish one another. Speak words of encouragement to one another and of one another. Strong families build strong communities. Take time to be there for one another and to encourage each other’s dreams and goals. The media is buzzing with stories of people who both excel and fail, and most of the time, support from family is the determining factor. Effort is necessary if we are to succeed. In the words of Bo Gibbs, JR. “Don’t talk about it….. Be about it. ”