Duggar Family Statement
August 26, 2015
We are so thankful for the outpouring of love, care and prayers for our family during this most difficult situation with Josh. As parents we are so deeply grieved by our son’s decisions and actions. His wrong choices have deeply hurt his precious wife and children and have negatively affected so many others. He has also brought great insult to the values and faith we hold dear. Yesterday Josh checked himself into a long-term treatment center. For him it will be a long journey toward wholeness and recovery. We pray that in this he comes to complete repentance and sincere change. In the meantime, we will be offering our love, care and devoted support to Anna and our grandchildren as she also receives counsel and help for her own heart and future. During this time we continue to look to God—He is our rock and comfort. We ask for your continued prayers for our entire family.
Comments 1-5 of 12
Tina Leah Brown
11/23/2015 01:29 PM
Michelle and Jim Bob we, my family, just wanted to let you know that we miss you and your family, you are all so inspiring and are just lovely people. We are so sorry for your pain from the recent events. We send our love and you are all in our prayers and we know that the Lord will bless you and help you all.
Take care.
Diane Couch
11/21/2015 06:47 PM
I'm so heartbroken for your family. I truly miss each and every one of you. Many prayers for all of you during this trying time. I'm excited to see the girls back on next month. Nobody is perfect nobody! Keep your sweet family close and continue to love and support each other. And I'm sorry but I don't think that "Missouri Fan" should be giving medical advice. They need to stick to being an Attorney. You're not a doctor. Continued prayers
Missouri Fan
11/19/2015 03:43 PM
I read the recent petition against Josh through the Pennsylvania court system (see end of message for link info). As a lawyer myself, I am perplexed by this petition. However, I am troubled with the news that Josh urgently left his faith-based healing center. The timing appears like he is "dodging service" since the suit was only filed on November 17, 2015.
I am a huge fan of your show and I understand Josh needs support and I have no negative comments about using faith as part of that solution. However, I believe Josh has issues and concerns which require medical intervention and assessment along with faith-based support. You have never represented the family as Christian Scientists (they are opposed to all non-faith based medical support).
There is clearly some sort of pathological depression combined with some other mental health issues causing Josh to have an altered sense of right and wrong. Ignoring it or praying for it to self-correct only delays Josh from getting the relief and help he needs medically too.
I know your family pays no attention to the media, but a famous star known for prolific sex with prostitutes and others came out as having HIV yesterday. (The actor is Charlie Sheen). Josh is alleged to have had several encounters with paid partners while using no STD protection. Therefore, Josh made impulsive decisions which placed his life and Anna's and their children in jeopardy. One act of unprotected sex can transmit HIV and other STDs and if he infected Anna and she is pregnant -- the child may be born infected (depending on the medical circumstances).
As a father, Josh owes it to his children (and Anna, of course) to exhaust every opportunity to figure out 1) WHY he made the decisions he made and 2) HOW to ensure that he is never a danger to others in the future and 3) WHAT steps he can take to minimize future risk and assert impulse control.
As a fan of your family, I would be very interested in reading blogs from Josh or his parents about Josh's search for answers, support, and betterment of himself across the board. What can we do to help Josh? Forgiveness only works with assurance similar acts won't be repeated.
Justine Toki
11/19/2015 07:30 AM
I miss seeing your family. Michelle, you are so inspiring, and your children are such wonderful role models for young women of today. You are pure hearted and beautiful women of God. I watched a whole season, just to witness Jill & Derek marry! Can you believe that? God will lead Josh, just as he leads us all. Much love x
Kevin Little
11/15/2015 05:40 PM
We prayed for your family, when news broke, and continue to support all involved. As Jesus died for us all we must remember he was in Covent with Our Father in Heaven and had not just received his love. Through your sons willingness to also come into covent, he shall be tested/ tried a short season. However, he will come out strong and continue to help others and be a living testimony. Blessings to you all.