Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Exposing the Tabloids

Since May, when the tabloids published the Duggars' private records detailing a family matter that had been dealt with years ago, these publications have been desperately trying to dig up more "dirt" to "expose" the stars of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting, which was recently canceled.

We would like to take a few moments to demonstrate the pitfalls of the methods these publications--and many others--use to find their information.

The latest tabloid headlines claim that Michelle Duggar frequently breaks down from the stress of the "scandal" and the strain of having 19 children. They credit a note she wrote to encourage mothers and attempt to use it to prove that the Duggars cannot handle their large family.

Michelle's note starts with the following story about a time when she had five children under the age of five:

One night I was up late, probably around 1:00am, folding laundry with tears streaming down my face. Feelings of being overwhelmed flooded my mind. I cried aloud, "Lord, I need Your help! I feel so inadequate! I can't do it all--the diapers, dishes, laundry, meals, cleanup, school lessons, baths, hugs, kids, correction..." My list seemed to go on and on. Then it was as if a still, small voice said, "Michelle, it's easy to praise Me when things are going well, but are you willing to praise Me now?"

Michelle goes on to share how the kids' piano teacher, whom the family calls Nana, offered to help with laundry. The mom of many closes with this message: Remember, moms, where God guides, He provides!

Now for the facts. Michelle wrote that note to connect with mamas of young children and reassure them that God is their strength. Not only has it been on the Duggars' website for a few years, but it also appears on page 82 of the family's first book, The Duggars: 20 and Counting, published in 2008.

See how words can become twisted? We encourage you to exercise caution when reading any form of news, whether it be about the Duggars or another subject.

Have you signed the petition on SupportTheDuggars.com? Readers outside the United States who would like to show their support can leave the "state" field blank.


Photos courtesy of duggarfamily.com

17 comments:

  1. I refuse to read anything that says disparaging things against this fine family. I used to read People because they seemed to be positive towards them, but since the "scandal", I have quit reading them, too. I think if we ignore these tabloids and boycott them and encourage others to do the same, it might help. I pray the Lord will make these vultures leave these kind people alone - and other Christians trying to live for the Lord. God bless you Duggars!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so so sorry for all this garbage your family is going through.SATAN is working over time to try and bring the Christians down any way he can. Praying for your family.Miss you on TV.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I recognized the quote from the Duggar's book immediately because I enjoyed the book so much and because it was wonderful encouragement and an uplifting example of the power of prayer. The tabloids are ignorant yellow "journalists"

    ReplyDelete
  4. Please bring the Duggar family back on TV - miss this particular show a lot. In spite of all that had been said by "haters" this wholesome family had been one of the best shows I've seen in a long time!

    Amy. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes this it true the Media often twists stories to lure people in and get peoples backs up on this or that issue. some months ago I read a Media story on how the Duggars live next to the Dump ( actually a recycle place). A lot of people trashed the Duggars because of this Story. I however got my google map out and sort out the distance between their home and the Dump and discovered, though they live on the same road, the Dump was some miles away with many houses in between them and the Dump. The Media Does this to Get a Story. To get peoples Reactions and to make money from this . I knew instantly that the above story about Michelle was a rehashed twisted lie as I had read the real story from Michelle herself which actually happened some years ago when the oldest children where very young and not in the present. a lie which the Media is presently feeding to the Public. Certain Media websites do this more than others. So Please DO listen to Lily and Ellie's advice about being really cautious when reading media articles about the Duggars ( and any one else you are following ) and do you research BEFORE believing what is said in the Media on subjects you are researching.
    God Bless.

    ReplyDelete
  6. God has blessed your family and the world around you by putting you in the limelight. Christians aren't promised an easy life but we are promised that God will never leave us. I know His will in your life will get you through whatever Satan throws in your path. God Bless your family! I have so enjoyed your show and watching the kids grow up. Thank you for showing the world how Christians deal with adversity.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I get overwhelmed with full days at work, plus coming home to more work, and dealing with school. I am not married, nor own a house, nor have any children: Does that mean that I shouldn't work or go to school? Tell me tabloids. That's not fair! Everyone has their weak points, everyone has their overwhelming/bad days. It's just that you think you can't live without ruining or hurting other people's lives.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think this is a wise lesson for all gossip. Reading gossip online or listening to it among friends or in the workplace is the same. It's time wasted, that could be spent reading, doing, or talking about something uplifting, something educational, something productive. There are so many articles I don't read anymore. Before I click a headline, I ask myself: is my goal here to be uplifted or learn, or provide a benefit? This helps me redirect my attention. Thank you for this post - a healthy reminder.

    ReplyDelete
  9. God has a plan this is simply one of the many challenges of life we must overcome. I agree stay away from tabloids and all other media sources turn your heart to GOD he will guide the way

    ReplyDelete
  10. It is not where you have been which I important now, it is where you are going. Sorry for all the bad press, you are still an inspiration for me to go to better places within and in the world. Will miss seeing your wonderful family on TV.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love how the Duggars' blog is always updated. Thank you. I love the photos of the family but was just wondering....Can't you just have all the(original) family together (with the spouses) and have a separate photo shot of the grandchildren ? I think it would be.so much nicer.

    ReplyDelete
  12. what TLC did was such an injustice .I miss see you and the family one of the most decent shows now on TV and they cancel it .

    ReplyDelete
  13. I cant believe the labloids got away with this! amen to all the supporters of the duggars!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Just feel a need to let you all know how much I care about all that you have been through and are
    continuing to go through because of others nasty comments.I do wish your family all the best and
    send love and prayers winging your way. With much love and encouragement, Mary

    ReplyDelete
  15. Any mom no matter how many kids she has feels overwhelmed and stressed from time to time. I think it is ridiculous how negative some of the comments are.

    ReplyDelete
  16. While I love your family and how you have raised your children I would love to see Michelle and Jim Bob clarify there feelings and beliefs on sexual abuse.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love the Duggar's and I pray for Josh, the devil is working over time in your family but trust god and read his word you can over come all this. Please read the King James Bible it's the word of god and God will never leave you or forsake you.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving your comments! We answer as many of your questions as we can, but due to the number of comments we receive daily, we are unable to answer every one. Our aim is to post all points of view, but we do not post anything that is profane, insulting, derogatory, or in poor taste.