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Friday, March 11, 2016

Duggars on Life, Love, and Forgiveness


This week's issue of PEOPLE Magazine features seven of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's 19 children, who, along with Jill Dillard, will star in the upcoming season of Counting On, set to premiere March 15th at 9pm ET/8pm CT on TLC.

The Duggar siblings speak on a variety of topics, including their current career endeavors, their love lives, and the forgiveness they have extended to brother Josh.

Jinger Duggar, 22, reveals that she has entered the family used car sales business.

"I started watching them, and all my little brothers were making a lot of money," she tells PEOPLE exclusively. "I decided to get in on that."

Jinger, along with Joseph Duggar, 21, and Josiah Duggar, 19, are also working in prison ministry. (You may remember that Anna's family, the Kellers, are also involved in prison ministry.)

John-David Duggar, 26, is a volunteer at the International ALERT Academy, a Christian organization based in Big Sandy, Texas, and a part-time police officer, and he is also involved in the Duggar family real estate business, which is in its fifth generation.

Joy-Anna Duggar, 18, works alongside her siblings in helping Jim Bob remodel residential and commercial buildings and also babysits for family and friends.

Josiah, who briefly courted Marjorie Jackson during spring and summer of 2015, shares why that relationship ended. "We were just trying to follow God's lead on everything," he tells PEOPLE exclusively. "She didn't feel that it was the right timing then, so we called it quits for a bit."

On forgiving Josh, who has recently completed his rehab program and is back home in Arkansas, Jessa and Joy say that they have forgiven their older brother but that it will take time for him to rebuild their trust. "We love him very much, though, and we are very hopeful for the future," says Jessa.

For more info, visit PEOPLE.com, and pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE Magazine, available at newsstands starting today.



Photos courtesy TLC/Peggy Sirota

58 comments:

  1. Some people habitually use the forgiveness and trust of those around them to get away with whatever they want. Someone needs to stand up to Josh and say you have yet to earn anything from me. Being hopeful for the future is nice, but who's going to get tough and stay tough with him? Someone needs to give him that message, or he could roll right over them all again someday, while they sit there yet again confused about why someone they trusted betrayed them.

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    1. I agree that you shouldn't just forgive and forget all the time. Forgive, yes, but be cautious. But how do you know that he hasn't done anything to earn the trust? You haven't met him or seen what he's been doing. You also haven't met them, so you don't know what they've told him. Remember, we know this family purely because of their decision to be on TV and social media. You don't know every personal matter.

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    2. I agree with you totally, and I have lots of hope that that's exactly what the Duggars are planning to do. Like my dad always told me when I was in trouble, "you're gonna have to re-earn our trust, and that ain't happenin' overnight!"

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    3. Have we "earned" God's forgiveness then?

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    4. It is our duty to forgive. Only God can judge and if josh doesn't come to a full repentance he will have to answer to God someday. Remember Jesus teaches us to forgive 70 times 7 times.

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    5. Your right. However, if we don't have love and forgiveness of our family, what do we have. They said they forgave him, but will need to earn the trust. The Bible says God forgives us 7 times seven. How can we do any less. Your right Josh has done an enormous wrong. No one should skip on down the road now. I do believe he should be given a chance. Hopefully he diesn't screw it up!

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    6. I know what you mean, but I haven't been given any indication that they are going to just blindly trust him. They said they forgive him but that trust will take years. Forgiveness and trust are two totally separate things.

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    7. I agree with the spirit of your words, but I want to remind you we don't have any clue the extent of what has been said to him. I wouldn't be surprised if those things have been said. We see a small portion of their lives.

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    8. Forgiveness is not earned. If it was all of us would be in big trouble. We forgive others as Christ forgives us. Trust is what has to be earned. Prayer is so very powerful. May all believes in Christ pray for Josh's recovery and true change of heart as well as his family. My heart goes out to Anna. What a testimony that she says she doesn't know how to handle all of this but she is trying to have the right response for the next 15 minutes.

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    9. You're such an expert. I think you should keep your family advice to yourself. Just sayin.

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    10. Our father in heaven, ..... Forgive us OUR sins as we forgive others - enough said for me

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  2. God has forgiven him as well as his sisters. ENOUGH is enough for goodness sake. Let the family heal and he has done his time, and NO ONE is perfect. People make mistakes - that is why they are called mistakes. For the love of his children this needs to be over and he needs to heal and move on. I love this family and really what they offer to people. NO one family is perfect I know mine is not. Bless them.

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  3. I feel like you're apart of my family. I too, have young adults trying to find their way in life and prepare to have families of their own. It is difficult but can be done. I hope you all find happiness in your lives. Can't wait for Tuesday.

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  4. I must say this is the first positive comment I have had about the Duggars since all this scandal broke. I am very proud they are allowing the girls in the family to explore career paths even if they are within the family. Go Ginger!! Proud of you girl. You will do great in the car industry. You have the personality for it and you are smart. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise.

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  5. I wish Jinger would start her own photography business. She's so artistic and it's obvious she loves it.

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  6. Annonomous you need to give a person a chance to change and become worthy of trust, you have already condemned Josh. As far as I am concerned it is our place to forgive and God's to heal and judge. The family has chosen love and forgiveness and that is what he needs to change. That can still require accountability and being "tough" but their choice is the harder way.

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  7. I commend the Duggars for having such open and forgiving hearts.

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  8. I never saw a family before that work together, pray together, help each other, love each other and support each other until I saw you on T.V.. You guys bring tears to my eyes just the way you all are. Blessings to all of you.

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    1. Families like that - and better - are everywhere. Admire them, too.

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  9. I think this Anonymous has a very valid point. Sometimes we can be too naive about this kind of sin and expect it to be easily eradicated. I hope they really lean on God's wisdom.

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  10. Are Jessa and Joy talking about forgiving Josh for committing adultery or for " being a little to curious about girls"? If they are talking about the adultery I'm not really sure why they feel the need to forgive as it is Anna he cheated on. In fact I'm not really sure why they are all so overly involved in Josh and Anna's marriage. Should be between Josh and Anna only as they are the only 2 adults in that relationship.

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  11. Keep doing what you are doing.If it makes it any better yall have given me hope, and direction in a positive way. I have been in the same position. Unfortunately I allowed a hard heart first, but after 25 years yall taught me to forgive, and move forward. Wish I could share my own story with yall.

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  12. Disappointed that Jinger is staying within the family circle for a career. She has so much more potential than selling used cars. Hardly a good use of gift as a photographer ☹

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  13. Is Anna pregnant with #5? I'm not asking if she has announced a pregnancy or not, but whether she is pregnant. Thanks.

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  14. Happy to hear from the children but once again no Jim Bob and Michelle. WHY?! What did these wonderful parents do in order to not be mentioned or be on the new show?! The only thing they are guilty of is being Christians - I am disappointed that the children would continue with a show on TLC without their dear parents. It seems to me that Jim Bob and Michelle are being punished for some crime they did not commit.

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    1. I think it's a good thing that these ADULT young people are finally allowed to express themselves.

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    2. No one has the right to be on tv,and after everything that happened I think it was a tasteful choice of JB and M to not appear.

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  15. God is in control and God has given this family a presence on secular TV. HOWEVER,THAT DOES NOT mean that all people that appear on secular TV AND TLC IS SECULAR TV, share God's views and principles. The Duggars are out of poltical influence and it is with high hopes this new Duggar show will show that women were created by God to be much more than a wife, if God ordains that path for a woman, and much more than baby making machines if God ordains that path for them. There are examples of both unmarried and barren women that followed God in the Bible. They are not inferior. And to show women that never marry and that women that never have children are on God's path designed just for them. Success for a woman is not determined by her preordained path as written by the Duggars that women should grow up to be married baby making machines. Contrary to what the Bible says. Or men. The Bible speaks it is sometimes better for a man to be single in order to follow God.

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  16. I disagree... he has gone though enough already, aswell josh's whole family. Being in the public eye 24/7 must b hard. Good luck josh and family, I hope you all the best. Can't wait to see all the duggars on t.v. soon!

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  17. Anger, hate, mistrust, and guilt tale up so much space in our hearts and mind. We all have done things we aren't proud of;for some, the offenses are worst than others. However, God forgives unconditionally and loves us without stipulations. Aren't we all called to do the same? I have been a victim of this situation and I can't go through life carrying all that pain on my shoulders. People betray loved ones every day. Even Jesus was betrayed by his closest friend. LET GO AND LET GOD

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  18. This is quite heartbreaking. As Christians we are called to be witnesses to Christ's love on Earth. Live out your life by devoting yourself to those who may think themselves forsaken. Being a nurse, a teacher, social worker, community worker,volunteer, staffing a refuge, outreach . Volunteer work has value but shouldn't be a substitute for a life devoted to purpose. No soul was ever claimed for God selling a used car. I wish the Duggar children had more examples of what it's like to really live a life for,God.

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  19. can they stop talking about josh and let him talk for himself. he is in hiding why can't he talk and stand up for himself. and why do t hey keep bringing it up over and over again?

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  20. I relatively certain "someone" has has that discussion. As God fearing/loving these people are, and I believe they are, they are human. I'm willing to bet there have been many scream fests and discussions that the public has no business knowing. I don't condone what Josh did. I think he's the lowest form of slime there is. But I also believe that they sincerely try to be decent people. Their faith may be extreme, but so are others lack of faith or values, which has seem to be celebrated by society. There are many families that are suffering from the affects of porn and adultry. They alone know the pain this type of addiction brings. My hope is through their "coming out" with it, they can help those hurting, realize porn for the destroying power it possesses and eventually find happiness again.

    I am appalled at the horrible things that have been said by the gossip rags. I for one will watch their show any day over the likes of some other famous reality stars. I wish them well as someone who knows the pain of an affair and porn caused in my own relationship. I trusted no one for many years and felt my own worth diminished because of the actions of someone I cared for. There are no perfect people, but there are many who try ever day to be better. I think the Duggars do that. And I wish them God speed.

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  21. I'm so exited that they're coming back on the air!

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  22. I think we've had enough comments about zjidh, don't you? What happens now is between Anna and him. Right or wrong, together or not we aren't helping by harping on it. Look at the above beautiful picture, give them a chance.

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  23. These beautiful siblings are more than victims and Josh' siblings. Let celebrate them!

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  24. I commend you all for showing such strength and continuing to be role models for young people even during hard times. It's got to be so difficult living in the public eye, my heart truly goes out to you all. I imagine lots of things were blown way out of proportion in the media and here you all are gracefully and faithfully picking up the pieces and moving forward. I've watched your show since it first aired and I've never doubted your faith or family so God bless and continue to lead by example even during the rough patches:) dont listen to the negativity as I know you won't, it's not in your nature! Can't wait for the new show!!

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    1. No one is making them stay in the public eye.

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  25. I am happy the family looked to God for the Grace to forgive Josh. As CHRISTIANS we are called by GOD to forgive others as we want Gods forgiveness for our own sins. Our standard of sin is nothing compaired to GODS standards. Those who have looked at anyone to lust has already commited adultry. Those who have hated have already commited murder within their hearts. Forgiveness is for the person forgiving. But keep in mind FORGIVENESS is not forgetting nor acceptance of the situation. JUDGEMENT and Punishment is GOD's alone.

    Keeping all the Duggars in our prayers. Congrats on a new season of Counting On. And hoping there are more to come. GOD BLESS everyone.

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  26. I will like to know what is happening with Jana. I think she deserve the best

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  27. A con artist is different from a person who falls into sin and is disappointed in themselves for having failed God, others and themselves. I think Josh is not a callous con artist. Let's hope he keeps a close and accountable walk and stays on the right path in life from now on. God Bless Josh.

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  28. I can't wait for the day that everyone quits dwelling on the distant past and moves on to new and better things.The same old same old is getting so tiresome and repetitive.By now we pretty much heard it all.So lets just be merry, live and let live and move on already.Blessings to you all and enjoy the new show☺

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  29. Deep down inside I'd like to see Josh get down on his knees and beg Anna to forgive him. I'd like to see him get an accountability buddy (godly male figure); who will keep tabs on what he clicks on the internet, what he watches, etc... Counseling is great and all, but now is where the rubber meets the road.

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    1. Yes that is great. I agree totally

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  30. No mention of Jana and what she does in this post. Although I'm not able to see it, perhaps the programme itself will reveal more.

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  31. I am really happy for Josh, Anna and the four little children that through God's love there is a hope for their family. Hopefully Josh sticks with God's plan of salvation and doesn't commit sin again. This is what Jesus said to the woman who was forgiven and not stoned, do not sin again.

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  32. Awareness outside of self. Freedom to love wife. Less rules, more love, faith and hope.

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  33. They have repeatedly, in public interviews. That's the problem, TMI (too much information.) folks get the idea they are entitled to opinions and a voice.

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  34. I think it's great that the sugars are forgiving josh for what he did, he deserves a second chance to apologize and get back on the right foot, hope all is well with the whole family!😊

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  35. Joy Anna is so grown up and gorgeous!

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  36. We have no idea even IF Josh wants any of his family's forgiveness or support. He still may want another lifestyle all together. None of us will know for sure, until Josh speaks up for himself (and, even, then we can never be sure if he is speaking the truth or his own words). My prayers are for his children's peace; they never asked for any of this circus.

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  37. Hopefully those steps were instilled in rehab and if he has professional counseling locally that point will be part of the steps he must take to move forward.
    A lot is riding on his choices and commitment to his family.
    He is an adult and must do it for himself to remain honest for his future.

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  38. Dear Lily and Ellie, I studied theology and one of the greatest "aha" moments for me was coming to a better understanding of forgiveness. I hope it's ok to share here. Forgiveness is part of the process of healing yourself. To hold pain, anger, hatred, fear, depression and sadness inside destroys us and makes us victims again and again. Jesus, when he became truly human, knew the danger of holding onto those negative emotions within us. Jesus preached forgiveness to help us recover. Forgiveness is a gift to us from God. Forgiveness is not easy and may take a long time with several setbacks. In the process of forgiving we need the love and support of those around us. Most importantly, we need to realize that God is our constant companion in this process. God wants us to be the loving creatures that He created in His image. God will take care of the offender, and God will take care of us. Blessings and strength be with all those who are struggling to forgive, Barbara

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  39. Maybe holding these kids as a "role model" expecting more from them than other Christian kids could be part of the problem? Why don't we just watch the show and enjoy it without putting the weight of the entire Christian revival on their shoulders? They are kids, let them be kids.

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    1. Smart comment. The only one we should be looking to as a role model is Jesus.

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  40. So, someone please tell me just when did the Duggars become such a "touchy feely"family? They weren't allowed to touch each other growing up because of Josh's behavior and they marketed it as their religious beliefs...

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  41. Has anyone read the article on people magazine?

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