Mackynzie, Michael, Marcus, and Meredith Duggar
Recent Duggar beach vacation
During the time that Josh was away, Anna opened up to fans via a written statement and her appearances on TLC's Jill & Jessa: Counting On. Here is an excerpt from the message she shared on Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's website in January:
Many have asked how I am doing. So many have asked that it's actually humbling and touching. 2015 was the most difficult year of my life. Yet, amazingly I’ve found that in my own life crisis God has drawn near to me ("He’s near to the brokenhearted” Psalms 34:18) and my faith has been more precious to me than ever before.
Now that Josh is back in Arkansas with his family, he and Anna have shared another update on duggarfamily.com. We have pasted it below for your convenience.
As we enter into a long family weekend together, we want to thank each of you for the prayers, love and encouragement you’ve sent our way. Since the residential treatment program ended, we have been working with a professional marriage and family counselor to take important steps toward healing.
It isn’t easy and some days are very difficult. It is a long road to rebuild trust and a truly healthy relationship. We are very thankful for God’s forgiveness, grace and help, as it is our strength and guide to rebuilding our lives. As the future unfolds, we are taking one day at a time and we are grateful for your continued prayers for both of us and our sweet children.
With Gratitude, Josh and Anna
Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com
My prayers are with you and your family. God bless
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you two for working so hard. So many pass judgment which is so easy to do when you're a stranger, but it's clear you're putting God first and I am just so proud of you. Anna, you're an inspiration for me and I pray for you and keep you in my heart.
ReplyDeleteIt sure wasn't Josh's choice to put God first for many, many years. He didn't seem happy to be caught straying, either.
DeleteMy prayers are with you all and that in some way this can bring Glory to God!
DeleteAnonymous, Ashley wasn't even talking about Josh, but rather about Anna. Your comment doesn't even make sense.
DeleteYou who are without sin may cast the first stone "Anonymous"
DeleteIf God can get you through this, He can get you through anything! Just lean on him & forgive. God bless you & your little family!!!
DeleteAt least he was man enough to face his mistake and try to make it right with his family. What he did was wrong BUT, it's not anyone's place to point out faults in others when we too have faults of our own. Its amazing to me how easy it is for people to sit back and judge others saying what they should do or not do. Or how terrible they are. Claiming to be a Christian is not a claim to say one is perfect. That's why Jesus came to die for our sins. It's amazing the Duggar family has held up as well as they have with all the ugliness people feel so freely to throw their way. I'm praying for them for complete restoration. Good for you Duggar family! I'm so proud of you all for holding your heads up high and not allowing the ugliness of this world to destroy your faith.
DeleteI am in agreement with Yvonne and Ashley King -- Gods Blessings on you and your family. Anonymous is just that anonymous and not perfect . Needs to stay off all Duggar sites because it is for supporters not critics. So good to get an update and still miss your family . Until all family members are back I just cant watch the new show. Their show was about living and real people who make mistakes and correct them the Godly way. God can restore Josh and Anna stronger and closer than before < I know from experience with affairs not the other but our marriage is stronger than ever and I'm sure He will restore yours as well
DeleteLet he without sin cast the first stone....
DeleteNow I've seen everything - two anonymous'es (anonymii?) accusing another anonymous of being anonymous and casting stones.
DeletePraying for this sweet, precious family to rebuild what God joined them for.
ReplyDeleteI do pray for you both and that God will make your marriage into a strong cord of three strands with Him at the center.
ReplyDeleteWe can find many examples in God's Word, where God's mercy prevails. We have an enemy who comes to deceive, kill and destroy. We get knocked down but not destroyed. Where there is repentance and forgiveness - there is RESTORATION. God's restoration is special. He doesn't just put things back together - He makes them better than before. Wait for it. It will be worth it. xoxo
ReplyDeleteJosh please protect your family God has blessed you and will continue to do so just fight off anything that will rip apart that beautiful blessing called family. I dont personally know Anna but I cried with her over the pain she felt. Love you guys Soli Deo Gloria, Grace came to us even in our sin
ReplyDeleteLooks like you all are doing everything possible to forgive, heal, and continue to provide a loving home for your children. I hope Josh will spend the rest of his life trying to make it up to Anna, and to realize how blessed he truly is.
ReplyDeleteGeneric words written by a PR specialist as they work to rebuild the Duggar brand. How many times have we seen or heard words like this before from disgraced public figures? So many times that they're totally predictable and practically meaningless at this point.
ReplyDeletePlease be nice
DeleteDoesn't make the words any less true.
DeleteAnonymous, why not use your real name, if your not ashame to say hateful things. Your nasty comments does not help anyone, not even you. Have you prayed for this family? I am living proof God restores marriages and families. Yes, it takes time to forgive but I choose to forgive and same my family. Guess what? It worked for us and it can work for Josh and Anna. I pray God heals and restores all of the Duggar family.
DeleteAnonymous, Anna was not the "disgraced public figure". She is taking the right steps of forgiveness at this point, showing her faith in action. I applaud her for her transparency and willingness to share a bit of her private difficulty.
DeleteVery cowardly to be anonymous...i am not without sin and neither is anyone else, just different ones. At least they are working on their lives and marriage. I don't see how it's our right to judge and tear them down. I agree...be nice!!!
DeleteAnd how do YOU know this was written "by a PR person"? Are you so bitter and angry at life and God that for some reason you take it out on this family? Josh made a mistake. He has suffered a lot of loss for that mistake. It is by God's grace that we ALL can find healing and forgiveness. That is NEVER meaningless.
DeleteLots of people on this site use anonymous because they have no blog accounts - so what? Calling someone "cowardly" or "ashamed" for that is ridiculous.
DeleteI am forbidden and restricted in regards to personal info distribution by my mom in spite of being 20. she barely trusts me with my email and phone for some reason. I do have multiple special needs but i am normal functioning except for numerous autistic related anxiety, behavior, and sensory issues and undiagnosed global joint pain
DeletePraying for y'all God will see you thru this.
ReplyDeleteGod to hear...keep working at it...and trusting the Lord
ReplyDeletePraying for you all! My husband and I are going through a similar trial and I am truly being ministered to by you both! God Bless!
ReplyDeleteI will continue praying for u and pray God continues to help the healing of ur marriage. I am thankful for u all and proud of u. The courage and faith u r showing is an example of what a true Christian should be. God Bless U All.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad they're working on restoring their marriage!! God bless
ReplyDeleteYes, at this point, they're perfect for each other.
DeleteBitterness and cynicism do not become you at all, Anonymous. Please go troll somewhere else.
DeletePraying that you , Josh, and the children are able to get past all that has happened in your lives. God bless you all. Your doing great Anna a lot of women couldn't do what you have done. Through Christ we can do all things. Love to you all!
ReplyDeleteI wish nothing but the best for them. I hope Josh is truly healed as well Anna the kids and the rest of the family or on a path towards healing. I prayed many nights for Anna and sometimes for Josh but when Anna ask for continued prayers for her her husband and her children I decided to make it a habit to pray for all of them. they all need strength and support. God Bless you Anna :)
ReplyDeleteYoure grace and faith in the Lord through this trying time Anna!! May the Lord bless you and keep you!!! You do inspire us to persevere!!
ReplyDeleteIt isn't appropriate to have Josh offer statements to the public. We are praying for Anna & her kids.
ReplyDeleteThey are a family unit....he needs our prayers as do Anna and the kids.
DeleteNot appropriate in whose eyes, yours? Are you saying he should not be shown any grace and be forgiven?
DeleteCrystal obviously didn't bother to read the statement, or she would know this was Anna's statement and not Josh's.
DeleteAs one who has been through a lot of stuff like that and other stuff not like that and had many wonderful things happen too -- here are words or wisdom take it as you will.
DeleteOne must be careful when they express themselves either way but more negatively: when one judges another too harshly without facts of knowing the full truth of the whole story one become too closed-minded and hard-hearted. What he did is wrong (no question about it) but he has a human right to express his view and redeem himself. Its ok to either accept it or reject it. Just be open with mind and heart about what you think and feel about any issue. I believe that Josh will have to pay for the rest of his life for it, on one hand but if he draws closer to God and God sees his changes and Josh's deeds show it as such than that is a great thing. If not...well that is up to him and his family to decide what to do. "Isn't appropriate to have Josh offer statements to the public" is a little too judgemental. Anna knows she has prayers going for her and the kids but Josh too needs prayers and vibes to not do those sort of things again.
God/Karma has a way of redeeming or punishing or discipling (teach) way that we humans sometimes like and hate. Growth is potential...Choices are what make us. Second chances is a precious choice that Anna is trying for and that Josh is needing to work on and receive in kind. Of one is too closed-minded or hard-hearted then I really pity anyone that thinks that way. Actions will have to speak louder than word where Josh is concerned for the rest of his life. and good choices too. Anna and kids are all in my prayers but so is Josh and the sisters whom were subjected to the unwanted attention and to the whole family as well. just some mental food for thought. Fine if you disagree and fine if you want to agree, or somewhere in a middle of tricky situations...we all may need to make such decisions, maybe more than once in our lifetime. Peace out, sermon over :D ...Toodles :)
If ya dont pray for Josh as well you are NOT really praying for anna. After all the High and mighty isnt who Christ died for he said he had not come to call the righteous to repentence but to the sinner. And we are ALL unworthy
Deletemy dear. In much prayer that God will restore the years that the canker worm has eaten. My God doesnt see Josh HE sees Jesus.
Wow, I think Josh, more than Anna, should be speaking out and telling the rest of the world about all of his transgressions. They both deserve and need our prayers & we are not to be judging either one of them. God will decide what is really in their hearts and if they should receive the almighty ' s grace, mercy & forgiveness.
DeleteSo good to see a young couple actually trying to save their marriage. God's blessings on you both!
ReplyDeletei guess jesus forgave the ones that crucified him, Anna can forgive josh for crucifing her.
ReplyDeleteHe's going to have to go on believing that he's getting forgiveness, grace, and help from above, because not many people on this planet are going to give him those. He did some completely sleazy things, repeatedly!
ReplyDeleteI hope you never need forgiveness.....you must know how to give it, to expect it in return.
DeleteHe who has no sin may cast the first stone. Be careful what you say about others. What secret sin do you have that you hope never comes to light?
DeleteWhy are so many of you sure that others are hiding sins? Can you possibly understand that there are people who purposely live respectable lives with no "skeletons" hidden or anything else to be ashamed of?
DeleteWow, what a contradiction
DeletePrAyers for all of your family
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best.
ReplyDeletePraying for both of you as the Lord continues to strengthen and heal your marriage. God bless you both!!
ReplyDeleteI know from experience that God can make your marriage new and deeper and better than ever. God is the God of redemption and deliverance. It is rare for couples to overcome the issues you are overcoming, but that is what Jesus Christ came, died and was raised for. The prayer that helped our marriage was sincerely crying out that we would each love the LORD our God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. It is a prayer that God loves to answer. We are to be overcomers...and in order to be an overcomer there is something you must overcome, never quit, put God first, always have grace for one another and God will make a testimony out of your test, a message from your mess, and you will be a victor, not a victim. God is good and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness, purify your heart, and make you perfect in His sight. God bless you both. Love and Prayers, a fellow Overcomer
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, Anna, but I've lost all respect for you. In my opinion, you and Josh should have done the counseling before you let him move back in with you and your little girls. Yes, I understand marriage is important, but keeping your children safe should come first.
ReplyDeletehow do you know he's moved back in? the only statements they have released regarding that is that he is out of rehab and this one saying they are taking a long family weekend. they can spend a weekend together that doesn't mean he's moved back in.
DeleteThat is true!!!
DeleteAnna deserves a lot of respect and admiration for enduring what she has in the public eye. Of course she should keep her children safe, but Josh wouldn't harm his children. He's not a pedophile. He did things he shouldn't have as a teenager, but he did not continue down that path thanks to the good Lord. He will be able to talk to his children about the dangers of sex outside of marriage and how to avoid the pitfalls. I pray that his children will listen to his wisdom and not be rebellious. It must be very difficult to be a christian man in this day with sex everywhere: clothing, commercials, tv shows, etc. Our society is sex saturated, and christian men need their wives to keep them in vigilant prayer. A lot of women do not care these days if a man is married; if they like what they see, they will go after him. I admire Anna for letting the Lord lead her in the healing of her marriage.
DeleteMaybe fundamentalist evangelicals should start teaching their sons that THEY ONLY are responsible for their actions, it's not women's duty to keep men pure. That kind of thinking belongs to the world of islam, not christianity. I'm saying this as christian lady, who thinks very highly of modesty, but I hate when women are somehow thought to be responsible for men's actions. Also I think that this hysterical purity culture that the Duggars embrace is causing men to be sexually immature and it seems to be an epidemy among the fundamentalist movement. Bill Gothard, Jack Schaap and others are just the tip of an ice berg.
DeleteAny man with basic decency, respect and principles does not cheat on his wife, no matter who 'goes after him'. Christian, or not.
DeleteHe DID continue down that path. The particulars may have been a little different later but it's the same general well-worn path that men have gone down before. A therapist could point this out to him.
DeleteThey brought a house together.
DeletePlease explain how someone who got caught in scandals with his sisters (and another) goes on to prove that he's changed and forgiven and rebuilding trust by...paying for online accounts where you meet and spend time with women who are not your wife?
ReplyDeleteJosh doesn't have to prove anything to us; he has to repent to the Lord, which means he has to turn from what he did. He has to rebuild his relationship with the Lord, go to marriage counseling, which he is doing, be accountable to someone. He and Anna need to center their marriage on the Lord; praying and reading the Bible together. It will take time to rebuild trust, but it can be done. Anna has more than likely forgiven him, which is very important. Anna is probably praying scriptures over herself because I'm quite sure jealousy, resentment and other things attack her mind. Josh is probably praying scriptures over himself because this is a weakness in his life that the devil will surely tempt him in again. The Lord Jesus overcame temptations by the Word of God, and that's what we need to do. We all have areas in our lives that we need to pray the Word over. Anna cannot harbor resentment in her heart, and neither can we. The Lord told us to love one another, to treat others the way we want to be treated. It isn't easy a lot of times, but if we want the Lord to forgive us, we have to forgive. If we do not forgive, bitterness will set up in our hearts. Josh and Anna want to move forward in their lives and leave the past behind. When they have finished, or maybe even before, this road of recovery there could be a couple who desperately needs their help, and the Lord will send that couple to Josh and Anna. The Lord is the key to everything. I hope that this answers your question.
DeleteAnon May 29 @ 8:15 pm - I thought your response was amazing and I copied it to my computer to help me with my own struggles. Thank you. -Sara
DeleteWe are out here happy to hear from you and have been praying fervently for you as individuals, as a couple, and for your children. Please know that you are loved by many fans out here still.
ReplyDeletePraying for continued strength,healing, and grace.
ReplyDeleteSo many of us love you two, Josh and Anna. You CAN do this. Your marriage and family is the earthly "prize" and you know to "keep your eyes on the prize!" You CAN do this with God's help. And those of us who love you will continue to pray for you.
ReplyDeleteEh, she'll never forget, the family won't forget. Marriage in and of itself is not so holy that it can't be broken. A person's happiness usurps that, no? I'm so sorry if you don't feel the same.
DeleteJosh should be a marriage counselor. He's my inspiration. Please update his picture.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your family. This is a second chance for Josh from Anna. I hope everyone prays for them instead of trying to discourage them. It won't be easy. The devil will try to tear them apart. Let's not help him. To Josh, I hope he realizes how precious his wife and family really are. Anna is amazing. He must be closer to God now more than ever to overcome. With God ALL things are possible. He can do it with His help. Having been in a marriage myself with a husband who suffered from this kind of addiction I know it won't be easy, but if Josh is willing to make every effort it can work. I'm rooting for them. Not for Anna to stay with an unfaithful husband but for her to be with someone who has truly repented and spends the rest of his life making it up to her while being faithful and patient.
ReplyDeleteAgree!
DeleteGod bless you, Josh and Anna! Though I don't know what you are going through, I know many couples who have gone through it all and have come out victorious in the Lord. I will continue to pray for you and know that by the Grace of God you will come out of this with love and growth for each other. Again, God bless you and keep you in His loving care! Robin Berkan
ReplyDeleteReal counseling takes years and years before real changes occur. (I only selected "anonymous" because facebook isn't among the required selection list. Penny
ReplyDeleteWe've seen the Duggar's own admission of what kind of counseling they gave Josh before, with the remodeling friend.
DeleteThe Parable of the Lost Sheep
ReplyDelete… 12What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? 13And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.…
This whole situation hits very close to home for me. My father forced my mother to get a divorce, she fought it for many years. As strange as it might seem my mother was told to let him leave, God needed time with him and he would be returned to our family one day. To this day our family stands for my Mother and Father's marriage and while it's been a long, tough road, it has been full of blessings. Forgiveness is far more powerful than many acknowledge I think. Through God, forgiveness repairs, it humbles, it heals, and it brings peace. I didn’t understand what it really meant until after my father left. To forgive someone because we are forgiven is, I think, a pretty hard lesson to really learn. When we forgive not because we have to, or because we need to, but because we realize that we are all really, really bad at being sinless it opens up a path to healing for both sides. God blesses those who follow Him, and I have no doubt God has amazing things planned for Anna and Josh. It takes immense courage to stand in the face of wickedness and proclaim that God will prevail. And He does, every time. I was overjoyed when I heard Anna was standing for her marriage and the vow she took before God. It is just far too easy these days to throw the towel in and give up. Its legal, socially acceptable, unquestioned, and for whatever reason marriage has lost its meaning for a lot of folks today. I don’t know Josh or Anna, however from what it looks like God is working in that family. I truly hope Josh has let God get a hold of every fiber of his being and allowed Him to work through these months. I pray that He will continue to work in this family as it continues along the path of restoration. It’s never too late for God to turn someone or a circumstance around.
ReplyDeleteGod bless the Duggar family.
I liked your statement but did you maybe think that marriage has lost it's meaning to Josh?
DeleteI am so happy for you both. Good luck always
ReplyDeleteProud of you Anna! I have been praying for you all through this! Can't wait to see everything that God has got in store for you and the family!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting this update, Ellie! So good to hear from them! Praying that God would bless richly each step that they need to take with the miracles of forgiveness, peace, healing, and strength that they need to become more like our merciful Risen Savior! God bless you, Josh & Anna!! Praying!!!
ReplyDeleteWe serve a God of restoration!
ReplyDeleteYes, but some hard restoration work from people is required, too.
DeleteI pray GOD's blessings for your sweet little family. I pray for patience and wisdom and honesty and for the grace abd precious love that our Saviour shows us daily. GOD bless!!!
ReplyDeleteAngela
Pensacola,FL
It should have been a letter from Josh. Making it from both of them is a cop out.
ReplyDeleteDear Anna and Josh,
ReplyDeleteI deeply respect your openess about your family problems. I can't fully understand the strain it brought to your life but I'm sure it is big. My sincere hope for you is that with the help from God, you will be able to grow towards each other and can build a strong home for yourselves and your children.
May God bless you.
With love, Willemien
The Netherlands.
Your testimony of love and forgiveness is a beacon in a very dark world. Many will see it and be amazed and will be drawn to your amazing Lord! We will pray hard for full repentance and recovery accompanied by grace, joy and great peace in the day by day walk together! The Lord is able to do above and beyond what we ask or think! From a pardoned and praying fan of ALL the Duggars!
ReplyDeleteIf the world is very dark, then people made it that way for themselves. Every day you have the choice of doing good things or bad things. We know which one Josh chose, for a very long time. It's not up to someone else to shine the beacon single-handedly. It only bounces off those not shining it back themselves.
DeleteFor Anna and Josh,
ReplyDeleteA lot of strength.
I'm amazed Anna how hard you work for your marriage. Many may that you as a example. God never said life will be easy, stay strong.
ReplyDeleteAnna, stay strong in your marriage, take the reigns and don't allow Josh to trample over you nor order you around.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame when things like this happen to people on an everyday basis, but to be in the spotlight and have it happen, is too much. Not only do you have your own life, your family, his family and friends to deal with, you have the opionions of thousands of others. At this time, it is only what you two want that can work. It is really no one elses business. If you two split up, all of these voices behind the computer that are encouraging you to leave the marriage are not going to be there to help you raise your children, nor are they going to be there to pay your bills. Forgiveness is between the two people involved and if you find that then your marriage could be stronger than ever. I think the way you handled this was amazing, nice to see how strong you are individually as well as a couple. Good luck for your future and God Bless!!! xoxox
ReplyDeleteAmen! They indeed won't be there, only God. Keep looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
DeleteI will continue to pray for you. May Grod's grace cover you this weekend and in the days to come.
ReplyDeletePraying for continued healing. Praying for continued strength in God. God is great and amazing in His forgiveness. Lean on that in the difficult times :)
ReplyDeleteSo proud that you are working on keeping and growing your covenant with each other!
Blessings!
why does not josh speak up for himself? the fans need to hear from him did he even say sorry to his sister who he did this too?
ReplyDeleteI think this was a wise move for Josh and Anna to let the public know that they have been working with a professional marriage and family counselor. I say that only because their lives were, by parental and then their own choice, so open to the public through the many various social and tv media sources. For those who were fans and followed their lives over the years, this should provide at least some degree of relief to know they are getting help outside of the immediate family and hopefully outside of controversial church affiliations. I continue to pray for all of the Duggars to grow in the Lord and find peace.
ReplyDeletehope this year long treatment for josh was legit profesional mental counseling for issues not threw controvesial chruch affiliation
DeleteYou should hold your head high Josh. Everybody sins and you should be encouraged that you came forward to admit your failings to the world. I wish you, and the family (as well as this page that supposedly supports you), would post your photo. You haven't died and you are working on your shortcomings and rebuilding your family. Take care and I wish you, and all your family the best.
ReplyDeleteJosh And Anna, I personally am so very happy to see that you are both willing to work on this marriage.. So many people today think of marriage as temporary. It is Not, It's a promise not only to the each other, but a Promise made to our Father God Jehovah. We are all human, and sinners, not one human is better than another and it take true Love, unconditional Love for God to love another. Love your selves and one another as God Loves you. Many Prayers for a lifetime of happiness and devotion. Also Forgiveness is a lifetime Blessing.
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for you both. My husband and I went through the same type.of situation. It.takes time and healing that only God can provide. It may seem impossible some days but I was healed in stages. God knew what I could handle. When I found out my husband was cheating on me we had been married for 8 years and it devastated me. We just celebrated our 23rd anniversary!! God is good and we definitely experienced His grace as I know you both will too.
ReplyDeletePraying for God's continual Grace for your Family. Anna thank you for your example of being that Godly woman who leaned on God's everlasting arms and not giving up on Joshua.
ReplyDeletei believe you and josh should stay together. yes he has faults but noone is perfect god didnt design us to be perfect, thats his job. Josh loves you very much anna i know he does, he wouldnt have went thru all this for nonthing.keep your head up god watching love your marriage and love josh even more and them babies.love yall and your family sincerally your biggest fan the Avon lady" lacy davis
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to give you both strength to grow. Keep your faith and your love for each other and your precious children. All of you are a blessing.
ReplyDeleteGood luck. An a you are a true woman of faith that is for sure, I Am not so sure I could ever do what you are. I would be er have the strength to still be there. If it is so great for you rchikdren and hopefully things turn around for him, he will never find another woman like you so hopefully he nips that mess in the bud this time,he is extremely lucky.
ReplyDeleteOne day at a time. One prayer at a time!
ReplyDeleteOne step at a time, one day at a time.
ReplyDeleteNot interested in any more lip service out of Josh.
ReplyDeleteI wish them the very best. I think we all forget we've sinned and its easy to point fingers but what an amazing sight to see restoration to faith and healing and all the things Jesus promised us. This is when their family can support and surround them in love.
ReplyDeleteAnna and Josh, stay strong, stay true to the Word and God will see you through.
ReplyDeleteThat's very good Anna. You are giving your marriage 100% to try and work this out .and yes it's going to hurt and trust for long time.but glad he is willing to get help to save his wife and family.just keep strong and God will help lead you the way..my best wishes and prayers are always with you.you are a very strong lady .it will take time.I know it's not far but life's not far .you have children involved. So do your best for them to .with all my love Angie from longview,washington.we. west coast.
ReplyDeleteOf course, we still pray for you and your entire family. Keep your eyes on the Lord and everything else will follow. Please know that we are in your corner and hope to see all of you again soon on tv.
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord bless this family abundantly! May He bring healing and restoration to all of them!
ReplyDeleteAnna, I pray that your marriage will be completely healed. You are very blessed to have a husband that wants to be restored and is willing to work through the process. A lot of men are not willing. I pray that Josh becomes the man God wants him to be, and I pray that he will always be there for your children.
ReplyDeleteIf it isn't easy, and some days are difficult (only some?), and it's a long road, then why aren't you staying off social media (which kind of had something to do with all this in the first place) and working privately on what you're supposed to be working on? Why did you feel the need to throw "your public" this bland and vague tidbit right now?
ReplyDeleteRude! Anna does have fans you know? It is not her fault people are nosy and want to know how things are going! She may think speaking publicly, will stop vicious rumors about how she is coping. If you could care less, then stay off this page or don't click on any post related to them.
DeleteAgree it was bland. Very generic. I wish they would stay out of the public eye for their sakes. Just don't understand why they want to keep their story in the public eye. They have suffered humiliation of the worst kind. Please work this out in private.
DeletePeople who care about these kids DO wish they would go private. They don't need to feed any fans.
DeleteI want to encourage you both to hold the course. As a Christian parent of young men, I just want to say that there are many families (Christian, jewish, hindu, atheist etc.) that are facing the same thing that you are and they do not have the courage to come clean. This is a huge issue and while not minimizing the situation, the temptation that our men face in our society is like nothing that has ever happened before. Furthermore, our society actually encourages it through the media, entertainment, and the decline of respect and protection for the traditional family. Furthermore, judging and criticizing simply does nothing but harm others. Seek truth, hang onto God's promises, and know that LOVE wins.
ReplyDeleteOur men are being tempted, so it's not Josh's fault? Guess what? Men have the ability to abstain from this sort of thing--it's not a woman's fault if a man is tempted by her...at all, ever.
DeleteTo be honest Josh stop giving statements and forget about your celebrity Love your family in 10 years of that kinda love and devotionthen send a follow up letter.
ReplyDeleteI agree, 4:15. They can't split their focus right now.
DeleteI hope everything works out for their marriage and keeping the family together.
ReplyDelete"Thy will be done".
ReplyDeleteEveryone give them a break. I'm sure they're doing the best they can. None of us are at our best under great stress.
ReplyDeletePrayers for the little Duggar family! I am heartened to hear that both Josh and Anna are working with a professional marriage and family counselor. I hope the best for you two and your four kids!
ReplyDeleteJosh, down the road, I can see the Lord using you to reach to others who have your same struggles. This is no different than AA or other additions. AA uses sponsors to keep people accountable and help overcome, just like the help you received. God has BIG plans as He does exceedingly abundantly beyond all we ask or think. I am praying for God's will on earth as it is in Heaven for you and your family. He ALWAYS has a plan greater than we expect. Stay humble and HE will lift you up. Christlikeness is the goal for each of us. We all have weaknesses and fall short. I pray that both of you stay focused on the Goal!
ReplyDeleteJosh will claim that he's being used like that, then take that claim and go back on TV or some other venue that will make him feel as important and invincible as he was when he worked in DC. And you saw what happened next. No, Josh needs to turn away from fame and stay humble.
DeleteI'm proud of you both for working it out.. Marriage is a hard road, no matter what, when, where, it hard work. Keep faith it'll be great in the future. My husband and I will be married 40 years in Sept. We been through it all.. espically with my hubby in the Navy for 11 yrs.. May God Bless you both and the children!!!
ReplyDeleteI always liked Josh and Anna as a couple..and appreciated your love the most...I have faith in you rebuilding things even after this bad situation of Josh's....give some time and proven trust and you can heal and overcome this in your lives..you have a beautiful family and so much to work for.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and your family. God can do All things. Please don't listen to the negativity in this world and from some of these people. They are bitter and judgmental and God will handle them. Praying for your relationship and total healing for all of your family
ReplyDeleteJosh and Anna. I wish you the bet and I'll continue praying for you and your family. Thank you for sharing. Someone out there will benefit from this and be helped. God will use it to His glory and he will bless you for following Him and giving your marriage a second chance. Just remember, this too shall pass and you will rise above it all, to God's glory. Love to you both and lots of prayers. Lilly and Ellie, thank you for allowing us to encourage Josh and Anna and surround them with prayer. Any negative remarks are the enemy trying to finish what he started. Josh and Anna, God bless you as you go forward.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for the update. As a Christian I know not one of us are perfect and he we all fail but to admit it and ask for forgiveness is such a huge step. I believe Josh and Anna should have their own show because as they walk through these next few very difficult years they could be such an positive example of how to get through a situation like this. I hate all that has happen to this wonderful family but I have more compassion and love for them since this all happen. I pray for them often and hope only the best for them. God bless Josh and Anna - you all are loved!
ReplyDeleteGosh Betty, you don't think some of the Duggar's problems are rooted in their reality TV show. Honestly, the last thing Josh and Anna's family need is more exposure. It's interesting that the Duggar's see TV as the source of "evil" yet, they themselves have a TV show.
DeleteOh but their TV show was all about what was right on TV! But you know what was really going on.
DeleteWhat beach did you go to in and which state is it in?
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this. I do agree that they need to be out of the public eye. But no one will let them do that; tabloids are still looking for tidbits. I think occasional updates are a process of weaning us off them being celebrities. I continue to pray for God's wisdom for every step. Sounds like it's a normal process right now. And their professional counsellor I'm sure will not want to be identified. Confidentiality.
ReplyDeletebest wishes for josh and anna hope their futures are doing ok. and josh is still working threw legit professional counseling to ensure will not falling backwards now back home.
ReplyDeletewish the very for anna hope she,s made the right choices for self not solely based on her choosen god and chruch. it will take alot more then daily prayer to really mend an broken heart and trust within any marriage thats been touched by 1 who choose tobe dishonest. years of privite turely legit med counseling monthly visits. during the airing of jill and jessa and counting could see anna was clearly dealing coping w/ a broken heart
ReplyDeleteFor goodness sake, either Josh is sorry and has changed his ways or he hasn't. Either be faithful to your wife or leave. This is a riduclous post.
ReplyDeleteWishing your "whole" family the very best. I've been reading the comments here and believe that many people think only about the wrongness of Josh's actions....but have they considered the whys?
ReplyDeleteWas Josh a victim as a child....many who were molested go on to abuse. Was he under extreme pressure....such a public upbringing, high profile job, sudden exposure to all the worldly he was protected from with his sheltered childhood. Is there a mental illness....hyper-sexuality is a symptom of several diagnosis'. I am not defending his actions just suggesting that we don't know the whole story.
Take care of your selves, take care of your children. Don't be concerned about the opinions of the general public......we'll get over it :0)
The general public has an opinion because what we were shown (what was going on in their family from the start) had flaws. We saw it - the Duggars didn't, or if they did, they denied it and covered it up for obvious reasons - and then the whole thing fell apart. Now we see them trying to rebuild it, using the same materials they had started with...which is why it's probably going to be as shaky as before. But now there's a new generation of children involved. The whole thing is sad.
DeleteI agree with you. I think there are most likely reasons no one knows why Josh cheated and molested. Was he too molested? Maybe his strict upbringing was too much pressure for a teen to handle? Maybe too much pressure to marry SO YOUNG? Have children so fast? The list goes on. No excuses for what he did. But I really hope an MD or PhD is working to help Josh figure it all out. And then he needs to come clean with his family.
DeleteGreat points, Kathy.
DeleteDon't think his high profile job caused Josh's problems in the beginning. He had those secret websites when he was still living at home before he married Anna.
DeleteI think your marriage is your business. I'm so happy for you both if you're happy. Your happiness is the most important thing. We the viewers have no right to judge. I love your family, and that has never changed. Your an encouragement to me, and my life. To that I want to say, "Thank you!" Anyhow, this is how I feel.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say that I am so impressed by Anna. She looks so serene and more beautiful than ever. She has developed a maturity that is inspiratiional. What a difficult thing to walk through at such a young age, and keep it together for her 4 children. What a witness she is to all those around her as well as the TLC TV audience.
ReplyDeleteStay off social media and seek a normal life without the spotlight and public scrutiny. May God guide you to take the right choice here- family or fame- which is it to be????? if you want to really heal all your issues and want the best for your family then please choose family!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMarriage counselling is needed but we hope Josh will have continued personal counselling to prevent him from going back into his bad habits.
I don't like the fact that this was released on Memorial Day weekend.
ReplyDeleteJosh singlehandedly ruined the "Duggar Brand" and reputation. His days as a public figure are over. He needs to work on rebuilding trust with Anna, being a good father brother and friend. That work will last a lifetime.
ReplyDeletePeoples opinions matter very little at this point. God is good and I am thankful that he forgave ME. For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Anna and Josh Gods Speed
ReplyDeleteK.B., I agree with you completely.
ReplyDeleteThere is more to this story, I am sure, and that is not for us to be concerned with.
God can handle it. He is very capable of bringing people and professional counselors into each family members life to help them break free of harmful past beliefs and practices and instill in them sound spiritual, emotional and social understandings. Jesus died, shed His blood, and rose from the dead for circumstances such as these and more. The Bible and Christian Books stores are filled with books with similar testimonies. May they all come through this with their own new testimony!
Prayers for you and Josh and the kids McKenzie, Michael, Marcus, and Meredith. We all fall down. This kind of thing happens to ordinary people we just dont hear about it because they r not famous. Blessings to you and Josh and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I do hope they stay away from public announcement or statements and just focus on healing and continued treatment.
ReplyDeleteI respect Anna commitment to try to rebuild and I must give her credit that her eyes are wide open. The process is one day at a time.
I pray that Josh truly wants to change. I know it's not an easy road. I stuck with a man that was addicted to porn and had numerous affairs for 22 years. You both are in my prayers. I'm routing for you guys. It'll take both of you working for the same goal.
ReplyDeleteAnna, I commend you for moving into reconciliation with Josh. Please understand the tremendous journey you are taking in surviving infidelity and betrayal. I have been there. After the first acknowledged affairs, we attempted reconciliation. My wayward spouse attended councilling until he could convince me it was his mistake, minimized the infidelity and I felt he changed. Wrong. He began almost immediately taking his activities underground. I was trusting, naïve and wanted to believe him. We separated and divorced. Shortly after we began seeing one another because of our son. Councilling again, followed by remarriage. I felt he was at last faithful. Not so, he began a 10 year underground affair with family friend. There were times, I felt inkling of worry, a gut feeling, but ignored. Never ignore your gut feeling. He was becoming so bold, staying in hotel with one night stands. Also gambling, and our bills weren't paid. After more than 25 years I was broken. I left again in 2009. Few years later, he became affected by age related illness, and heart attack.
ReplyDeleteI'm returned to assist, only with sincere marriage councilling. No quick fixing. We have been in councilling for 5 years. Some ups and downs, but much more honesty. His infidelity began because he had unresolved issues from being molested by family friend 30 years ago. A tortuous secret that had him feeling he must be promiscuous with women to cancel out the molestation by a man. He wanted to prove to himself he wasn't homosexual. Josh has unfortunately had molestation in his youth. It has a horrible affect on their view of their sexuality. Anna sweetie, listen to your gut, and make sure proper marriage councilling is in place for as long as it takes. Reconciliation can be successful as long as both partners are 100% committed. After 39 years my hubby and I are finally in a good place. Long time coming. I had to loose my naïveté and make him take responsibility for his actions. Remember, don't listen to words, actions tell the real story. Words and actions must match. Prayers, your marriage can be saved.
Prayers for you Anna, you are so strong, I can't imagine how hard this must be.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anything more needs to be said publicly. I'm not sure the public will allow your family to bounce back from this. Your carefully crafted statements and televised sibling interviews regarding Josh, haven't positively altered public perception yet. Try a different approach. Try an extended hiatus from social media. Time helps. I have huge respect for your family and it just appears as if you're chasing the public & your awkwardly two steps behind. Don't worry about your brand, image or future show deals right now. How about everyone takes a break, your family & the public...then down the road we'll see if thete's still a good fit.
ReplyDeleteWhen my flesh becomes weak it's then I can speak to the Saviour whose with me each day
ReplyDeleteOh Father forgive me hear my prayer and he washed my sins away.... What sins are you talking about ? I don't remember them any more. from The Book of Life they've all been torn out. I don't remember them anymore.
My heart just aches for them. Anna's position is extraordinarily difficult and many, many people think of her (and the kids) and want... whatever it is that is best and hope that things get better.
ReplyDeleteThat's great you all are working hard on your marriage. Such a great example on forgiveness wish you guys the best.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you both. It takes love and courage to go on. It isn't an easy road. Good Bless you and help you both as you work your way back to a healthy relationship.
ReplyDelete