In case you missed it, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar--along with their 19 children and 2 grandchildren--appeared on the Today show this morning. With much enthusiasm, they announced that they are expecting their 20th child! I love how excited they get about each new baby, and how much joy is in their family. Every single child that they are given is accepted with open, loving arms and hearts, no matter how many.
As my kids and I watched the interview on the Today show this morning, we were disgusted with the obvious disdain the interviewer (sorry I don't remember her name, as I normally never watch this show) had for the pregnancy. She started off the interview by saying, "I'm afraid to even ask" (what the announcement was), and then proceeded to ask all of the usual questions that the Duggars are typically asked over and over again. Questions like "how will you afford another one?" and "what about your health" and the two most annoying ones: "was this one planned" and "will you have another?" Really??? How many times do the Duggars have to explain to people that they can't give an answer about when they'll stop having babies because THEY DON'T KNOW, because they are leaving up to God? Michelle is just so gracious and loving in her responses to people. I'm sure the constant criticism must really wear on her after awhile.
Also worth noting was that there was not a single "congratulations" to the Duggars, only an attitude of "what are you thinking...are you crazy?" (Correct me if I'm wrong...I may have missed it!) I thought that the interviewer was somewhat rude and condescending, and could have mustered up a nice friendly "congratulations on your pregnancy!" like most people do when someone announces a pregnancy. Why is it that the congrats are less and less frequent the more kids you have? Is the first or second child more important than the 6th or 8th or 20th? That should not be! Every child is a blessing and has value, and the Lord has a plan for every one of them.
Worse yet are the comments online. They're horrible! Go to this news story if you want to see what I mean. These days the world is so mixed up and priorities are all out of place.
The biggest criticism is regarding Michelle's health. Why do people think that's for them to determine? Jim Bob and Michelle obviously are following the Lord and seeking Him for His will. If it was not safe for them to have more, I'm sure in their prayer time God would speak to their hearts about it. As it is, they are at peace allowing the pregnancies to come as God wills, and they are trusting Him to keep Michelle and baby healthy. I greatly respect their faith, and it would sure be nice if others could make kind comments, instead of the terribly rude ones!
Congratulations Jim Bob and Michelle and family, as you await this newest precious addition to your wonderful family!
I have 5 children (16 yrs - 18 months) and would love more. What a gift to have 20! Being 41 I think probably there won't be any more for me, and then I see them and think , well, just maybe I will be blessed too! Oh, I made your pinto beans and rice and it was a hit here too, thanks for such great frugal tips. You are just lovely.
ReplyDeleteWell Said! I love the Duggards and I am thrilled to hear that they will be blessed with another child! Its funny how ppl question her health when actually the more babies you have esp in your 40's the greater decrease you have in women cancer.
ReplyDeleteBeth, my oldest is 16 and my youngest is 18 months also. I'm so glad you and your family enjoyed the recipe!
ReplyDeleteWow that is fantastic news, hope the pregnancy goes well this time, I would presume Michelle will be closely monitored and everything will be fine...
ReplyDeleteWe dont have pay TV (cable) anymore so I dont get to follow the Duggars like I used to. I try to catch up with things on YouTube from time to time...
Thank you for sharing this wonderful news :)
I'm thrilled for the Duggars, and was sorry that I missed their announcement. I so enjoy watching the graceful way that Michelle answers questions - even the rude ones!!
ReplyDeletePraise God for those who allow God to direct their every path, not just the convenient ones!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to me, that generally these shows will tout medical experts when discussing something like health..yet, they don't inquire at all with experts over Michelle. For, if they did, they would find that:
1) One premature birth, rarely indicates another, particularly absent of several preemies. In other words, unless you have a structural abnormality such as incompetent cervix or an auto-immune disorder, you do not have to have recurring preemies. (my first was 34 weeks and the remaining never come "on time")
2) Her health is not "at risk" for having lots of children, as the uterus is a muscle, and actually fares better when exercised in a capacity for which it was innately designed-pregnancy.
3) Having several children and nursing them, lowers the risk of several cancers and other health issues.
4) God has given built in rest from pregnancy in menopause. She will get to that point, naturally.
In addition to that, the family doesn't ask for financial support, and their beautiful family is perfectly equipped to care for one another in the loss of one of the parents. Much better, in fact, than most of the American "me" families who limit their offspring to one or two..
God Bless the Duggars! I know a tiny bit how they feel, as we experienced a m/c @ 14 weeks in May, where my MIL was "relieved", and now that I am expecting again, she wanted to know if the baby was "planned". You'd think after 9 pregnancies, and expecting our 7th, she'd "get it" that we don't "plan" human life...even when we use birth control and we "think" we do! I'm used to it, yet it still stings, especially since it comes from family, and someone who is supposed to be a Christian. Apparently for Christians, babies are only blessings if they are perfectly planned, limited in number, well-spaced and college funded.