Waking up today, I discovered all of the information going around about your hit television show Nineteen Kids and Counting. Realizing the accusations that were being presented, I stopped and prayed right away for everyone involved. I feel as if you are all a part of my family because your show was one of the only "appropriate" things that I felt my eyes should see. I never missed an episode. The Christian values presented were nothing that I could watch on MTV or even other shows seen on TLC. I became apart of your family and you, as well, became apart of mine. My heart breaks for what has happened and I present this letter with deep love for each and every one of you.
First, to all of the girls: thank you so much for showing me what it means to dress modestly. Jessa, Jana, Jill, and Jinger: you are all role models for me and will each continue to be one of my leading examples of a wholesome Christian girl in the twenty-first century. I respect each of you and your decisions within your relationships and modesty. I have followed your example in a courtship and I thank you for being open and honest about the temptations that are presented in a courtship. You girls are wonderful examples and I pray that you will continue to be that same example. I pray that this situation won't pull you away from publicly showing your values through media. We need more people like you in this world.
Jim Bob and Michelle: Where do I begin? I hope I can be as good as a mother as you are Michelle and I pray that my future husband can be half the father you are Jim Bob. You put your family first, lead them to Christ, and show a great example of Christ's love to everyone you meet. I hope that this situation doesn't make you feel like horrible parents. Satan's attacks can be big; however, we have a God who is much bigger. Feel comforted in His arms during this tough time.
Anna: You knew about this accusation long ago. What a wonderful woman you are to continue embracing Josh and courting him knowing this. You are such a strong woman and an amazing mother. I appreciate everything you do. Your faith in God radiates. You knew that God had a plan for Josh and you knew that Josh was young and confused during this time. I can't even fathom the hurt you are going through...not selfishly, but for your wonderful husband. I pray that you will be comforted in the love of Jesus Christ.
Josh: Josh, I can't even imagine what you are going through right now. I have prayed for you multiple times throughout knowing the accusations. I don't need to know the full story of when you were fourteen years old to know that you have asked for forgiveness and have turned away from this sin since that time. You clearly love your family and want what's best for them. Not one person who talks bad about this situation can do it with a clean slate. We have all messed up sometime in our life...the only difference is that we don't have a public television show to express it. What you did was wrong, and you know that....but how you handled the situation is right, and we know that. You came clean to authorities, shared the situation with your parents, and expressed the matter to Anna and her parents. How courageous! ....but now, the secret comes out. A secret that I believe shouldn't be a secret in the first place. Why wasn't a situation like this publicized. It would be nice to know that the Duggar family isn't a perfect family...but a family with issues. A family who needs a Savior just like the rest of us. I am praying for you Josh. Much love to you, my brother in Christ.
The girls affected: I am so sorry that all of you went through something that could be so tragic. Knowing the virtues that each of you carry, I can't imagine how this made you feel then and especially now. A statement was made that explained that this situation brought everyone closer to God. I know that in a tight knit family, forgiveness is needed. I do not know the extent of what happened; however, I do know how each of you fully rely on God now and I'm sure then. I have seen examples of other tragic situations in the family and I have seen how you solely keep faith in God during those times as well. I understand that the situations didn't occur recently, but at an earlier time in life. I commend each of you for pushing towards purity and even in the hard times, continue to follow the Bible. My heart breaks knowing that something so precious was taken away from you at such a young age...not necessarily virginity, but complete purity. I love all of you girls and I will continue to look up to each of you. You are in my prayers.
All of the Duggars: What a wonderful time it has been getting to grow up with all of you. Thank you all for sharing your story and being brave. Remember that we, Christians, are a minority in this world. Being a Christian sets us at a higher standard. No matter how much we try to be perfect, sin will still be present. We live in a fallen world. Knowing this, we have to be on guard. Broadcasting your life comes with consequences like this. When people know every little thing that goes on in your life, they are looking for the first thing they can throw against you....even if it is something that has happened twelve years ago.
"This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 8:23-24
A television show will not hold any importance in eternity. Whether they put the show back on air or they don't, you have a strong family with the foundation of Christ.
TLC: Thank you for airing a wonderful, Christian reality show for so long. I deeply appreciate the time you have given Nineteen Kids and Counting to show their lives. From watching the kids grow up to seeing Jill and Jessa get married, to now adding more fun to the family with grandkids. So much has happened in this wonderful family. I completely understand taking the show off air for a period of time; however, how is this helping the viewers? Shows like: Sister Wives, Breaking Amish, My Five Wives, Preachers Daughters...are shows that you still air...how are any of these appropriate. Just looking at the titles we can see that these shows aren't morally correct. How can one man take care of five woman and their kids. If we want to talk about kids not being treated well, why don't we take a look at those families? At least we know that the Duggars have a mother and a father to care for them...even if they do make a huge mistake like so.
I love all of you and I pray that God's comfort will embrace you.
With Christ's love,
Caitlyn Martin
Accusation Here
