A Statement from Anna Duggar

by | Jan 23, 2016 | 46 comments

“Many have asked how I am doing. So many have asked that its 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. Just recently I visited Josh. It was an important step on a long difficult road. I want to thank all of you for your prayers and your messages of hope. I can never express how your kindness and prayers have brought encouragement when I needed it most—outpacing the grief and discouragement at every turn. I trust that God will continue to show His love and tenderness toward us and bring beauty from ashes—somehow—as only He can do. Please continue to pray for me, Josh and our children.”

-Anna

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46 Comments

  1. Carolann Webb Keith

    My dearest Anna, you, Josh and your family are in my prayers , and have been for sometime. Please trust in the Lord and listen to him let God and God alone lead you and your family to where he wants you to be. Just know that there are good Christian people praying for you, Josh and your children. We are also praying for the Duggar Family. Have faith dear. God will see you through.

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  2. Nancy Parker

    I wish you the best of luck and prayers during this trying time and I can understand giving Josh another chance at redeeming himself but I also pray that should he falter again that you don’t allow yourself to be a doormat for him to hurt time and time again and you will seek the strength to stand alone with your children, sometimes it’s better for your children to leave and raise them alone rather than subject them to such sinful behavior.

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  3. Cheryl Peake

    God bless you Anna and family. Its sad the world felt they had to get involved. Prayers for all of you

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  4. Tatum Dawne Chavis

    Im glad to hear that Anna is doing okay. Which with God its impossible to not be okay. Rom. 8:28. I have been keeping you all in my prayers. Especially that God will watch over Jill and her family as they minister to the lost in Central America. Also if you would please keep me in your prayers. In the summer of 2014 God began dealing with me about mission work. I prayed and prayed about where and if it was true. I didnt want fake conviction to be the case. So on August 6 2015 God gave me the answer and I surrendered to the field of africa. I am currentlly 15 and in the tenth grade. So I have 2 years until I can start any work over there. But I am waiting on God to open the doors for a summer survey trip. So please keep me in your prayers that I will keep an open heart and mind unto the Lord about what to do. Your sister in Christ-Tatum Galatians 2:20

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  5. sharon

    Anna we have all been through hard times.its how we handle it that counts. You seem to be doing OK. Thank you Lord in advance for restoration and any demons josh has he will get help and through Jesus and accountability to God 1st then you then the kids. I pray Gods will be done. Love you Anna your a fantastic mother and wife.

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  6. Bobbie Jo Richart

    Praying for you and your family during this rough time… i alsways remember If god brings me to is, he will see me through it. Stay the strong beautiful woman you are. God bless you and your family. Peace and Love.

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  7. Kathleen Timmens

    Anna, I so admire your fortitude. I have a similar story. Let me know if you ever want to hear it. I did stick out the tough times and now have been married 37 years.

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  8. Julie Geoffrion

    Praying for your family and for your strength in God to remain firm in the face of controversy. Never mind what others say and do what God wants you to do for you and your family. God can heal and restore and show forth a mighty testimony through it all!!

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  9. Anne Ritts

    Blessings on you, Anna. You are an inspiration.

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  10. Alorin Harris

    You are a very brave and forgiving woman. I went through a similar situation and for me the answer was to end the marriage. I later found the love of my life and we are about to celebrate our 16th anniversary. He has been an amazing (step( father to my 2 children.I hope that Josh realizes what he has in you, and comes to his senses and stops his destructive behavior. If you can continue to love and care for him, more power to you!

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  11. Ashley King

    Anna you are truly an inspiration, when this scandal came out and everyone I knew was saying you should run, I never thought you would. You are truly a Godly wife and I wish more women would understand their rolls as mothers and wives. I wish more women would take their marriage vows more seriously. I have prayed for you and your family many times and still do so. Healing is a very long process and only God can show us how we may heal from the most difficult times. I look forward to the day I may shake your hand and see the light of God in your eyes. Your story touches very near to me, I have gone thru some of the same you have and I (at the time) was not nearly as humble as you to bring my problems before the lord. I wish you well. I hope to one day call you friend. I will continue to pray for you and your family. I hope you continue to feel God’s love and companionship.

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  12. Nikki

    Anna I will pray for you and your kids and i hope you can get over this you did not and don;t deserve what happened to you. I hope you can find the strength and courage to get through this.God bless you and your children. You are a very strong woman.

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  13. Kristy

    Love you Anna!

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  14. R. Michelle Joseph

    Mathew 6:33 Isaiah 40:31

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  15. Janet W Burand

    My heart breaks for you and what you have had laid on your shoulders. You have the right foundation to face it but I know that it still is a very difficult journey to endure. You do not and probably will not ever know me but I think of you and your babies often during the days as they pass and send a quiet message into the air for you to hold strong and know that some of us out here wish you the very best

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  16. Darlene Smith

    You and the family will be in my prayers. God bless you.

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  17. Tammy Allison

    Many Prayers for all of you {{{HUGZ}}} and much Love! God Bless!

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  18. Laura Reid

    Praying for you, Anna. I’m believing and trusting God that there will most definitely be beauty from the ashes for you and your family! Your courage has touched my heart, and your forgiveness in today’s world is so rare. God bless you!

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  19. Leslie Marie Marinello

    I’m so terribly sorry for the pain you’re going through. I know you are strong in the Lord and He’s holding you in His precious hand. I lost my husband in June I believe you’re situation is worse . Mu hrsrt hirtd for you. Please continue to be strong . No one knows how much I miss 19 and counting you’re an awesome mother and wife. Don’t believe anyone who may say otherwise. I hope you gind peace anf your broken heart mends You’re not alone People care LOVE to you LESLIE

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  20. Connie Leis

    I pray for you and Josh often. I know God is in control of all things even when we don’t understand why we are going through the difficult times in our lives…but like you said Hr always draws near to us, especially when we need Him the most. Continued prayers for y’all and the whole Duggar family!

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  21. Kelley McHood

    Anna, I’ve been praying for you! Keep your faith strong.

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  22. Rossan Clifford

    Hang in there. No matter what others say or do God is in control and He can forgive anyone if we just ask n turn away frm our wicked ways. God gives us a choice accept Him n love and do right or not. Choose Him He will get you thru anything. Philippians 4:19

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  23. Stephanie Hutson

    I’m so happy for you all. God is and always will be with those who believe in him. Anna you and Josh have a beautiful family may God bless you and be with you.

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  24. Diana Gilles

    I cannot even begin to comprehend how you have managed to keep yourself together Anna! I have prayed for you, Josh and your babies all these long months. It is a balm to my soul to read your sweet words. God IS in control, even during this vicious time. The strength in your voice and in your written word is amazing and I know that the love that surrounds you feeds your spirit well. Stay strong to your own heart and to what God is leading you to do. If it is of the Lord, then, it will always be the right thing! You are precious Anna, as are Josh and your little ones. As a mother of sons Josh’s age, I pray for Michelle and Jim Bob as well. I can only imagine the pain and anguish they have endured. We have endured the same with 2 of our sons. You never want to believe that those sweet little boys will grow into young men with sinful hearts. Just like all of us. You can only rest in knowing that as parents you have done the very best you knew to do. God’s word does not return void and I desperately claim to His promise. God is good all of the time. Love, hugs and continued prayers for all of you!

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  25. Emily R

    Praying for you Anna…been praying for you for so long. I’m going through similar struggles and this is so near to my heart. Rejoice, for HE has already won the war!

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  26. Virginia Benemio

    Good luck Anna. I wish you and your children well.

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  27. Susie Clark

    I will continue to pray for your entire family, through all of this pain you are an encouragement to me and so many others. We love you and thank you I will continue to pray for your entire family. We love you and thank you for the example you have become,for sharing the good and the bad as we all grow and become more like Jesus. I will never meet you in person but I look forward to spending eternity getting to know you and praising our Lord together. Susie

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  28. Marcia Shepard

    Anna-you have shown us all your strength and love for God and your family. Please continue to lean on God. Know that everything happens for a reason and until we depart from our earthy life and the last piece of the puzzle is laid in our journey called life will we know what that reason is. Continue to believe in yourself and grow from your heartache..I do hope that Josh has grown as well and that God has shown him a new way and you both can put the old behind you,as hard as it will be..But through God all things are possible.. For all concerned I do hope you and Josh can put your marriage back together and who knows just how great it can be..My thoughts and prayers are with you,Josh and your precious children.. To God be the glory-

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  29. Dee Anna Gattie-Sellers

    You and your family continue to be in our prayers!

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  30. Janice Ryan

    Anna, I have been praying for you and Josh since day one. I pray The Lord will bring restoration and redemption soon and that you can become a family stronger and more united than ever. God Bless you Anna…I am proud you are standing by his side…I believe in my heart Josh can recover and heal.

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  31. Dena Lawetzki

    Good for you Anna. God is good. Life is not alway easy but with our Glorious God all things are possible. I pray that this hiccup, though a tough one, will make you & Josh strong and Josh able to correct his wrong. God has already forgiven him. People well its not that easy. Prayers for all the Duggers.

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  32. DixieLyn Darlin

    Dear Sweet Anna, you are stronger and braver than I’d expect from someone walking in your shoes. I wish you comfort and peace during this time. May everything be better than ever for your family. You are Wonder Woman to me, I’m very impressed with the way you have stayed true to your wedding vows. Love, Dixie

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  33. Kathryn davis

    Anna, you don’t know me my name is Kathryn Davis I give you a lot of props for coming forward and getting on with your life with your children keep your head up and let God take over things will be ok email me anytime

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  34. Linda Mitchell

    I am praying for you and your family

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  35. Shaina Ramirez

    We continue to pray for your family. Thank you for your transparency, it is truly a blessing. You are an inspiration.

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  36. RITA GARCIA

    We will continue to pray for all your family, we love you all and care about you as if you were in our family.We miss you so much!!WE so looked forward to watching your show every week!WE are very excited about your new show.GOD is good all the time.Nothing is too big for Him;He will bring joy to you and your family,so dont give up! Please know we got your back! LOVE, RITA GARCIA

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  37. Julia R.

    Stay with God he has great plans for you (jerrimia 29:11) Be strong and keep your faith. Pray to God…I know you can bo it . Julia R

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  38. Delta Clough

    Dearest Mrs Anna I need to let you know that I admire you so much… I got married in August 2014 and I have heath issues and I know the things you and Mr Josh are going through are not the same as me and my husband but I believe when u said that you took your vows through better or worse I feel the same way many men/women leave their spouses when troubling times come I have suffered with a brain anaserm in December 2015 and when most men would leave their spouse my stood beside me as I am recovering. I admire how you have stood by your vows. I pray you both come out stronger. Love and Prayers Delta

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  39. Katelyn Keith

    Anna, I will continue to pray for you, Josh, and your children. I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. I want you to know that your testimony of faith has been touching so many lives and I’m so proud of you. God is good all the time and is all mighty. It is so comforting to know He truly is there for us all the time. May God continue to bless you, Josh and your sweet family. With love, Katelyn

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  40. Jeanie Scovell

    Sorry you had to go though this but think of your kids And every tomorrow Jesus forgive But he did say ” GO AND SIN NO MORE” to in one.

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  41. Crystal Principe

    I am so encouraged to see you standing in faith and standing for your marriage. You will be an encouragement to many women who face painful realities in their marriages. My heart and prayers are with you.

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  42. Vera Bevis

    You are an amazing woman Anna! Praying for you and your family! Thank you for being a good example of a godly person. It is so much easier just divorce these days. Thank you for not giving up on your husband. And getting him help …love you guys!

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  43. Mary Schmidt

    We’re praying the road gets better as God brings healing to your family. We would like to mention that Teen Challenge is a great place to get back on track from addictions. God bless.

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  44. Ms. D

    Anna I do pray for you but mostly for the children. I can understand you trying to forgive Josh for straying from the marriage. A lot of people go through that and find a way to work it out. But as a professional, I am having a hard time believing that you could form the thought in your head to forgive Josh for the sexual molestations. Yes I know it’s a sickness. It’s a sickness with NO CURE. You don’t have to believe me you can research it yourself. There are many many medical papers/magazines/articles/research papers that say the same thing it CANNOT BE CURED but sometimes it can be controlled. You seem to be such a good and loving mother. I can’t believe you are willing to take that chance with your children. I hope and pray you rethink this. If not for yourself then for the children. Once something happens it’s too late to say I should have or I could have. Please don’t put your children in that kind of position. Some children that get molested NEVER get over it. Do you want to take the chance that that may become one of your children? I can’t and won’t believe that God wants you to put your children in harms way. I just won’t believe that.

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  45. Mary Frances Sulzen

    Yes, Trust in GOD! The road of life is full of speed bumps…but God will give you the courage and strength to get through it. Thank you for letting us know how you are doing…keep up the good work, God will reward you. Your children are beautiful!

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  46. Michele Barnier

    Hi Anna, I am so proud of you, when you said your vows were to God first and Josh second. I know that does not make your walk easier, I also liked your comment about getting through it 15 minutes at a time. Only God knows the future and I know the road is long, but I feel you are staying on the right path even if you don’t stay together in the end, you did all you could do, in this world people pop in and out of marriage like trying on clothes, God never meant for marriage to be a tryout but for the two to become one, you are showing the world a good example of what God meant marriage to be like. I think you are brave and Gods light shines through you. God Bless you and yours!

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