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  • Jessa Duggar: Former “19 Kids and Counting” Star Named Her Baby What?

    Jessa Duggar has finally named her baby. She and hubby Ben Seewald welcomed a baby boy into their lives one week ago, following a grueling 48-hour labor and emeergency trip to the hospital via ambulance for Jessa following the home birth. Nearly a week went by with the former 19 Kids and Counting grandchild having no name. Late on Wednesday, the announcement came.

    Spurgeon Elliot Seewald.

    Why?

    Prior to the announcement, both Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald admitted they were having difficulty choosing a name for their baby boy. They wanted something strong–something reminiscent of biblical heroes.

    Charles Spurgeon was a British preacher in England in the 1800s. He wrote several hymns that are still sung in Christian churches today. Ben Seewald told People magazine that Spurgeon has long been one of his “personal heroes.”

    “Elliot” comes from late missionaries Jim and Elisabeth Elliot. Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald have long admired the work they did in South America.

    Even though Jessa Duggar asked fans for ideas for names for their baby–long before he was born–they clearly opted not to use any of the more than 100,000 options sent in.

    Spurgeon Elliot Seewald is the sixth grandchild to grace the Duggar family. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have four grandchildren from Josh and Anna Duggar, and one from Jill Duggar Dillard and husband Derick Dillard.

    What do you think of the name Jessa Duggar Seewald and her husband chose for their baby boy?

    Might little Spurgeon one day be teased mercilessly for his name? After all, kids can be cruel.

    Surely as he grows older, Spurgeon Elliot Seewald will appreciate the thought put into his unusual moniker.

  • Anna Duggar Shares Generic Wedding Message in Amy Duggar’s ‘Guest Book,’ Questioning Marriage to Josh Duggar?

    Anna Duggar has been at the center of her husband’s recent sex scandal. After he was outed by the recent Ashley Madison cheater’s website hack, the eldest of the 19 Kids and Counting brood admitted to an addiction to pornography. He also admitted to cheating on Anna Duggar.

    Attending a wedding shortly after you learn your husband cheated on you has to be devastating. Anna Duggar signed Amy Duggar’s non-traditional guest book with a rather generic message. Given her present circumstances, it’s plain to see why.

    Instead of a traditional guest book, Amy Duggar–cousin of the 19 Kids and Counting recently disgraced Duggar family–opted for Jenga blocks instead. Jenga is a game of stackable wooden blocks. Wedding guests were each asked to sign one of the blocks with a message for the new bride and groom–Amy Duggar and Dillon King.

    “So happy for you!” Anna Duggar wrote on her Jenga block.

    That’s about as generic as one can get when addressing a newlywed couple. Yet imagine how painful it must have been for Anna Duggar to attend this wedding. Watching a bride and groom vow to love and cherish one another ’til death do them part likely resonated with Anna. She was pregnant with her fourth child when she learned Josh Duggar cheated on her.

    Fortunately for Anna Duggar, she and the rest of the Duggar clan left Amy Duggar’s wedding shortly after the reception began. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar herded their crew out the door just before the dancing and drinking commenced.

    According to the Duggar family website, Anna Duggar is receiving counseling following the devastation she has endured. Hopefully the counseling is legitimate–unlike the counseling Josh Duggar received after molesting five underage girls as a teen. Four of those girls are his own sisters. Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald admit they were their brother’s victims. It is expected–given their ages at the time of the molestations–that Jana Duggar and Jinger Duggar were victimized, too. Josh was sent to a Christian retreat where he was supposedly counseled on sexual issues following the molestations. Clearly that counseling didn’t work, as he made headlines again for cheating on Anna–with a porn star and stripper.

    “We will be offering our love, care and devoted support to Anna and our grandchildren as she also receives counsel and help for her own heart and future,” Michelle Duggar wrote on the blog last month. “During this time we continue to look to God—He is our rock and comfort. We ask for your continued prayers for our entire family.”

    Anna Duggar needs all the help she can get. Her generic message to Amy Duggar and Dillon King indicates she is probably shutting down emotionally, in an attempt to hide her pain.

    Anna’s brother wants her to leave Josh Duggar, but that’s unlikely because of their religious beliefs.

    Do you expect while attending Amy and Dillon’s wedding that Anna Duggar at some point questioned her marriage to Josh Duggar?

  • Jessa Seewald Slams Brother Josh Duggar for Cheating on Wife, Shares Sermon on Adultery

    Jessa Seewald (nee Duggar) hasn’t directly slammed brother Josh Duggar for his latest scandal, but she certain bashed him indirectly. The former 19 Kids and Counting star posted a link to a sermon about adultery on her Instagramaccount. It was recently discovered that Josh Duggar had two Ashley Madison accounts. He admitted to having an addiction to pornography and to cheating on his wife, Anna Duggar.

    Shortly after Jessa Duggar Seewald shared the link, husband Ben Seewald shared it on his social media pages, too.

    A photo posted by Jessa Seewald (@jessaseewald) on

    Even though Jessa Seewald didn’t directly slam Josh Duggar, her father-in-law definitely didn’t mince any words. Michael Seewald wrote any essay on his blog that directly addresses Josh Duggar’s Ashley Madison scandal and his sexual sins.

    “In commenting on this I do not wish to add any more distress to a family still recovering from the indignity of the publication of a police report detailing Josh’s sins as a teenager,” the Seewald family patriarch wrote in his post. “Though I have never gotten to know Josh very well, I have great respect for his sorrowing parents and immense sympathy for his dear wife, Anna, and their four children. I myself have been mourning over the irreparable damage that has been done to many by this whole circumstance, yet the reason I feel obliged to make these remarks is an overwhelming desire to vindicate the name of God.”

    “It is not shocking that men and women lie, cheat, steal, hate, fornicate, and commit any and all other sins. It happens every second of every minute of every hour of every day. It doesn’t surprise me that thirty nine million people are members of the Ashley Madison adultery website, nor do I think it surprises you,” he wrote. “What is troubling is that many who take the name of Christ are among its members. It doesn’t trouble me because I think Christians aren’t capable of doing the worst of things, but that we profess that we are no longer the slaves of sin, but servants to God. By professing that we love God with our mouth, yet secretly serving sin, we are found to be hypocrites,” he added.

    Jessa Duggar Seewald and her husband Ben are expecting their first baby on November 1–the date of their first wedding anniversary. She appeared alongside sister Jill Duggar Dillard and mom Michelle Duggar on Sunday’s TLC special about sexual abuse.

    Do you think Jessa Seewald was indirectly slamming her brother by posting the link to a sermon on adultery? She is close to sister-in-law Anna Duggar, and no doubt feels bad for what she’s going through.

  • Jill Dillard, Jessa Duggar Seewald Promote Sexual Abuse Awareness in TLC Special Alongside Mom Michelle Duggar

    Jill Dillard (nee Duggar) and sister Jessa Duggar Seewald are admitted sexual molestation victims of their brother Josh Duggar. In a TLC special that aired Sunday, the Duggar sisters, along with their mom Michelle Duggar, vowed to raise awareness for sexual abuse and its victims.

    The hour-long special, called Breaking the Silence, made no mention of Josh Duggar, and it was filmed before his Ashley Madison cheating scandal made news. Jill Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald didn’t address their specific situation, but acknowledged the need for more awareness.

    “I feel like this should be a discussion that people are having, even regularly,” Jessa said. “I think that it shouldn’t be a taboo subject and that we should be bringing awareness to child sexual abuse and talking about it.”

    “It was amazing to understand that there are so many people that deal with the exact same thing in their own families, so just being educated is very good,” Jill Dillard added.

    Michelle Duggar was impressed by both of her daughters.

    “I was so glad that my girls and I were able to do this together,” she said. “And that we could just be a support and encouragement to each other to be able to gain more information about this important topic.”

    Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald weren’t the only sexual abuse victims on the TLC special. Teri Hatcher of Desperate Housewives fame and Cheryl Burke of Dancing With the Stars fame–as well as other advocates–were featured, too.

    “Dance was my escape from reality,” Cheryl Burke said. “I was able to start building my confidence and know that I don’t need anybody to be happy. I just needed just me. I needed to know that I could do this on my own. I’m proof that you can actually move on from this.”

    If even one person was helped by listening to Jill Dillard, Jessa Duggar Seewald, or the others involved in Breaking the Silence, then TLC has done a great service in raising awareness for this most necessary cause.

    Do you think Jessa Seewald and Jill Duggar appeared on this show for the right reasons, however? Might they have agreed to do so in an effort to save their family’s reality show, 19 Kids and Counting? TLC hadn’t yet cancelled the show when the Duggars agreed to appear.

  • ’19 Kids and Counting:’ Former Stars Jessa Duggar Seewald and Jill Duggar Dillard to Raise Sexual Abuse Awareness

    19 Kids and Counting was cancelled because of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s eldest son Josh Duggar and his sexual molestation scandal. On Sunday, former stars Jessa Duggar Seewald and Jill Duggar Dillard–two of Josh Duggar’s sexual molestation victims–appeared on a TLC special called Breaking the Silence. While on the show, the Duggar sisters said they want to raise awareness about sexual abuse.

    Josh Duggar was a teenager when he sexually molested four members of the 19 Kids and Counting family. In addition to Jill and Jessa Duggar, it is thought that sisters Jinger and Jana Duggar were victimized as well.

    During the TLC special, Jessa Duggar addressed sexual abuse.

    “I feel like this should be a discussion that people are having, even regularly,” she said. “I think that it shouldn’t be a taboo subject and that we should be bringing awareness to child sexual abuse and talking about it.”

    Jill Duggar added, “It was amazing to understand that there are so many people that deal with the exact same thing in their own families, so just being educated is very good.”

    Former 19 Kids and Counting matriarch Michelle Duggar appeared on the TLC special with her daughters.

    “I was so glad that my girls and I were able to do this together,” she said on Sunday’s documentary. “And that we could just be a support and encouragement to each other to be able to gain more information about this important topic.”

    Sadly, the 19 Kids and Counting family has been devastated by Josh Duggar yet again. During the recent Ashley Madison website hacking it was discovered that Josh had two accounts. He later admitted to having an addiction to pornography and to having cheated on his wife Anna Duggar.

  • Jessa Duggar Upcoming Appearance at Christian Conference Angers Many in Wake of Josh Duggar Sexual Molestation and Ashley Madison Scandals

    Jessa Duggar is set to speak at the Southern Women’s Show in both Birmingham, Alabama and Charlotte, North Carolina this fall. The Christian conference is designed to empower and entertain women in the areas of fashion, fun, family life, and more.

    In light of Jessa Duggar’s brother Josh’s recent scandals, however, some women–and men, too–aren’t sure the former 19 Kids and Counting star should be on the roster of guests.

    Jessa Duggar is married now, and it seems hubby Ben Seewald will be on hand as well to sign autographs. The couple is expecting their first baby on their first wedding anniversary–November 1st.

    You guessed it! Jessa Seewald from TLC's 19 Kids and Counting will be joining us at this year’s Southern Women's Show Birmingham! Jessa will appear on Saturday, October 10th.

    Posted by Southern Women's Show Birmingham on Monday, July 13, 2015

    The Southern Women’s Show Birmingham posted about Jessa Duggar’s upcoming October appearance. Some of the commenters on the post seemed a bit disturbed that she was among the guests.

    One commenter wrote, “I wonder if Jessa will answer questions about the molestation cover up? Why her husband doesn’t have a job? Why she’s traveling this late in her pregnancy? Does she plan on “blanket training” her son (beating baby until he/she submits to the rod)? Just asking.”

    The Southern Women’s Show Birmingham quickly ran interference, replying, “Thank you Susan Payton for your comments and your interest in Jessa’s appearance. As you are probably aware, Jessa and her sister Jill are partnering with TLC and child protective organizations, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) and Darkness to Light, to raise awareness and offer assistance to families dealing with similar issues. The documentary will air sometime later this summer and many of the questions regarding their abuse will be addressed at that time. The question and answer session during her appearance at the show is open forum, however; we are hopeful that public inquiries are appropriately respectful regarding this important and sensitive subject. As an advocate for such victims, The Southern Women’s Show supports these endeavors to shed light and spark hope for the many children & families in need of support.”

    Another commenter chimed in, referring to Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald’s interview with Megyn Kelly after Josh Duggar’s first scandal went public.

    “Jessa and Jill outright lied in the Kelly interview. Said “we were asleep and didn’t know we were abused”. This is NOT what their testimony says in the police reports. #blankettraining,” the commenter wrote.

    Jessa Duggar Seewald has a very special message for Southern Women's Show fans!

    Posted by Southern Women's Show Charlotte on Monday, August 24, 2015

    A commenter on Jessa Duggar’s message ahead of the Southern Women’s Show Charlotte left the following comment on the organization’s recent Facebook post.

    “This woman was made a victim of sexual abuse by her parents cultist lifestyle. Now she seems to be fully willing to perpetuate the same mistakes and cult lifestyle as an adult. She has my sympathy as a victim but absolutely none of my respect as an irresponsible, willfully ignorant adult.”

    Southern Women’s Show Charlotte replied, commenting, “Sarah Elizabeth, Cindy Cormier-Canfield, Linda L Beran-Miller, Debbie Furner, Erika Araneda, Mia Mort, Jan Sacks, Rebecca Elizabeth Hunt – Thank you all for your comments. We understand that sometimes the special guest(s) appearing at the show may not appeal to everyone, which is what the Southern Women’s Show is all about … we aspire to bring a variety of programming, features, shopping and events to appeal to a variety of tastes. There is truly something for everyone. We hope you’ll decide to join us after all on Friday or Sunday.”

    A man got in on the comments, too, writing, “Too bad Southern women don’t understand the many struggles women have been through to achieve their status in the 21st century. The Duggars live a Patriarchal Biblical lifestyle which represses women. Featuring one of them as a speaker hurts women everywhere. Shame on you.”

    A woman named Jennifer chimed in with, “I can’t believe that a Women’s show in 2015 would even consider giving this person a forum to continue to spew her bigoted hatred and her outdated view on women’s roles in both the home and in the workplace. You couldn’t find someone who actually has something to say that can contribute to the betterment and advancement of women?”

    Josh Duggar’s wife, Anna Duggar, has made news a lot lately–especially since Josh admitted to having two Ashley Madison accounts, being addicted to porn, and cheating on Anna Duggar. Yet the former 19 Kids and Counting family–as well as Anna’s own parents–say she won’t leave her husband. A porn star and stripper has even come forward, claiming Josh Duggar cheated on Anna Duggar with her–and that the sex was rough.

    This commenter believes Jessa Duggar shouldn’t speak at the upcoming conferences because the Duggar women–including Anna Duggar–can’t lend insight into how 21st century women live.

    “As a survivor of childhood sexual assault and considering the decades it has taken me to come to terms with the crime that was committed against me, I am highly disappointed in your choice to invite Jessa Duggar (or any of the Duggar women) to your upcoming event. The Duggars can provide no useful information to any women who are seeking progress. Their religious agenda is hell-bent on taking women back to the 1920’s, where women have no voice, no power; and whose sole purpose is to sexually service men and have babies. The Duggar women are the antithesis of everything you espouse,” the commenter wrote.

    Do you think Jessa Duggar is a good choice to encourage and represent women at these Southern Women’s Conferences? Or did the conference management perhaps secure her appearance long before either of Josh Duggar’s scandals made news?

  • Jim Bob Duggar Spotted in Wake of Josh Duggar’s Ashley Madison Scandal

    Jim Bob Duggar was spotted out and about in Springdale, Arkansas on Tuesday, not far from the compound the former 19 Kids and Counting family calls home. This is the first time the Duggar patriarch has been seen in public since the Josh Duggar Ashley Madison scandal made news.

    Clearly annoyed by photographers snapping his picture, Jim Bob Duggar did some banking and returned home to the family compound–driving fast.

    It was less than a week ago that Josh Duggar publicly humiliated his family yet again–admitting he had Ashley Madison accounts, an addiction to pornography, and even worse–that he had cheated on his wife, Anna Duggar.

    Jim Bob Duggar and his wife Michelle issued a statement shortly thereafter, saying they are praying about the situation and for their son.

    On Wednesday, Michelle Duggar wrote in a blog post on the family’s website that Josh Duggar had entered a treatment facility.

    Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar have kept a very low profile since Josh Duggar’s initial media scandal. He was outed in the news for having sexually molested five underage girls–four of whom are his sisters–when he was a teenager. Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald admit to being his victims, although they maintain they wouldn’t have known about the molestations had Jim Bob Duggar not told them what happened. Jill and Jessa Duggar say they were asleep when their brother sexually molested them.

    A source close to the Duggar family recently told People magazine that Jim Bob Duggar rules the Duggar family with a series of code words. When the boys see an attractive woman, Jim Bob Duggar says, “Nike,” and the boys (Jim Bob, too) drop their eyes to their shoes in their efforts to ward off any lustful thoughts they might experience.

    Do you think Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar will welcome Josh Duggar back into the fold after his most recent admissions? Clearly Josh Duggar needs a lot of help, and hopefully he is in a facility where that help is available.

    When Josh told Jim Bob Duggar of the sexual molestations, the “help” he received was akin to a slap on the wrist.

    Jim Bob Duggar is certainly avoiding the media out of respect for his son, but he likely also fears some of the hard-hitting questions reporters might ask him–like what kind of help his son is receiving this time around.

  • Jill Duggar Dillard, Jessa Duggar Seewald On Opposite Sides of Josh Duggar Ashley Madison Scandal

    Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald both admit they are victims of their brother’s sexual molestations when Josh Duggar was a teen. They both claim to have forgiven their brother, too.

    Now Josh Duggar is in the news for yet another sex-related scandal, but the sisters sit on opposite ends of the spectrum with regard to how their brother should be treated this time around.

    Josh Duggar entered rehab on Wednesday amidst all sorts of rumors about the former 19 Kids and Counting star. A stripper and porn star came forward, claiming Josh Duggar had rough sex with her.

    Josh admitted to having two Ashley Madison accounts, having an addiction to pornography, and cheating on his wife, Anna Duggar.

    Since Josh Duggar’s latest admission via the family’s website, Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald have both broken their silences on the matter via social media.

    Jessa Duggar Seewald shared words of Scripture.

    A photo posted by Jessa Seewald (@jessaseewald) on

    She then Tweeted words to a hymn.

    Most believe that Jessa Duggar Seewald forgives Josh Duggar for his most recent scandal, and believes others should forgive him, too.

    Sister Jill Duggar Dillard is apparently not buying it this time, however. She urged fans via social media to tune in to a sermon preached by Pastor Ronnie Floyd at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas, where the Duggar family has attended services. The sermon clearly states that sexual sin is wrong.

    Jill Duggar Dillard is in Central America serving as a missionary alongside husband Derick Dillard and sister Joy Duggar. Jessa Duggar Seeewald is home in Arkansas expecting her first child with hubby Ben Seewald.

    Do you think this latest Josh Duggar scandal might tear the two Duggar sisters apart?

  • Jessa Duggar: Is She Still Standing by Brother Josh Duggar in Wake of Ashley Madison Scandal?

    Jessa Duggar forgave brother Josh Duggar for sexually molesting her when he was a teenager. She said others should forgive him, too. She also spoke out against those who called him a child molester during a television interview with Megyn Kelly, alongside her sister Jill Duggar Dillard.

    Now Josh Duggar has made news for yet another scandal. In addition to having two Ashley Madison accounts, he has admitted to having an addiction to pornography as well as to having cheated on his wife Anna Duggar.

    Is Jessa Duggar still standing by her brother? Or is she sick of his atrocious behavior instead?

    Jessa shared a Bible passage in a recent Instagram post. It’s hard to interpret the passage through her eyes, however. Is it indicative of her forgiveness–once again–of Josh Duggar? Or is it pointing fingers at him instead?

    A photo posted by Jessa Seewald (@jessaseewald) on

    “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth,” one verse reads.

    This sounds like Jessa Duggar is rather disgusted with Josh Duggar for having claimed to be a Christian, yet having these Ashley Madison accounts, through which he cheated on wife Anna Duggar.

    “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” another verse reads.

    This one makes it seem like Jessa Duggar is satisfied with yet another confession from Josh Duggar.

    It’s important to note, however, that Josh didn’t seek forgiveness for these Ashley Madison accounts or for cheating on his wife until he was caught.

    Does that count as a confession in Jessa Duggar’s eyes?

    Do you think these passages from the Bible indicate that Jessa Duggar is forgiving her brother yet again or is angry with him for his actions?

    The entire mix of Josh Duggar scandals can’t have been easy on Jessa Duggar, who–along with hubby Ben Seewald–is expecting her first child.

  • Michelle Duggar and Husband Shocked by Latest Josh Duggar Scandal, Limited His Exposure to Outside Influences

    Michelle Duggar and husband Jim Bob Duggar are reportedly shocked by the latest Josh Duggar scandal. Not only is their 27-year-old son an admitted child molester, he now admits to having accounts with Ashley Madison, an addiction to pornography, and even cheating on his wife, Anna Duggar.

    The former 19 Kids and Counting matriarch and patriarch are astonished because they limited Josh Duggar’s–and the rest of their 19 children’s–exposure to what they call “outside influences.”

    “This wasn’t something they ever imagined was possible,” the source tells People magazine. “They so strictly limit their exposure to these sorts of outside influences–from websites to even the sort of television they watch, if they turn on the TV at all–that they were absolutely baffled by how this could have been possible.”

    Might that be part of the problem? Sometimes people are even more enticed by things they never knew existed. Why not allow kids to learn for themselves that inappropriate things–like pornography–are out there, but teach them that such things aren’t for their viewing? Certainly no parent will advocate their kids viewing porn, but when they see a title of a show or a magazine in a store with inappropriate content–why not let that be a teachable moment between parent and child?

    Michelle Duggar has her kids so busy raising the younger kids that it’s truly a wonder they have time for anything else at all. Between their home and their church activities–times 16 (the number of Duggar children left at home), it doesn’t look like TV or much else is enjoyed on a daily basis.

    And that doesn’t have to be a bad thing either. It just seems like prohibition leads to an innate curiosity that might be curbed initially by allowing one or more of the aforementioned teachable moments.

    The People source goes on to say that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are “feeling more devout than ever because they are turning 100 percent to God and prayer and their church community to help them through this.”

    “Their faith is in no way rocked by this.”

    “They just don’t know who this person is who could have done this,” the source says of Josh Duggar’s admission via a statement on Thursday. “It’s like he’s a completely different person from who they thought he was, and they’re still trying to reconcile all that they know is good about Josh, whom they will always love and adore, with what they’ve learned now.”

    Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have, unfortunately enclosed themselves and their children in a bubble. Raising kids in a strict Christian home is admirable, however it appears like the Duggars have crossed a very serious line. Years ago when Josh Duggar admitted to molesting four of his sisters and one non-family member, he clearly didn’t get the help he very desperately needed and no doubt still needs. Sisters Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald admit they are two of their brother’s victims. Given their ages at the time of the molestations, it is likely that Jana Duggar and Jinger Duggar are the other two sisters, although they have chosen to stay mum on the topic.

    Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar need to do more than pray. They need to prevent Josh Duggar from coming into contact with any of the children in their 19 Kids and Counting family. Anna Duggar should question whether it’s safe for him to be around his own children. It’s clear the man is a sexual deviant, and he needs more help than his family and his church can provide.

  • Jill Duggar Visited U.S., Returned to Central America With Joy Duggar in Tow

    Jill Duggar Dillard made a very brief visit home to the U.S. last week. The former 19 Kids and Counting star was in New York City, filming a TLC special called Breaking the Silence. Jill is admittedly one of brother Josh Duggar’s sexual molestation victims. She and sister Jessa Duggar agreed to appear on the show about sexual abuse victims.

    While home, Jill Duggar also attended the wedding of Bringing Up Bates star Michaella Bates. When she and hubby Derick Dillard–along with baby boy Israel–returned to Central America to further their work as missionaries, they had sister Joy Duggar as well as Michaella Bates’s sister Carin Bates in tow.

    When Jill Duggar and her family were spotted in New York City just days ago, fans wondered if they had finished their work as missionaries in El Salvador.

    Jill clarified that in an Instagram post she shared with her followers on Sunday. It is clear in the photo that Joy Duggar and Carin Bates are accompanying Jill and Derick on their mission trip this time.

    “Traveling back to Central America with these two! #joyduggar #carlinbates,” she captioned the post.

    A photo posted by Jill Dillard (@jillmdillard) on

    Meanwhile sister Jessa Duggar is having a hard time with her pregnancy–but not because anything is physically wrong. When Jill Duggar Dillard had baby Israel, the birth was featured in a special episode of 19 Kids and Counting on TLC. The family’s reality show was cancelled because of brother Josh Duggar’s actions, so Jessa won’t enjoy the same kind of excitement when she and hubby Ben Seewald welcome their first child in November.

    It’s uncertain how much longer Jill Duggar Dillard and her husband, sister, and family friend will spend in Central America. It would probably be nice for Jessa Duggar if she were home before her baby arrives.

  • Jessa Duggar: Pregnancy Differs from Jill Dillard’s Because of Josh Duggar’s Actions

    Jessa Duggar Seewald is expecting her first baby with hubby Ben Seewald in November. She is fast learning, however, that her pregnancy is a bit bittersweet when compared to sister Jill Duggar Dillard’s.

    Jill Duggar’s baby was born on a TLC 19 Kids and Counting special, so she could look forward to sharing the blessed event with her fans. Jessa Duggar won’t have that experience, thanks to big brother Josh Duggar.

    In addition to being one of Josh Duggar’s sexual molestation victims, Jessa Duggar is upset that because of Josh, the family’s reality show was cancelled by TLC last month.

    “It is now bittersweet, because it’s not lost on [Jessa] that Jill giving birth to Israel got an entire TLC special devoted to it,” a source who has worked closely with the Duggar family says in an interview with People magazine.

    “Jessa would have liked to have had the same sort of platform to give thanks, show what a miracle she feels her child is and express her gratitude,” the source continues. But with the cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting in May, “the show isn’t there to chronicle this happy time, and even though she’s posting on social media, the scandal still gets brought up by commenters. So much has changed for Jessa compared to what Jill experienced, and it can’t be changed back. And that’s sad for her.”

    Brother Josh Duggar has just admitted to more sexual deviance, too. Just days after word hit the media about two Ashley Madison accounts, he admits to having an addiction to pornography and to cheating on his wife, Anna Duggar.

    Jessa Duggar–along with sister Jill Duggar Dillard–will appear on a TLC special on August 30. The special documentary–to be aired without any commercial interruption–is called Breaking the Silence, and is about survivors of sexual abuse. Jessa Duggar and sister Jill both admitted to being two of their brother’s five victims.

    Perhaps Jessa Duggar can separate herself from her family for a while and concentrate on making her own life with husband Ben. Maybe that will help provide a bit of perspective on the troubles the entire family has endured at the hands of her eldest sibling.

    Of course those who follow the former 19 Kids and Counting family, realize there’s likely no way Jessa Duggar will do any such thing.

  • Jessa Duggar On Pregnancy Belly and That Pop-Up Turkey Timer

    Jessa Duggar Seewald is only 28 weeks into her pregnancy with her first child, but she feels like she could pop any day. In fact, she compared her belly button to one of those pp-up turkey timers.

    Jessa Duggar and hubby Ben Seewald were in New York City a few days ago as Jessa and sister Jill Duggar Dillard took part in TLC’s filming of their upcoming documentary special on sexual abuse victims. She and Jill admit to being victims of their brother Josh Duggar’s sexual molestations.

    While in New York, Ben and Jessa did some sightseeing, too. It was then she Tweeted about her belly button that plainly presented itself in the photo she shared.

    Jessa Duggar enjoyed this little getaway just a month after her family’s reality TV show, 19 Kids and Counting was cancelled by TLC. It was because of Josh Duggar’s actions as a teen that the network axed the show.

    August 30 is the date TLC will air the upcoming special. Called Breaking the Silence, it will air without any commercial interruptions.

    Fortunately for both Jill and Jessa Duggar, they have found joy in light of all the difficulties the media frenzy surrounding Josh Duggar’s sexual molestation scandal caused their family. Jill is back in El Salvador on her mission trip, and Jessa is joking about her pop-up turkey timer belly button as she awaits the birth of her first baby.

  • Jessa Duggar Seewald, Jill Duggar Dillard to Appear in TLC Sex Abuse Special, ‘Breaking the Silence’

    Jessa Duggar Seewald and sister Jill Duggar Dillard will both appear in an upcoming TLC sex abuse special called Breaking the Silence. The network cancelled the Duggar family’s reality show, 19 Kids and Counting after the media frenzy that followed word of Josh Duggar’s sexual molestation scandal. Jessa Duggar Seewald and Jill Duggar Dillard–two admitted victims of Josh Duggar–agreed to appear in the documentary.

    TLC will air Breaking the Silence on Sunday, August 30. It will run for one hour and will be commercial free.

    “The one-hour documentary is built around the personal and emotional stories of brave survivors who have found the courage to come forward,” the network said in a statement.

    TLC President Marjorie Kaplan added that “the goal is to take what has been a difficult and painful experience, and focus that attention on the really critical issue of child protection and child sexual abuse.”

    Jessa Duggar Seewald and Jill Duggar Dillard are two of five of brother Josh Duggar’s victims. Two other Duggar sisters–purportedly Jana Duggar and Jinger Duggar–were molested, too, as was one non-relative.

    Jill and Jessa Duggar talked about their situation during a Fox interview with Megyn Kelly. They said during that interview that they only knew about Josh’s sexual molestations (inappropriate touching over clothing) because their parents explained what happened after Josh admitted to the fondling. Both girls were reportedly asleep when the molestations took place.

    “My dad explained to us, he said, ‘You know there’s a difference between forgiveness and trust. That’s not the same thing,’” Jill Duggar Dillard told Megyn Kelly. “You know, you forgive someone and then you have boundaries. Forgiveness with boundaries. Trust comes later. Josh destroyed that trust at the beginning, and so he had to rebuild that. I think when he came back, that was… the point of rebuilding.”

    Parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have come under much fire for the way they handled the situation. Josh reportedly never received clinical counseling.

    The Duggar family is said to be renting a home and haven’t returned to their large Arkansas abode since word of the scandal hit the media. They were saddened at the loss of their reality show, but claim they will continue to glorify God in other ways.

    Will you be tuning in on August 30 to see Jessa Duggar Seewald and Jill Duggar Dillard on this TLC special about sexual abuse? Do you think their story will change at all since their interview with Megyn Kelly?

  • Jill Duggar Dillard, Husband Derick Mark First Month on Mission Trip

    Jill Duggar Dillard and her husband Derick marked the passing of their first month serving as missionaries in Central America on Wednesday.

    The former 19 Kids and Counting star shared word of their celebration via social media.

    Sharing a picture of herself with her hubby and their four-month-old baby boy Israel, Jill Duggar thanked those from all around the world who have prayed for their success as missionaries.

    “¡Hola amigos! Thank you for your prayers and support! It’s been one month since we departed the U.S. for Central America,” she captioned the happy shot.

    A photo posted by Jill Dillard (@jillmdillard) on

    Jill Duggar also shared the link to the website she shares with Derick.

    Jill Duggar wasn’t the only family member to share their missionary experience on social media. Derick Dillard posted a picture on Instagram as well.

    “One month ago today we arrived in Central America! It’s been quite the adventure adjusting to life here. Thank you for your prayers and support! To keep up with our family, checkout dillardfamily.com/blog,” he captioned the photo of himself with Jill and Israel in what looks like a public market.

    Fans are no doubt thrilled to get these update on Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard, and to see photos of how much baby Israel has grown in the past month.

    Jill and Derick left the U.S. after the Josh Duggar sexual molestation scandal hit the media, but before TLC cancelled her family’s reality show, 19 Kids and Counting.

    Do you think semi-isolation in Central America might be best for Jill Duggar at this point in time? It certainly sounds less chaotic and angst ridden that what her family–most especially parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar–are experiencing back here at home.

  • Jana Duggar, Jinger Duggar, and Mom Scheduled for First Public Appearance Since ’19 Kids and Counting’ Cancellation

    Jana Duggar and Jinger Duggar–along with their mom Michelle Duggar–are scheduled for their first public appearance since the cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting. This is Jinger and Jana Duggar’s first appearance since the Josh Duggar sexual molestation scandal hit the media back in May.

    It is expected by most–given their ages–that Jinger Duggar, who is 21, and Jana Duggar, who is 25, were among Josh Duggar’s sexual molestation victims. Sisters Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald admitted that they had, in fact, been sexually molested by their brother, but wouldn’t have know it if Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar hadn’t explained the situation to them. They were reportedly asleep when their brother copped an inappropriate feel. Jana Duggar and Jinger Duggar have never admitted to being among Josh Duggar’s victims.

    Michelle Duggar shared a post on the family’s website that lists herself, Jana, and Jinger Duggar as speakers at an upcoming Christian event. The event is the COMMIT Mother/Daughter Conference, and is designed to encourage young women–aged 12 to 17–and their mothers to seek God above all else.

    This means Jinger and Jana Duggar will travel with Michelle to Indianapolis for a fun ladies-only getaway.

    The Duggar family blog also shared a report that confirms that it has cost Discovery Communications a great deal of money to cancel 19 Kids and Counting. Being strong Christians, however, there is no way the Duggar family would take any pleasure in that.

    Is there?

    Surely flocks of young women and their moms will travel to Indianapolis to hear what Jinger and Jana Duggar, as well as Michelle Duggar, have to say about following the Lord. That belief system is at their family’s very core.

  • Josiah Duggar, Marjorie Jackson: ’19 Kids and Counting’ Courting Couple Calls It Quits

    Josiah Duggar and Marjorie Jackson have called it quits. The former 19 Kids and Counting star and his courting companion are courting no more.

    In the 19 Kids and Counting family, there is no dating. Instead, the young adults enter into courtships, where they seek God’s–and their parents–guidance for a suitable husband or wife.

    Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar announced the end of Josiah Duggar and Marjorie Jackson’s courtship via a statement to ABC News.

    “Both Josiah and Marjorie have enjoyed getting to know each other and to build their friendship over the past months,” the statement reads. “We are so grateful that they each are seeking the Lord’s will for their future. A few weeks ago Marjorie and Josiah agreed to end their courtship, keeping in step with what they believe the Lord’s will is. Both are thankful for the time getting to know each other, and their families continue to enjoy each other’s company and close friendship.”

    The entire Duggar family has come under great scrutiny in light of Josh Duggar’s recent sexual molestation scandal. Josh admitted a few months back to sexually molesting five underage girls when he was a teenager. Four of those girls are his sisters. Jessa Duggar Seewald and Jill Duggar Dillard claimed on national TV that they wouldn’t have even known of the molestations if their parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar hadn’t explained things to them after the fact.

    TLC canceled 19 Kids and Counting because of the Josh Duggar sexual molestation scandal, and many people are pointing fingers at the Duggar parents, saying they tried to sweep the entire incident under the rug.

    Do you suppose Josiah Duggar’s courtship with Marjorie Jackson suffered as a result of the scandal?

    Josiah Duggar and Marjorie Jackson knew one another for quite some time before starting their courtship. The two families are said to be friends.

    Might the friendships between the Duggar and Jackson families have suffered in light of the recent bad press about the family?

    Could Marjorie Jackson’s family have asked her to end her courtship with Josiah Duggar?

  • Jessa Duggar Seewald Practices for Motherhood With Josh and Anna Duggar’s New Baby

    Jessa Duggar Seewald will become a mom in November, but for now she’s getting lots of hands-on experience with her new niece. Jessa hung out recently with Meredith Grace Duggar–brother Josh Duggar and sister-in-law Anna Duggar’s new baby.

    It was Tuesday that Jessa shared word of getting her baby fix.

    She Tweeted a message and an adorable picture of her with the precious baby girl.

    This is actually a very bold move on behalf of Jessa Duggar Seewald. Brother Josh Duggar recently cost the Duggar family their 19 Kids and Counting reality show, and Jessa admitted on national TV to being one of his sexual molestation victims. She told Fox’s Megyn Kelly, however, that she and sister Jill Duggar Dillard wouldn’t have known of the molestation had parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar not told them, as they were both asleep at the time. Two other Duggar sisters were sexually molested as well, but have chosen not to share their stories. A fifth victim–a former babysitter–is reportedly thinking of filing a civil suit against Josh Duggar.

    That said, Jessa Duggar Seewald is likely thumbing her nose at those who believe the 19 Kids and Counting family has ostracized Josh Duggar as a result of his actions while he was a teenager. She is certainly showing her fans that she is still close to Josh and his family.

    Jessa Duggar Seewald and hubby Ben Seewald are expecting their first baby on their first wedding anniversary–November 1st. Like sister Jill Duggar Dillard, she has shared weekly updates of her burgeoning baby belly.

    Do you think Jessa Duggar Seewald is jeopardizing any hope of ever returning to TV by publicly sharing her close relationship with Josh Duggar?

  • ’19 Kids and Counting’ Star Josiah Duggar Courtship With Marjorie Jackson Over

    19 Kids and Counting star Josiah Duggar made big news a few months ago when the family announced he and Marjorie Jackson had entered into a courtship. Now that courtship has ended.

    In the Duggar family, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar raise their children with some hard and fast rules–especially regarding socialization with the opposite sex. Duggar kids don’t date. They court instead.

    A courtship is pretty much designed to check out compatibility for a life-long relationship–as in marriage. The 19 Kids and Counting stars court people who are potential life mates, strong Christians, and meet Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar’s standards.

    The Duggar family has come under great scrutiny in recent months since Josh Duggar’s sexual molestation scandal made news. He has admitted to sexually molesting five underage girls when he was a teenager. Four of his victims are his sisters. Two of the sisters–Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald–came forward and admitted they only learned of their brother’s actions when their parents told them what happened. They were asleep at the time he touched them inappropriately.

    Now Josiah Duggar and Marjorie Jackson’s courtship has ended, and while no one has said why, people are likely wondering if it has anything to do with Josh Duggar.

    The Duggar family experienced another huge blow a couple of weeks ago when TLC cancelled 19 Kids and Counting.

    Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar issued a statement to ABC News regarding Josiah and Marjorie’s split.

    “Both Josiah and Marjorie have enjoyed getting to know each other and to build their friendship over the past months,” the statement reads. “We are so grateful that they each are seeking the Lord’s will for their future. A few weeks ago Marjorie and Josiah agreed to end their courtship, keeping in step with what they believe the Lord’s will is. Both are thankful for the time getting to know each other, and their families continue to enjoy each other’s company and close friendship.”

    Perhaps Josiah has felt some of the embarrassment and stress that the entire Duggar family has experienced in light of the Josh Duggar scandal.

    Do you suppose this contributed to the end of this 19 Kids and Counting courtship?

    How sad that yet another member of the 19 Kids and Counting family is experiencing heartache.

  • Josh Duggar, Anna Duggar Dine Out With New Baby Meredith in Tow

    Josh Duggar and wife Anna Duggar were spotted out to eat recently with new baby Meredith Grace Duggar in tow.

    It is thought that perhaps Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar dined with Josh and Anna, as a photo is posted to their family Facebook page–and someone had to take the picture.

    Picture of our sweetest new granddaughter Meredith Grace with her mommy and daddy.

    Posted by Duggar Family Official on Wednesday, July 29, 2015

    The photo shows a beaming Josh Duggar beside his wife Anna. Josh is holding baby Meredith Grace, who appears to be yawning. Perhaps she is already bored with all the media attention her large family receives?

    Josh Duggar is the reason behind TLC’s recent cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting. He admittedly sexually molested five underage girls when he was a teenager. Four of those girls are his own sisters. Two of his sisters, Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald, spoke out about the molestations in a recent TV interview. They will also be featured in a TLC documentary special the network plans to air about child sexual abuse.

    Despite being the reason for his family’s financial demise, Josh Duggar certainly looks happy while out to eat with his family. Maybe he has some big lucrative idea in mind for supporting his own family of four children, as well as his dad and mom’s with 19–16 of whom still live at home?

  • Josh Duggar Civil Suit: What This Means for Him and ’19 Kids and Counting’ Family

    Josh Duggar may soon be sued in a civil case stemming from his sexual molestations from several years ago. The person who may sue the eldest of the 19 Duggar siblings is the fifth of his five underage victims–four of whom are his sisters. Victim number five was a babysitter at the 19 Kids and Counting household at the time the molestations took place.

    The babysitter reportedly stayed quiet for all these years, and her sexual molestation took place in the same way sisters Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald’s did–meaning they were asleep at the time. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar told the babysitter and her family at the time they learned about the molestations.

    Fox News reports that the statute of limitations has passed, so Josh Duggar cannot be prosecuted for his crimes. They do believe there’s a chance that the babysitter could be awarded some money if she does in fact choose to sue Josh Duggar.

    Right now, allegations say only Josh Duggar will be named if there is a civil suit. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar–and the way they handled the situation, reportedly won’t be named in the potential lawsuit.

    Josh Duggar is, of course, the reason behind TLC’s cancellation of the Duggar family’s reality show, 19 Kids and Counting. He is also a new father for the fourth time. Josh and Anna Duggar welcomed daughter Meredith Grace Duggar into their world a week ago.

    A photo posted by Josh Duggar (@joshduggar) on

    No one would willingly walk in Josh Duggar’s shoes right now. The young man who once had such a bright future is now unemployed–and possibly even unemployable. He has four children to care for. The most lucrative means of income his family had is gone.

    Do you expect this former babysitter will actually open herself up to the scandal that will ensue if she does in fact sue Josh Duggar for the crime he committed when he was a teen?

    And if so, do you think she will win?

    How will Josh Duggar pay if ordered by a court to forward such damages to his as-yet unnamed victim?

    Will that fall on parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar if Josh has no income?