Dearest Duggar Women,
The nation has had much to say to you and about you these last few weeks. Many have brought your family under fire – questioning your faith, accusing you of being hypocrites, stating you should have done this or that differently instead of the completely wrong way you did. Your story has been broadcast to a drama-craving society and instead of focusing on what truly matters we have, instead, devoured your tragedy to fill our own needy stomachs. We have used your pain for our sustenance. We have used your story as a launching pad to tear down and destroy in an attempt to make ourselves feel better.
I am so sorry.
I want to say something different to you. I want to tell you how much I admire you. In the face of senseless evil you showed both great faith and great courage. You did what so many choose not to do – you extended forgiveness to someone who had betrayed you; you chose your faith over your fear; you were agents of reconciliation, restoration and peace. You fought your way down a difficult road that I am sure was filled with many tears, sleepless nights and desperate prayers and you did not give up.
You endured and because you did survivors of sexual abuse everywhere have a role model to look to. We can know there is hope. We can know the power of faith. We can know redemption is possible. We can see the fruits of bravery. Because we see it can be done, we, too, can do it.
I am sorry your souls and spirits and bodies were broken a decade ago – and I am sorry that so many now seek to break your souls and spirits again. I hope you know there are others out there who see you and love what they see.
I hope you continue to choose forgiveness – this time to a nation who knows not what they do.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.
Sincerely,
Jill DeJonge
