Lucid Theology

“…[C]hildren are a gift of the Lord…” (Ps. 127:3a).

It is my opinion that nobody knows this better than the Duggar family. Now what you are about to read might very well place you in a state of bewilderment, amazement, and laughter.

It is no secret that I want to be a family man. I have often said that I want seven children and that when I meet my wife, it’ll be the first test whether she’s “the one” or not. My friends can’t believe that I would want so many kids (to drive me crazy!). The girls in my life warn me, ever so cautiously, that it won’t be up to me. And they’re partly right…I’ll compromise, six (laughs). But what if I were to say that a man and a wife currently have 17 kids. You wouldn’t believe me, would you? But it’s true.

Meet Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. Married on July 21st,1984, they decided they didn’t want children at that time and took up birth control pills (the wife, mind you). Four years later they decided to have their first child which sadly ended with a miscarriage. At that moment, they realized the effects that birth control pills might have on the birth of a baby, so they repented and chose to trust God to give them children as He pleased and not rely on pills.

To date, they have been blessed with 10 boys and 7 girls: 1. Joshua James, 2. Jana Marie and 3. John-David (twins), 4. Jill Michelle, 5. Jessa Lauren, 6. Jinger Nicole, 7. Joseph Garret, 8. Josiah Matthew, 9. Joy-Anna, 10. Jedidiah Robert and 11. Jeremiah Robert (twins), 12. Jason Michael, 13. James Andrew, 14. Justin Samuel, 15. Jackson Levi, 16. Johannah, and the newborn 17. Jeniffer Danielle (picture below). And by the way, there’s no plans to stop as God continues to bless them with more; they consider it a privilege to rear these children, not a burden. Amen!

 

 

 

I kid you not…I felt as though I were reading an Old Testament genealogy. I thought that my hero in the faith John MacArthur had a lot…four (Matthew, Marcy, Mark, and Melinda). I’ve changed my mind.

To be honest, I feel inspired and motivated to have seven like never before. Vini, vidi, vici is the phrase Caesar one spoke which I have now appropriated. World, beware, Ivan is here! Let’s see, Grace, Gabriella, Gideon, Gwenn, Gale, Gunther, Glenn, Guy, Graham, Gillian, George, Gavin, Giles, Gustavus, Gloria, Gertrude, Gwendolyn, and Gisele. That’s my 18 (9 girls & 9 boys). Beat that.

Anyways, now you might be asking, “How does this family do it?” Good question. My only reply is by the grace of God. Here are some fun facts:

• Michelle has been pregnant 126 months of her life.
• The estimated number of diapers to date is around 90,000.
• Every month they do approximately 200 loads of laundry.
• Each child learns to play both the violin and the piano.
• The family has an intricate system of “jurisdictions” so that everyone knows exactly what their daily responsibilities are.
• They’re all home schooled.
• They spend under $2,000 each month in food (I couldn’t believe it).
• And get ready for this: They are debt-free.

These two parents would make the best CEO’s this world has ever seen.

Of all the things that shine the most is the commitment to God’s glory they have as parents. One of their motto’s is J.O.Y (”Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last”). They have daily Bible studies at 8 a.m., after breakfast of course, where they read over Proverbs (31 chapters in Proverbs correspond to the day of the month). Then at night Jim leads a Bible study where they “…discuss the passage together…” and then act out skits with the right and wrong actions (and many of the younger ones “fall asleep in daddy’s lap”).

I’ll stop. Take time and check them out on their web site and their page on Discovery Health. May God continue providing the wisdom they need to raise these children in a way that will exalt and glorify His name. In a world of suffering and pain we rejoice with the blessing of life in this beautiful family.

P.S. Imagine their family reunions as times passes? I’d be afraid with so many “J’s.” What do you think?