Last weekend I was watching TV and I saw a show about the Duggar Family. They are some folks that live in Arkansas with their 16 kids. Very interesting people. Obviously very religious. And a little weird. But a nice, gentle, not hurting anybody weird. More like a fun-to-look-at-and-wonder-about-weird.
Anyway, I’ve been thinking about them for the last few days. The thing that really strikes me about them is their conviction. They are really dedicated to what they believe and put all their energy into do what they think is right. I really really respect that. It’s hard to find people nowdays with convictions at all, let alone people who put so much energy into doing what they think is right.
They believe that God will give them each child as a gift and have left it up to Him how many they will have. I would probably have decided to take the power back into my own hands after nine or ten. 
But here they are, happily welcoming whoever wants to join their clan. They’ve commited to living debt-free and spent three and a half years building their home by themselves, paying cash, meanwhile living with 17 people in a 2400 square foot, 3 bedroom house. I think at some point, I would’ve decided to go into debt just to have the space we needed, then pay it off. But they had decided to do what they thought was right and sacrificed for it. And I can’t imagine the work and responsibility of homeschooling 16 kids. I get all queasy at the thought of how impossible it would be with four. They’ve decided that modesty is important. And so they grow their hair long and wear dresses. Ok…now, that’s just weird. But all the rest, kind of cool. In a weird kind of way.
Anyway, I’ve just been thinking how much I respect these people, whether or not I agree with them. Here I am, I can’t even seem to have enough conviction to eat right and exercise like I know I should. Let alone all that other stuff. But I’ve been telling myself that if Michelle Duggar can homeschool 16 kids and do all that laundry, I could probably muster the self-control to lay off the oreos a little and hit the gym a little more often. I could use a little more conviction.
19 Comments
I want 16 babies. Feelin a little emotional these days. They’re just so cute!
Just remember…she doesn’t do all that laundry.
That much conviction means she also teaches her kids the ethics of work, work, work. I think I admire that - how much they teach their children to be involved, help, contribute to the family. It’s cool.
Great thoughts Shannon. I’ve watched that special on TV too…the town they live in isn’t far from me, not that that matters, I don’t know them, just a little tidbit of info. Maybe the next time I want to lounge on the couch instead of ironing, I’ll think of her and those 16 kiddos and get off of my duff.
Hey girl!
I lurk your blog…I “get” your thoughts.
I saw this show as well. How in the world do they do it? I am amazed and inspired by them as well. And, if I could live as simply and with such conviction…. Wow!
Cool, yeah, in a wierd way!
J
A) She doesn’t do all the laundry, that was one of the poor ’s jobs
B) She doesn’t raise the kids, that’s the older s jobs.
C) But, I still found them appealing in some way. Probably because they did look happy and really took their values “all the way” — way more “all the way” than I ever would.
Ditto….I watched this show twice and get such a kick out of the team work! I can’t stop thinking about them….how organized they are and how they share such closeness! My fav shot was when they were in their new home and all the kids stood playing their violins together! So cool! Yes, weird, but cool!
ooh. good points. lay of the coke . . . go to the y . . . sigh . . . conviction . . .
oops. did it again. that last post was me. doris. surfing the net while watching a friends four boys. plus my own. that makes 5. my mom had five. good stuff. not 16 though. rambling. bye. doris
I hear ya, sister. If I turn down the voice in me had that finds them odd, they are incredible. You are right about the conviction. You are more right about the oreos. 16 children…I would collapse into a pile of dust.
I’d never make it. I’m so not cut out for 16 kids. I’d totally have 4 if space & money were not objects here plus it would help if I wasn’t already 34 LOL. 16…. no way.
I saw that show too. Amazing. I loved that she was sweet and calm. I can’t picture her ever freaking out and screaming at everyone. Her organization was awesome. The kids organization was awesome! She said that 5 kids was harder than 15 because she didn’t have their help yet. I have a friend from a family of 27 kids. No lie. They used the same systems.
My only problem here is with Jim Bob. WHY DOES HE GO BY JIM BOB??!! Seriously, why? Isn’t Jim good enough? Jim Bob is just…so…Jim Bob. Jim Bob from Arkansas. Don’t they make teeth for Jim Bob? Maybe it’s Billy Bob. Whatever. Close enough….
Ha…the way you described them was so much nicer than when I checked out their website. You made them sound kinda cool. They should pay you to write their website for them. (Oh, and I’m laughing at the name, too…Jim Bob…yikes!)
I’ll have to check out that show. What amazes me on their site is the progression of kids and the fact that she made matching clothes for all of them (or bought them but still)!
interesting that they decided wearing dresses is what is most modest … not veils or turtlenecks, but dresses … just strange.
Hi Shannon, a general lurker here. I followed your link and spent time reading about them. An amazing family. Maybe not all things are the way I live but I gather they must be doing something right as they all seem happy and healthy.
It amazed me the number of J names.
Another lurker, but couldn’t resist commenting. I bet she doesn’t get much scrapbooking done!! Talk about being “behind.” Sheeesh!
Love this family too Shannon! I think that’s the most ORGANIZED woman ever! I love how she speaks to her children and I love that you can really feel the family love. I cheer them on for being wonderful people in the world and such good examples.
They get my vote!
hugs-Peg
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P.S. Have you tried some of their family recipes?
I make the Tater Tot Casserole.
see here: http://www.duggarfamily.com/articles/recipes.php
hugs-Peg
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