Annoucements

Less than a week after we announced that God was rewarding us with another blessing, the Duggars announced the expectation of their 20th child.  When hearing about our pregnancy with #9, some folks will ask, " what are you trying to do, keep up with the Duggars?"  This is one family I don't mind being compared to, however.  John and Kate were a different matter.  The Duggars appear to be godly people raising their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.  So, I was thankful when the Duggars made their announcement.  It actually put a lot in perspective.  Here's a woman slightly older than me, going through the physical/emotional trials of pregnancy (11 more than me!), and the opposition I receive (real or perceived) is 100-fold to my 10-fold.  So what that I get some negative reactions from family and strangers?  This woman probably receives hate mail!  I am amazed at the reactions and stupidity that flows from the mouths of people and media regarding the decisions this family has made.

I was raised Methodist.  Let me tell you, the Methodists are PROUD of their Susannah Wesley and her 19 children.  She is hailed as a great mother.  Over half of her children died in infancy, leaving her only 8 to raise to adulthood.  I don't know how the Methodists are reacting to Michelle Duggar, but I doubt with the same praise.  Katie Luther had six children.  Sarah Edwards raised eleven children.  My great-grandmother had nine children... 

We would do well to remember that it is only in this century that we have seen the results of a birth controlled world and the decline of children to a point where many countries are under replacement rates.  We are an anti-child society.  This could not be further from the heart of God. 

Christ followers should be proclaiming the blessing of life and children, not buying into worldly thinking that we or the Duggars are somehow "irresponsible" in our choices.  Voddie  Bauchum makes an observation that Christians want God's blessings and rewards when it comes to good health, happiness, success, prosperity, peace. . .but not His blessing of children.  This blessing they say "no thanks, God." 

May He have mercy.