19 Kids and Counting Reconciliation: Josh Duggar Makes Amends For 2016; Will Anna Duggar, Jill Duggar Dillard Offer Forgiveness?

Photo of the Duggar Family
Photo of the Duggar Family taken in 2007. |

The previous year had not been kind to the 19 Kids and Counting family. While the entire Duggar clan had been devastated, the family issues that cropped up in 2015 practically ruined the life of Anna Duggar. The wife of Josh Duggar had firmly stood by his side when his teenage indiscretions, which involved sisters Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald, were exposed to the public. However, the mother of four lost her strength when her husband admitted to engaging in extramarital affairs.

"I was completely shocked just like the rest of the world," shared Amy, referring to the time she found out about Josh's affairs perpetuated by the Ashley Madison website. She added, "The only difference was I was being fitted for my wedding dress with tears running down my face and a glass of wine in my hand as the news broke. I wondered what the heck was going on? A million questions flooded my mind."

The public exhibited mixed reactions over Josh's issues. Some blamed parents Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar. Others wondered over the effects of these revelations to the younger Duggar children such as Jana Duggar, Jinger Duggar and John David Duggar. Meanwhile, a number of fans rejoiced in the decision of TLC to officially cancel the 19 Kids and Counting show. Even cousin Amy Duggar King and husband Dillon King received some backlash following the revelations.

"Rage came over me, sadness crept in, and reality sat in that the person I had known my entire life turned out to be a fraud, and a complete stranger," Amy admitted. She went on to share, "I've always heard that there were people in this world that lived a double life, but I never thought that someone so close to home would be living a lie."

Amid all the outrage and confusion, however, the question of Josh's future with the family still needs to be answered. As he remains confined in a faith-based rehabilitation facility, fans of the 19 Kids and Counting family are wondering whether or not Josh will still be welcomed in their home. That is, will Anna and the rest of the Duggar family members extend forgiveness to their erring loved one?

It looks like the answer is a resounding yes. In an interview for the Jill & Jessa: Counting On series, Anna herself shared her desire to keep her family intact. Although she admitted to having her heart broken by Josh's actions, the mother of four remains firm in her belief that she and Josh can get pass these trials. She said, "My prayer and my heart's desire is for our marriage to be restored."