Duggar Family Responds to National Outbreak, Asks Fans to Trust in the Lord

The Duggars are a polarizing family.

This may be the most understated sentence ever written on this celebrity gossip website.

But Jim Bob, Michelle and company have issued a statement in which they hope to bring together a reeling nation during a time of unprecented fear and anxiety.

As you very likely know by now - heck, as you better know by now for the sake of everyone's health and safety - the United States has been hit by a viral outbreak.

There's no telling how many people will contract COVID-19, or how many will die from it, but all forecasts point to this crisis as being both severe and long-lasting.

Things will get worse before they get better.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Together

In response to thousands of diagnosed cases and dozens of deaths, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that America is in a state of national emergency.

He has also urged residents not to gather in groups of more than 10 people, while countless cities have shut down restaurants, bars and public establishments.

Schools are closed around the nation. Professional sports are on hiatus. Beloved celebs are being diagnosed.

It's an all-out crisis, you guys.

Jana and Jim Bob Duggar

The Duggar family, however, would like everyone to try and relax.

Not because this isn't a serious situation; but because they think that turning to a higher power will at least calm some fears and concerns.

"We know that this Coronavirus situation is unprecedented," reads a formal statement from the Arkansas family on Facebook.

"Beyond the health threat, there are so many unknown economic and societal impacts this virus is making worldwide."

duggar statement

It's true, of course.

As we write this and the TLC stars and alums make their plea, Congress is working on economic packages to assist folks who will be out of work for the foreseeable future.

So many people out there don't know when their next paycheck will arrive, while no one is quite sure what will happen next overall. And all that's aside from the virus itself.

Derick Dillard With His Family

For this reason, the Duggars are urging fans and followers to take solace in the only reliable outlet that exists at all times, through the good, bad and everything in between.

"The one thing we do know is that even in the darkest days and in the most challenging times, we can put our trust and hope in God," continues the Facebook statement.

"Let's all pray for one another, for our leaders, for our healthcare workers, and especially for our elderly."

Duggar Family Reunion 2020

"Let's all look for ways to love and care for our neighbors with the greatest risk," the family urges.

The statement ended with these hashtags: 

#praying #trustGod #helpothers

Jinger Duggar and Her Hubby

There are probably readers out there who criticize the family for everything, and scoff at this message.

Typical Duggars. Let's maybe trust the doctors and scientists right now above all else, they figure.

But we can do both, right?

Jessa Seewald on Her Gram

We definitely need to heed the advice of all experts and to take every practical precaution they recommend in order to overcome this outbreak.

There's nothing wrong with also relying on one's faith, though.

Even the harshest Duggar critics can recognize this.

Abbie Burnett and John David Duggar ... and Baby

So, as a sign of national unity and as a symbolic gesture that we really are in this together, let's put aside our differences.

Let's thank them instead, as we continue to hope that the Duggar family - and everyone around the world - stays healthy.

Be safe and smart, Duggars. And all of y'all.