Although the Duggars of the hit TLC show "19 Kids and Counting" are experiencing severe backlash from the LGBT community for their views regarding marriage, the tight-knit family has said they will refuse to compromise their Biblical values.
Over the past several days, an online petition seeking to force TLC to cancel "19 Kids and Counting" has gained serious traction after a member of the gay community accused the family of "using their fame to promote discrimination, hate, and fear-mongering against gays and transgendered people." Currently, the petition has over 86,000 signatures.
Although the Duggars have not specifically addressed the allegations, they have made it very clear that they will never alter their Biblical worldview and will continue to be used by God despite the ramifications.
"God created the world out of nothing, and as long as we are nothing, He can make something out of us," the family wrote on their Facebook page yesterday, quoting the 16th century Protestant reformer Martin Luther, who was often persecuted for his faith.
"These words are such a good reminder to stay humble and never think too highly of oneself. We want to maintain a heart posture that allows God to use us any way He would like."
The petition was created shortly after the Duggars were accused of deleting pictures of same-sex couples kissing from their official Facebook page
At the time, the Duggars also posted a message about remaining steadfast in their convictions, using a passage from scripture.
The post, shared via Facebook on Thursday, Nov. 13, quoted a line from Luke 6:27: "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
"This is such a sweet scripture that we hold dear," the Duggars wrote. "We will always stand for truth and the values we hold dear without compromise but we will do so in love and kindness - treating others well even if we don't agree with them and we will do so without hateful words. This verse is a reminder of how we must always carry ourselves. Precious words from Jesus."
Related: Tens of Thousands Sign Petitions to Keep '19 Kids and Counting' Stars on TLC
Since the show's formation in 2008, the Duggar family, comprised of Jim Bob, Michelle and their 19 children, has confused the secular groups and encouraged Christian Conservatives with their unapologetic adherence to Biblical principles which impact every area of their lives.
The family often speaks out against abortion and homosexulity and promote faith-driven values such as modesty, purity and a traditional family structure.
They have also made it clear that their hugely popular TLC show--which originally started as a documentary--is simply a platform to spread their faith.
"I really believed that this [show] was an opportunity to share with the world that children are a blessing from the Lord," Jim Bob said. "Following the Lord is an exciting adventure, and I pray that each one of us will follow that still, small voice of the Lord and watch Him work in our lives in a miraculous way."
"We see this show as a family ministry," added Michelle.
Other Christian celebrities have voiced their support for the family in light of the recent controversies, including actor/filmmaker Kirk Cameron and "Duck Dynasty" star Sadie Robertson, whose family experienced similar backlash last year after Phil Robertson said that homosexuality is a sin.
"[Our families] have a lot of the same values," Robertson told Fox News on Thursday.
Fans of the family have also launched petitions on Change.org and Petitions24.com to keep the popular TLC program on air.
Whatever the outcome may be, the Duggars say they will continue to find strength in their faith.
"Psalms 40:11 "...Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me," they wrote on their Facebook page on Nov. 10. "This is so reassuring...especially the continually part! Thank you, Lord for your lovingkindness and your truth!"
