Duggar couple grateful to TLC even after it replaced '19 Kids' with transgender series

The Duggar family will still be working with TLC on an upcoming special documentary, which the family hopes would serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to many viewers.(Facebook/ Duggar family official page)

Weeks after Josh Duggar's child molestation scandal surfaced, The Learning Channel (TLC) came to a decision to cancel the show "19 Kids and Counting" and replace this with a transgender series titled "I Am Jazz."

"After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with '19 Kids and Counting,'" TLC said in a statement. "The show will no longer appear on the air."

Responding to the TLC move, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar wrote in their blog that they are very grateful for being given the opportunity to share with the world that children are blessings and gifts from God and that biblical principles are the answers to life's problems.

They also expressed appreciation to their film crew, who they said have become like family to them. "They have invested their time and energy into our lives and have been so loving and patient. We love and appreciate them so much!" they said.

What happened with Josh and their daughters has truly been painful, admitted Jim Bob and Michelle, but they still feel so blessed that they have been able to overcome it and found healing.

"It is our prayer that the painful situation our family went through many years ago can point people toward faith in God and help others who also have lived through similar dark situations to find help, hope and healing, as well," they said. "God's faithfulness and goodness to us, along with His abundant grace have given us strength and joy even in the most difficult days."

Despite the cancellation of "19 Kids and Counting," the Duggar family will still be working with TLC on an upcoming special documentary, which they hope would serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to many.