The Duggar family from 19 Kids and Counting are facing a tough time now that eldest son Josh is being bombarded with child molestation accusations. According to reports, Josh molested five underage girls when he was only 14 years old, and now this past act has come back to haunt him.
Josh and his family spoke to PEOPLE about the incident, and gave a united front amidst these trying times.
"Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends," Josh said. "I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life."
Since the accusations surfaced, Josh has resigned from his position at the Family Research Council. His parents, Jim Bob and Michelle admitted that it was "one of the most difficult times of our lives," but added that the incident only drew them closer as a family.
"When Josh was a young teenager, he made some very bad mistakes, and we were shocked. We had tried to teach him right from wrong. That dark and difficult time caused us to seek God like never before," they said. "Even though we would never choose to go through something so terrible, each one of our family members drew closer to God."
The Duggar couple prays that people who watch their lives will realize that they are not a perfect family, and that is why they treasure their faith so much – God's kindness, goodness, and forgiveness overwhelms them because they are so undeserving.
"We hope somehow the story of our journey – the good times and the difficult times – cause you to see the kindness of God and learn that He can bring you through anything," they said.
Meanwhile, Josh's wife Anna, who is pregnant with a baby girl, said that she remains supportive of her husband, adding that Josh had confessed his "past teenage mistakes" two years before he even proposed marriage.
"I can imagine the shock many of you are going through reading this. I remember feeling that same shock," she said. "When my family and I first visited the Duggar home, Josh shared his past teenage mistakes. I was surprised at his openness and humility and at the same time didn't know why he was sharing it. For Josh, he wanted not just me but my parents to know who he really was – even very difficult past mistakes."
Anna said that she knows who her husband truly is – a person who has stumbled down the wrong path but has also humbled himself before God and those he had offended.
Josh also said that he would do anything to turn back the clock and take different actions. "I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God's grace, mercy and redemption," he said.
