It's Not About Their Beliefs

I had an interesting discussion with a facebook friend or two today about the controversial couple, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar that prompted this post.  If you haven't heard yet, they announced a couple of days ago that they have sadly experienced a miscarriage. I cannot even begin to imagine what they and their family are going through at this time.  I had a close encounter with Sugar Plum this last time around, but other than that, I have been blessed with having relatively routine and healthy pregnancies and deliveries.  My heart aches for the loss of any child, even of those that I do not know, including the Duggars. 

I understand there are people in the world, both Christian and not who disagree with the Duggars' beliefs on children and family size.  Fine.  I understand that there are people who think they are loony and religious fanatics.  Fine.  I understand that there are people who believe that they are exploiting their children by having a reality television show.  Fine.

What I do NOT understand is how there are people that in a time of grief, loss, and pain can be so downright cruel and mean.  I read comment after comment on articles and facebook posts where people were actually laughing and cheering because Michelle Duggar lost this baby.  I read even more who went on and on about how this MUST be a sign from God for her to "just stop already."  I read things that were horrible and degrading and so mean spirited that I felt like crying. 

This isn't about whether or not you agree with the Duggars and their choice of lifestyle.  This isn't about whether or not YOU would have that many children or if you think ANYONE should have that many children.  This isn't about whether or not you think the Duggars dont' spend enough one on one time with each of member of their family.  This isn't even about whether or not you agree with their religious beliefs. 

It's about kindness.  It's about people feeling empathy for someone going through a difficult time.  It's about not spouting every hateful word that pops into your head out just because it's the internet and you can.  It's about compassion.  And mostly, it's about that precious little baby who God knitted together in the womb and who is rejoicing with Him in Heaven now.  It's about a family grieving the loss of one of their children.  And though I haven't experienced that for myself, I can still firmly state that it doesn't matter if you have one child or twenty, the loss still hurts.  

So why don't we put a little forethought into our comments and posts about this family? Remember what Mama taught you, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."