Jill Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting fame enjoyed a double celebration on her very first Mother’s Day. The baby boy she and hubby Derick Dillard welcomed into their world on April 6th was dedicated in their church on Mother’s Day.
In the Baptist faith, which the entire 19 Kids and Counting family practices, a dedication service is held when a baby is very small. Baptism comes later in life–when the person is able to make the decision to follow Jesus Christ on their own.
Jill Duggar shared a photo via Instagram of Israel David Dillard’s dedication service.
“At Israel’s dedication this morning we were challenged to raise him to love Jesus,” she captioned the photo. “What a special Mother’s Day! “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4 #babydedication #MothersDay.”
Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard shared loving Mother’s Day messages to both of their moms–Michelle Duggar and Cathy Dillard–on their blog.
Jill made a short video clip that featured her with baby Israel for Michelle Duggar.
Derick shared a special written message to his mom, who he feared at this time last year, might not be around to celebrate another Mother’s Day.
“You have to know how this holiday went for my family and me last year, so let’s rewind to last year… My mom had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, the most aggressive form nonetheless. She had been instructed to remain as isolated as possible from people because the intense chemotherapy had acted as an atom bomb on her body and her immune system had been all but completely wiped out. Jill and I were happily engaged, but we treasured every moment we could with my mom because we didn’t know if it would be our last. Mother’s day was no different. After attending services that Sunday at my childhood church, Jill, my brother Dan, and I took one of the Mother’s Day roses that were passed out and headed to my mom’s house. Upon arriving at the house, we had to leave the rose outside because even a flower could be enough to make her sick. We put our gloves and masks on to protect her, and then we finally entered the house.
A lot happened in the span of the next year. I was on a roller coaster of emotions that only accelerated as I got closer to the day I would meet Jill at the altar to be married. This year my mom is celebrating not only Mother’s Day, but also her first Mother’s Day as a grandmother. My mom’s story of battle and triumph over cancer is nothing short of a miracle, performed by the one true God, our Lord Jesus Christ, through many medical personnel to whom I am eternally grateful. I also want to say THANK YOU to all those who have been praying and are still praying for my mom. Next to my wife, my mom is the most special woman in the world to me. I am grateful for a mom who gave her children the greatest thing a mom can give, the Word of God. Growing up, she was my best example of what a Godly woman looks like.
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”
-Proverbs 31:10
Happy Mother’s Day Mom!
I love you!”
Mother’s Day was a huge event for Jill Duggar and her new little family, as well as for Michelle Duggar and Cathy Dillard. The entire 19 Kids and Counting family no doubt found ways to get in on the celebration.
Jessa Duggar is no doubt anxiously awaiting next May, when she will celebrate her first Mother’s Day, too. She and hubby Ben Seewald are expecting their first child on their one-year wedding anniversary, November 1st.