What about Anna?

1. Recently one of the girls at work said "I'm all tore up about Josh Duggar".  (Yes, she is a southern girl.  Why do you ask?)  All I can think is - poor Anna.  What about Anna?
   
   Anna is 27 years old with four children, and is basically unequipped to be a single mom.  She's one of eight kids, all of whom were homeschooled and raised Independent Fundamentalist Baptist.  To me this is nothing short of brainwashing.  You keep them contained in your small, sheltered world and teach them what you think they should know, not allowing them to socialize and learn the ways of the world.  No doubt Anna has been raised to believe that the man is the head of the household and when you marry - it is forever.  Till death do you part.  
   
   You know what bothers me the most?  That she likely blames herself for Josh's philandering.  She is probably sitting at home, praying, and trying to figure out what she's done wrong.
   
   Anna, you haven't done anything wrong.  You have done exactly what you were raised to do.  It's your husband who has done wrong.  Big time.  And more than once.  You can only control your actions - no one else's, and Josh's problems began long before you came into his life.  His parents chose to sweep them under the carpet and hope they went away.  Well guess what - they didn't.
   
   Anna, you have done exactly what your beliefs led you to do.  You are well-groomed, well-mannered, you married a man who could provide for you, and performed your wifely duties as requested.  Now here you are, married for almost seven years to a man who is not who you thought he was.  A man who has led a hidden life for more years than you've known him.  He should hang his head in shame every day of his life.  But he probably won''t because that's not how he was raised.  
   
   Let this be a lesson to all of us.  Raise your children well.  
   
   Raise your daughters to be strong, independent, loving and kind women.   Raise them so they are educated, self-confident, honest and proud.  Raise Elin's, not Anna's.  
   
   Raise your sons to be kind, respectful, loving men who are true to themselves and at ease in world.  Raise men who are educated, self-confident, honest and proud.  
   
   Teach your children to love themselves.  Until you love yourself you'll never be able to love anyone else.  Teach them to follow the rules but don't be afraid to step out of their comfort zone.  
   
   And most importantly parents, love your children.  Unconditionally.  Love the good things about them and don't ignore the bad.  Praise them and discipline them.  Get them counseling when they need it in the same way you get them medical help when they need it.  We do a disservice by ignoring mental health issues.
   
   What about Anna?  What does she do now?  I don't know, but I wish her the best.  If I could, I would give her a big, long hug.  My heart aches for her.