My Sole Responsibility

I've heard that a few of our Stampin' Up! demonstrators have expressed some concern that I mention religion on my blog and the blog is linked to the Stampin' Up! site and sometimes mentioned in Stampin' Up! material. I'm not sure if people are offended by my mention of religion, or if they're concerned that I'm mixing personal thoughts and feelings with professional, but I thought this was a subject worth bringing up.

I want to make it very clear that this blog is my personal blog, and I am solely responsible for the content of the blog. Stampin' Up! doesn't endorse my blog or any contents on the blog. While some companies do have "official" blogs, soshelli.com is not an official Stampin' Up! blog at all. It's all mine--good or bad!

I hope it's mostly good. If I've offended anyone by mentioning religion, I'm sorry--that is not my intention at all! My religion is at the heart of everything I am. It's what has made me who I am. I can't imagine sharing anything personal without my beliefs and values being brought up fairly frequently because they are so much a part of me. I've tried to be careful about what I've said; I think I've only mentioned the name of the church I belong to once. Most of the time I talk about my church and my beliefs in general.

I don't want people to feel like I'm preaching or teaching or promoting any specific religion or belief. But if I felt like I couldn't mention general thoughts and feelings about what is such a huge part of me and my life, I don't think I could share much.

I hope that clears up my intent behind talking about things of a religious or spiritual nature. I hope most of you aren't bothered when I mention religion. In fact, one of the things I value when I meet demonstrators is our conversations about our shared faith in God.

I also respect diversity and the fact that some of you may be uncomfortable when I mention religion. It won't bother me at all if you choose not to read those postings, or even choose to ignore my blog altogether. I learned long ago that we can't please everyone all of the time, and that diversity is what adds spice to life!

Comments

[Jackie Wilson]

I appreciate how you confront issues that readers have brought to your attention. And you deal with them from the heart. That is one of the reasons I visit your blog so very often. You inspire me to be a better person and to find the good in other people. Thank you for your candid journaling and for sharing such a personal side of yourself with your internet groupies. :-D God's blessings to you and your family!

[Jacki McHale]

Hi Shelli,

I thought you covered all this when you started your blog. This is a golden rule for bloggers, and that is, it is your blog. Your rules, and for that matter what you write here, is all you.

I am not religious, but being raised in a strong religious family, I do know that it bonds a family, and it truely does make you who you are.

I think it is good to have faith and beliefs, whatever they may be. I too welcome the spice of different lives around me.

Your an amazing person for being who you are, and sharing your life with us.

Thank you,
Jacki McHale

[Cindy]

Shelli, one of my favorite posts you wrote was the one about your daughter's daily life while on her mission! It was very interesting and I was so glad you shared that.

[Lisa]

Don't get discouraged! Thanks for sharing.

[Betty Button]

Shelli,
Your blog has inspired me and others as you can see by all these wonderful comments. What ever happen to freedom of speech anyway. LOL. Thats all you are doing on your blog. You are speaking what you personally feel and enjoy in life. That is what makes you, YOU. You are a wonderful woman, Keep up the good work. Be proud and continue what you are doing. I have heard many people say that by reading your blog they have really come to believe that Stampin Up is a Business from the Heart, YOUR HEART. My customers have expressed this to me, your blog makes them feel there is a real honest person behind the business and they like that. Thank you for all you do. You are the best.

[Suzanne B]

Shelli, Thank you for feeling free to let us get to know you better through your BLOG postings. You are amazing and your family is amazing. I may not share all your religious beliefs, but I respect you for being true to your beliefs and for not being afraid or ashamed to share them with us. Keep it up!
Suzanne

[PaulieY]

Shelli:
I work in a position in County government where public comment is sought on issues and projects. The one thing that I've learned about negative comments is that most of the time they are a minority opinion. We often use the term "silent majority" because people who are in favor of a proposal or issue do not express their opinion. I would imagine that this is the case here. So, rather than being part of the silent majority, I just want to say, Way to go! Good for you for standing up for your beliefs! I may not agree with your beliefs, but who cares! That is why I'm proud to live in this wonderful land of the free!

[Amber Meadows]

Wow! I was a little sad to hear that some demonstrators were offended by references to your religious beliefs. I never got the impression that you were trying to push your beliefs onto anyone else. I was really impressed by the way you've addressed the issue and after reading a majority of the comments here, I know I'm not alone. One of the major reasons I love SU is because of your integrity, not to mention the kindness and compassion you have for those around you! It shows in every thing you do and that makes me proud to be a part of Stampin' Up! Hopefully those who were upset won't stay away from your blog for long!

We love you Shelli!!

[crystal]

With everything that seems to be going on in our country right now - I am happy you mention religion, like you said it is YOUR personal blog. I am not a religious person, I mean I believe in certain things but do not go to church, but I am not all offended or worry what my customers would think- I am proud that you are true to your beliefs!! Be yourself that is all we want!

[Karen Allyn]

May God bless you for expressing who you are and what you love!

[Anita S]

I find it hard to believe that someone could find your blog religiously undertoned. You are are so inspiring through your words & your actions. Every one of your posts is the real you and I hear your voice every time I read them. I may not belong to your religion or know much about it but I respect the fact that your religion has helped shape you into the wonderful woman you are. Anyone who can find fault with your honesty should go find another blog to bug and leave you alone. God Bless you and your loved ones...

[Frances]

Shelli, I so enjoy your blog and am proud to be associated with you. I love that you share your life with us and give us a glimpse of what goes on in your daily routine. I am glad you share your belief in God. Keep up the good work.

[Stephanie Rodgers]

Shelli,
I'm glad you posted on this subject, and that you took this stand. A weblog (or blog for short) is a log, or journal, posted on the web. It is a personal journal that is shared with the public. It can be anything YOU desire it to be. I applaud you for not changing your writing style to suit others. I truly believe that everyone has a right to follow their own faith, whether I agree with that faith or not. I can't understand how some people can let a mention of something that's important to you, on a blog that is yours, aimed at no one in particular, and make it into something that offends them. Is it really so hard to just stop reading something that doesn't interest you? I'm sure those people wouldn't want you to force your beliefs on them, but what they don't realize is that they're forcing their un-beliefs on you! You just have fun sharing your thoughts ... that's what a blog is all about.

[Jen]

Sometimes I wish that people would grow up...it is not about them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

I am not a religious person. In no way have I ever been offended by your sharing of your faith and values. You are sharing a huge part of your life with all of us, and I am grateful to you for doing so. You inspire me to be a better person:)

Now, will you figure out a way to bottle your energy and pass it around? Me, first, please!

[Sue Scheets (Sushi)]

Shelli,
I would not let anyone's criticism of your mention of religious beliefs bother you. As you stated so wonderfully it is a part of who you are. What I love most about SU is the fact that the company encourages demonstrators to have their faith, whatever it might be, and family come first in their life and then their business. To me this company recognizes that we all have many parts to our lives and the SU is just one of them.
I love reading about your life and beliefs. It makes me feel as though I know you much better and you are someone that I really respect. Because SU is now so much bigger it is one way to help get a more personal feeling about the founder.
Thank you for all that you do for us as demonstrators and thank you for sharing your life with us. Any time a person opens up to others it makes you feel a little vulnerable. But I think you stated it so tactfully. If people do not like what you have to say they do not have to read your blog. But me, I love it. So keep up the wonderfully interesting entries that you continue to write.
Sushi

[Elizabeth]

I enjoy your blog very much and will continue to enjoy it. I wish (naively perhaps) that more people would set aside their concerns and just enjoy each other in all our diversities. :) Hope you and your family have a fun and safe halloween and I'm sure the kids will just love all the goodies you have shown us!

[Julie Carattini]

Even if Stampin' Up did officially sponsor this blog, why wouldn't you be able to express your beliefs? Your beliefs are who you are and Stampin' Up is your company. Say what you think and fell, nobody is making anyone join your church.

[Anita Van Hal]

Shelli, I appreciate who you are and what you are...quite honestly, I feel that Stampin' Up! wouldn't be what it is without your faith guiding it. It is one of the most honest businesses out there...and these days honestly and integreity are a rare thing. Keep doing what you're doing, stand firm, keep positive...you are a fantastic role model for many, whether religious or not! Hugs!

[Lisa Martin]

Shelli, I want to know more and where else can you share but your own blog! Im with you - dont like it - dont read it! Get offended - dont read it! I want to know more about you! Please dont be "careful" in what you write - if you cant speak your mind on your own blog!

I want to know what Church, what faith, how many families attend etc.

I am training to become a teacher aide - in the past month I have been learning about the Muslim faith - I am a Jesus freak - a Christian - but I found the Muslim faith have alot of similar beliefs as the bible - so it's all good.

I know you cant answer all the emails - but I am really keen on knowing more about you. My email address is hamish.25@bigpond.com

Thanks for this blog - I love it!

Lisa Martin
Australia

[Sharie]

Ditto to Karen, this is your blog Shelli, well said. I have always admired you because you are you, the same Shelli at the office is the same Shelli at convention. Demos always asked me if you are really THAT NICE, yup I would tell them. She is the real deal! This is your personal blog and you are free to speak as you please. Love ya even more after seeing more of your personal side. I sure miss our temputure meetings. Sharie

[Tonya]

Shelli, thank you so much for not bowing to political correctness through intimidation. You will be greatly blessed for it. In HIS grace!

[Sue Farrant]

Well said. If someone is intolerant then go be that somewhere else right?
Live and let live is my motto..unless someone is hurting another living being, human or animal..then I'll get involved.
Love the blog...just as it is... SO Shelli.
Sue

[Marnie Miller]

Shelli,
While I'm not a member of any organized religion, I think one of the best things about this blog is how personal you are and how much you share about yourself. I love reading how close your family is and what makes you who you are. Heck, we might even learn something!! Keep it up, I'm loving it.

[Caroline Counsell]

although I am not a religous person I respect that others are and I hadnt even batted an eyelid about any posts on here. As you said at the beginning it is your blog and you are entitled to say what you want to ;0) I hadnt read anything preachy, I read it simply as explanations to what is happening in yours and your family's lives and obviously God plays a bit part in that.

Hugs
cazx

[Sharee]

Thank you for sharing the many aspects of what makes you Shelli - your life experiences, your faith, your loves and your disappointments. Thank you for not being afraid to show your heart and what makes it tick in a gentle and caring way. All power to you!