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

[Karen Spain]

Shelli, I absolutely love your blog and I can't recall anything you could have written that could have been offensive, but I guess with so many diverse personallities that come and read, you are bound to find some that don't agree.

One of the things that I love about Stampin' Up! is that it encourages us to put our families first and that building relationships, not only with our own families, but the people we come into contact with as a result of being a SU demo is what's most important. I even shared that with my downline.

I don't think SU would have been as successful and become what it is today without the way that you have chosen to run the company and your faith, I'm sure, has guided you in some of the major decisions.

Karen Spain

[Kim Mullin]

Just keep doing what you are doing Shelli. Be true to yourself. It is refreshing!

And when you get a chance, please update us on your Dad and Justine. Thanks.

[Rosy Eckhardt]

I don't mind you sharing your spiritual side at all, it's great. I know you receive alot of comments, but did ask a question about what something spiritual you mentioned and don't think I got a reply. What does it mean to be sealed to your children? You were talking about your brother and his wife and twins. I would like to know.

[Angela]

Shelli,

I was a little surprised by your post today. Mostly because you had to apologize to anyone you might have offended. To paraphrase a supervisor (at my place of employment) "it is sad that we don't act like adults in an adult environment".

Religion to me is personal. A relationship with whomever/whatever someone has their faith or belief in. I could not be who I am without my personal relationship in the Lord. To me, it is "me". I do not preach my beliefs, I express them. I am thankful that the Lord has blessed me to be part of this wonderful team of artistic people. I am blessed to wake up every day and do what I enjoy.

Diversity, whether religious, political, etc. makes us intersting. Our commonality is STAMPIN" UP!

[Terri E.]

I would begin to wonder if you didn't mention you religion. You are such an inspiration on so many levels thanks for taking the time to share.

It's a good life!
Terri E.

[Kim Williams]

I am sorry to hear that some people felt the need to share their own short-sightedness in that manner. I truly believe that who we are is made up of all the little pieces of our lives: our family, our careers, our hobbies, and our religion and spirituality. I am glad that you are willing to share these pieces with us, and because of that you inspire so many.

I know I am not the only demonstrator that finds it refreshing to be a part of a company that shares my values. We may not all go to the same types of churches, but the spirit of sharing, giving, and trying to do what is right for our brothers and sisters in the world carries from one to the next. Thank you for continuing to let your faith in God come through in all you do Shelli!

[Leeanna]

THANK YOU! Shelli, I have to say thank you for your post. I am only 25 and have recently learned that we can't always look up to wiser women and men because they feel it is not important to keep God at the center of their life and even there everyday encounters with people. I appreciate the stand you have made. As part of the future of this world I am encouraged that there are still women in this country that are willing to stand firmly on their beliefs. I have never been educated on where you stand with God but I am even now prouder after this post to say that I am a SU demo. Thank you for your testimony !

[Genie]

Shelli
I think you expressed yourself very well and I personally am not offended about your mention of God or religion. I know there are always going to be people who will even be insulted, but you can't help that. You are a remarkable person. Today is the first time I noticed your blog link from the demonstrator's website and I am glad I found it. I'm a new SU! demonstrator and love it. Keep being you--that's what has gotten you to where you are today.

[Jen]

Hi Shelli,
Thanks for your postings on your blog.
I too am inspired about your openess about being a Christian. For me as a christian when i joined SU made it even more exciting to know that the founders of the company are a truly beautiful christian family enjoying good christian values and morals and appreciating that here we are reading your personal blog and an advertising of SU.
I look forward to many more posts and wish you God's blessings in your family and the great company SU!

[Jen]

i meant to say in my comment, (not) an advertising of SU.

[Roberta Layton]

Just to add another voice to the many who have already expressed this...don't change a thing. I am so inspired by everything you post. I can't imagine anyone being offended except those people who are looking for something to complain about. It happens all the time. I would be so sad if they caused you to quit sharing with us. I love reading EVERYTHING you write. SU has brought such joy into my life and I know that has a lot to do with who you are. And THAT has a lot to do with your beliefs. Thanks for sharing them with us on this blog and through your creation of SU. So many have been so blessed through knowing you.

[Doreen]

Good for you! I'm so tired of this "politically correct" society! Diversity is what makes this country so great. We should be able to share anything we believe and not have to filter our thoughts for the sake of someone else being offended.

[Lisa Goodell]

I have never been offended by anything you've said on your blog. We don't share the same beliefs, but you have just shared things from your life just like any another person might mention from a variety of religious beliefs... you are marking special days. You have always been very positive and careful not to mix religion and work at the SU events I attended. You should be able to say what you want on this blog.

[Amanda]

Shelli,

I love your blog and enjoy catching up with the life of the Gardner Family. The negativity towards your mention of religion and towards the employees in China is hateful (in my opinion). Now everyone is entitled to their own opinion and that is fine, but I look at life with three choices: accept it, change it or move on. So to those who feel offended by you sharing your heart should just, move on.

[Erin]

i have learned so much from you in this short time of reading your blog. i fall into the trap of feeling like i need to please everyone far too often. i blur my own boundries and then feel taken advantage of when i do. i sometimes feel desperate when i do that and i don't like it at all. the statement at the top of your blog and the closing statement of this blog post are a great way to frame the way i can set healthy boundries, not feel rude in doing so and keep healthy relationships and people around me. thanks for that lesson!

i don't feel like you needed to make this post at all. i am lds too, so maybe nothing out of the ordinary popped out to me! i have enjoyed reading about your family and business trips and look forward to reading more! thanks shelly!

[Trish]

Shelli, what you are doing is perfect! It is a joy to read about your family, see that you have a life outside of work and still manage what you manage.Your life keeps other stampers lives in perspective. Please keep posting, the way you do. People who do not believe keep trying to make us the believers feel inferior and then they want our apologies. Do they not realize they are the ones who "chose" to read it? God Bless you and those who read this!!

[Angie Page]

Shelli,

In a nutshell, if you REALLY started censoring the subjects you talked about and what you said I would stop reading your blog and find you a very boring person (and I think I'm not the only one!)! You are NOT a boring person and I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy reading about you, your family, the "inside workings" of SU!, and everything else you write about!!

As usual you were VERY elegant in your post! I would have just said, "Hey, it's MY blog!! If you don't like it, don't read it!!" Then again, I'm not running a multi-million dollar company! LOL!! ;c)

[Peggy-Sue Stuckky]

Thanks for your blog and sharing your creativity!There will always be "those" people in the world that can not accept differences, it is their loss. Keep on being you and doing what you do!The positive people always out weigh the negative! I check your blog for you, with your own style and grace, not what someone else might you to be. YOU ROCK GIRL! KEEP IT UP!!

[Gloria P]

You are "so refreshing" I "thank you" for bringing your religion and not being ashamed of it to your blog. I respect you now more than ever! God Bless You my friend!!!!

[Pam]

Shelli, you have such a gift with expression. Your words are always inspirational, and I can't imagine that what you write can be offensive to anyone. Our spiritual lives are embedded in our entire beings and cannot, nor should not be separated from the rest of our "selves." You are so gracious, never preachy or self-righteous, and that provides a model for me not only in my Stampin' Up business, but in my life. I am so proud to work in a company that expresses clean wholesome values to the business world. Please continue to share your values and thoughts and inspirations. If those things are offensive to some, then those may the very ones who need to see people of faith be true and strong in their faith. Thank you for being such a positive role model.

[Pam Whitman]

Sheli, I must confess that this is the first time I visited your blog. I just kept forgetting about it. Anyway, today I was greeted by your 'statement of faith' and, I have to say, "hooked me" immediately!! I saved the link to your blog on my desktop!

You explained so eloquently how I have felt for a long time. You are a wonderful leader and role model and we can praise God for that!!

Sweet blessings on your day!
Pam Whitman

[Twila Davis]

Amen, Sister!

[Kimberley]

I actually used to belong to the same church as Shelli, but made a personal decision to leave after 12+ years, and a very large number of severely disappointing experiences. I know I made the right decision for me, and have been fortunate to have the support of my family--including those still in the church. That said, I didn't become a demonstrator because of the shared religious beliefs, and I wouldn't leave it just because I no longer hold those beliefs. Even when I was a member of the same church, I was always very impressed at the way Shelli (and others in the company) discussed general issues such as gratitude or love or family bonds, without invoking any assertion of doctrine. While I may or may not believe in God, I do believe in the power of goodness. And I also believe that talking about goodness and love, begets goodness and love. It's hard for me to understand why anyone would be offended at another person sharing what makes their life and experiences meaningful to them. In my opinion, that speaks more to the issues the offended person must have going on in their own lives, not necessarily the intent of the person sharing.

[carolyn]

i only know you thru su! and convention. but, even i know that your religion is an integral part of you and your family. you have never been "preachie" or tried to force your ideals onto any of us. this is coming from someone who is not at all religious and appreciates that you don't. thank you for being who you are and sharing with us.

[Amy Ward]

Shelli I've never heard you say a word or do a think without integrity and this is another example of that. I can't even believe that people are calling you out on something like this. But once again, you've been very gracious in your response.

One of the great things about this country is that we all have the right to have our own opinions and I'm so thankful for that. I love your blog and I love learning more about you and your family and how you and the business have come to be what you/it is. Please keep on doing what you're doing. Most of us are very much enjoying it and appreciate your time and dedication.