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

[Jane T.]

Hurrah!

I've always wondered when "Freedom of Speech" only applied to the non-religious!!! If those of us who believe MUST listen to the 'other side' - why are we not free to express our views/beliefs in the same manner. It kills me at work to have to have a 'Holiday' Concert.

At Christmas time - my Mother would always respond with a firm "Merry Christmas" to anyone who said "Happy Holidays".

I know you've just been through what I went through on 1 October. My Mom passed after suffering for 7 months after a fall. Does the pain ever lessen?

You are you and keep being you.

Jane T.

p.s. so sorry to have missed the Va Beach Regional - it was our Church's Christmas Craft Fair!

[Mary C.]

Frankly ~ I am not a religious person at all. However ~ I can appreciate the differences between people and respect people who have a depth of faith that I don't possess. It is our beliefs that make us who we are and you can say any darned thing you want on YOUR blog. If people don't want to "hear" about you, why are they reading YOUR blog anyway?! I for one think you should just keep being who you are and shouldn't have to worry about being perfectly politically correct on YOUR blog. Keep up the good work. It is fun to drop in and see a little piece of who you are.

[Jackie G]

Literally, for Heaven's sake! It's YOUR blog and you should not apologize for the content. You would be doing God and yourself an injustice by not sharing how important your faith is to you.

Thank you for leading such an awesome company.

[Donna]

It's funny cause people who don't believe have no problem voicing their opinion and everyone they want to listen but as soon as it has to do with religion their guard goes up and offense is taken. Maybe God is talking to them at that moment. So instead of them taking offense to what you write maybe they should apply it to their life. Don't be silent Shelli for we must share with others; thank you for being an inspiration!

[Sherry is struggling]

I completely agree that you need and should have the freedom of speech when it comes to your personal blog. It is your personal space for friends adn family to get updates on what you are up to. That is why the recent announcement from stampin up to have dominion over the demonstrators personal blogs stunned me. I read this post of yours ages ago and though weird people would have an issue. Now i find that there may be a double standard. While religion is not for the workplace and you made it clear that Stampinup does not endorese your PERSONAL BLOG. Why can we as demonstrators have the same as you. I am confused.