I try to keep it real here on my site. I tell you everything I am up to, even if it is kinda boring. You know about last year’s job loss, us losing our dream home to foreclosure, homelessness and you cheered us on as we crawled our way back to normal life. (If you don’t know the story here is the link, forgive the lack of pictures, when I moved from typepad, some were lost.)
You are my loved friends. Sometimes I disappear for a bit, like my BFF is famous for, but I always come back because I love you and this space. It is a part of my life. As I branch out in other endeavors, I am grateful for this special place as my online home.
I have another problem. I need your feedback. A couple of times over the past two years I have received very thoughtful, kind, well meaning letters from readers who are concerned with the ‘image’ I give as a Christian because of my Name the Inappropriate Photo’ contests. They worry I am providing a platform to tear others down. We all know there is too much of that online as it is.
When I hear things that ring true, they worry me. I easily ignore all the people who write nasty little comments on blogs to try to hurt and offend, but getting a sweet letter from a concerned friend….even if it is a friend I have never met…gives me pause.
Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God.
-1 Corinthians 10:32 NIV
Forgive the long post today, I am a terrible writer.See why I post pictures all the time? heh.
My Christian faith is the cornerstone in my life. In everything I do online, I work to build up women and never tear anyone down. My business mission statement is:
“Do the most good for the most people.”
My Inappropriate photo contests seem to be hurting people, and causing me to look like a hypocrite. Now, I do not deny my hypocrisy. I am no role model, ever. I am simply a women living a large part of my life semi-publicly online and trying to do my best everyday.
I poured over this article last night.
I will leave it to you, Friends of Fussypants, what is the future of Name that Inappropriate Photo? Does it need to change? Do we only use pictures without people? Or maybe people who obviously are dressing up to be funny? Can it be saved? Or, in the end, does they bad outweigh the good?
I value your thoughts and insight. I am never sure how to answer comments, I try to email directly or use Twitter, but today I will keep the discussion going here, so all discussion is kept in one place.
***OK, there is no reason for the manatee picture above, but I think it is funny and wanted to use it sometime. {giggles}***
{ 1 trackback }
{ 67 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
The photos and contests are no big deal to this evangelical Christian. I giggle when I see them, and then don’t give them another moment’s thought. Those who actually took the time to call you out over a non-issue like this obviously have too much time on their hands.
Ali, As a Christian, I’ve never been offended by your site of the photo contest. I’m just not witty enough to think of a creative caption but always get a good laugh. It’s not like you’re using pictures of your blog friends or anything…hehe ( don’t get any ideas!)
You’re amazing and I see what you do as a ministry. You have an amazing outreach as I see it. I love that I can come to a site and get political insight, laughter, encouragement from a sister in the Lord. It’s tough to find good clean fun in the world!
The Lord must be smiling!
xo Donna
Dear Alli,
Perhaps some people are offended because it does in fact make them laugh, and they are more austere in their interpretation of Christianity?
Seriously, it’s between you and God – if He’s okay with it, then you should be too. Personally, I’ve never been offended by it. And God knows how much I need to laugh these days!
XOXO,
Sarah
Sarah´s last blog ..Sick babies
I applaud those who stand up for the good in this world. We should all do more of it. However, I think that in this case, it is over-critical to go after your content. There is so much of real smut, taking the Lord’s name in vain, ugly, rude, selfish, spiteful things around that their time would be better spent on. And it would do more good than criticizing the good people in the world. That’s what I think. I always find your voice positive and uplifiting, even in the fun you have. Thanks!
I think there is far greater GOOD in making people laugh and bringing them just a few seconds of downright childlike silliness than any harmful tearing down of people in your photo contest.
Keep on keepin’ on sistah!
Don’t let the criticites (heh…totally just made up that word) get you down.
Jamie´s last blog ..If The Hat Fits
Since when are Christianity and a good giggle mutually exclusive?
Keep the contest. Maybe “name that silly photo” instead of “inappropriate”. Maybe it’s the linguistics that’s so offensive to some? Does “inappropriate” insinuate some sort of bad behavior or judgement? Perhaps “crazy”, “silly” or “fun” puts a more positive spin on it?
And it may be bold, but some people really need to lighten up. I’m not just referring to your friend’s concerned letter. But, since when do our friends need to micromanage our blog content like hall monitors? You’re not a child. I believe you’re perfectly capable of deciding what you feel is appropriate content for your own blog. What you post is between you and Him. It’s presumptuous to assume anyone else knows better than you what’s in your heart.
I’m with Sugar… I’ve got some really crazy pics of me that would probably make your tummy hurt from laughing so hard. The 80s were so grand, weren’t they?
d@m3b´s last blog ..Review & Giveaway: Yo Baby Yogurt
Once again, I am absolutely in love with you all.
Smooches right back!
I’m of the school of thought that a photo contest, no matter what it’s called, has nothing to do with Christianity. Carry on as you were.
So you’re being called out for misrepresentin’, eh? Only you know the answer to that one as your interpretation of the word of God is fed to you through the filter of your you-ness. Were you cornered by a bunch of white-gloved tight-lipped biddies high on Earl Grey fumes or shoulder-tapped by good-humored people you respect? I’m not a Christian so I can not comment on how a Christian woman should proport herself publicly. However, I am sensing only goodness and light from your direction and you’ve been nothing but kind to me and others for as long as we’ve been webquainted.
What really gets me about this situation is that people called you out on it not because they think it was the wrong thing to do, but because you’re a Christian and as such presumably you should hold yourself to a higher set of standards and values thank the rest of us honyocks. If it’s wrong it’s wrong, but not because you’re a Christan. (And I’m not saying it’s wrong, just hocking up a point.)
Heather Kephart´s last blog ..Happymaking Comment Quote of the Day
Alli, I’m a Christian and I think your contest is flippin hilarious!!! Stick with it…the sensitive and holier than thou folks can visit other sites if they wish!
XOXO,
JJ
the BLAH BLAH BLAHger´s last blog ..The Best Dang Corn You’ve EVER Had
Alli, your Inappropriate Photo contest is like a webby version of America’s Funniest Home Videos – they both always crack me up.
I’m not sure exactly what a “good” Christian looks like so I can’t speak to that; I’m just a “trying my bestest” Christian.
Keep on keeping on, girl!
Marianne´s last blog ..Writing Words: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
I am offended . . . that I didn’t think of running a contest like Name That Inappropriate Photo first!! It’s one of my favorites! (Yes, I am a Christian, and no, your contest does not cause me to stumble.)
Kim´s last blog ..Friday’s Five: Michelle
I am a Christian and I do not think that your photo contest is tearing anyone down or causing me to stumble. I understand the point your friends are making but I just don’t think it applies to this situation. I think that your goodness is obvious to anyone who reads your blog. It’s hard to find good, silly fun these days so keep it comin’!
← Previous Comments