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}***
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i’m jewish. and your inappropriate photo contest…does not offend anything to do with my religion or religious beliefs. it’s funny. and nowadays, with all the crap that’s going on in the world, you are a little bit of comic relief in the drama.
xo
melissa´s last blog ..Protected: Let’s Start At The Very Beginning
Glad to hear it. Thanks babe. xo
Love the use of the Manatee. I’ve got a song for you – email me and I’ll hook you up.
As for the other stuff, I’m all for being Christ-like. I don’t know what type of pictures you were using, and haven’t seen your contest – to be honest – … so I can’t give any other advice than that. Sorry!
I think this one is where you have to just pray and listen to what the Lord is leading you to do.
sprittibee´s last blog ..Bloggin’ Live From the Convention
Allison,
The Photo contest that you post is different from something I’d ever choose to post on my blog, but that being said you and I are quite different, with one thing in common, our Christianity.
Depending on what your goal is, you should make your decision based on that. If it is to “Do the most good for the most people.” I honestly wonder “how does the contest fit into that?”
Just my thoughts, I love you much too by the way!
Alyssa´s last blog ..July Projects
I cna understand your concern. But I think with the pictures you choose, you aren’t hurting anyone. You usually use pictures of someone already intentionally being silly or a funny happenstance that invites a bit of humor.
I say keep it up just for fun, but if you are still concerned just make sure you ask yourself if the particular photo you use is making fun of someone or if it’s already meant to be humorous on it’s own.
Sarah @ Ordinary Days´s last blog ..Why Do They Use The Word Fingers When They’re For Toes?
I do think I will work to be more careful about what I choose. That may be the route to go in.
Yes, we have a responsibility to those around us; and yes, we are the Body Of Christ and therefore reflect on Him; and yes, we are often held accountable for our actions by those who would judge us. BUT we are also free in Christ! My relationship with my Father is between Him and me. Because of that I am careful to not lead others astray knowingly. However, in following Christ, we are often lead into peculiar situations (as were His boys who would go to questionable parties with Him). If our motives are pure, our consciences should be, also. I try not to offend anyone, but in living on a crowded world, I sometimes bump into others. When I do, I apologize, bless them with a smile, and move on. Step carefully, but don’t just sit down! If your picture contest makes others laugh in a happy way, it’s good. If it makes them laugh cruelly at others, it’s probably not.
You do your best Alli, and let God judge you.
They are anonymous photos. You’re not posting pictures that defame anyone by name. I think some people are trying to find fault around every corner. That is more harmful that making joke captions of a waterskiing crossdresser. You’re cool in my book, FP.
I view the contest as a being “all in good humor” but that being said, if the photo in question could be disparaging then a different photo should be chosen.
I know your heart. I know how you feel about meanness and how you don’t ever want to come across as being mean. “Do unto others” and all. Use your best judgment (not that you haven’t), let your conscience be your guide.
Love ya, babe!
Malia´s last blog ..Midpoint Check-In
Wait! I missed waterskiing crossdressers. Those would be perfect! LOL
I’ve never seen your pictures and the contest as inappropriate. You always choose photos that I would laugh at anyway, because the situation is funny or wildly inappropriate on its own. I don’t see you allowing anyone to leave a comment in this space that truly tears someone down, and I say trust your gut.
The Tutugirl´s last blog ..Get Will Smith on the phone, I need his alien blaster
I think you can guess where I will fall on this.
If people choose to be offended (yes it is a choice to find offense) by the photos you put up, then they can choose not to visit you on the day you do the contest. You’ve never posted anything tasteless and you don’t have a mean bone in your sweet southern self. I, personally, enjoy seeing what people come up with. It brightens my day and I think that providing some giggles to mommas trapped at home with todders is a good thing.
That said – it really comes down to how you feel about it and how much you care what others think.
Michelle Smiles´s last blog ..Hint: See if it bounces
I’m all about bad taste, humor and making fun of ourselves. So, I say keep it up but then again, we all know I don’t know nothin’ about nothin’.
gorillabuns´s last blog ..lost and found
You know where I stand, which is one foot in the pit of hellfire (ha! I make jokes!) but truly? And TRULY? I appreciate seeing someone with faith being able to laugh and be real. You’re not tearing anyone down. Instead you’re giving everyone a platform to come together. Yaknow? It doesn’t matter what faith (or lack thereof) there is, a photo brings everyone together to be silly. I’m pretty sure even the people IN the photo would laugh most of the time.
Keep being you, hon.
Mrs. Flinger´s last blog ..Ambition
I’m with most of the commeters here. Humor can help someone get through a rough patch when soothing words often won’t. In fact, just the other day, I went back to an old one of yours to laugh again (The man with the truck in the tree…)
If we have to rely on faith alone, and cannot find laughter, I have trouble imagining the world we’d live in. (Thanks for the comment on my blog, BTW, that means a lot!)
Di´s last blog ..Two Months? Are you kidding?
If Christians would spend more time loving and less time being offended by the silliest thing we’d all be better off. I have always found you to be loving, kind, Christ-like, funny and real! If I could find a church full of people more like you are I might start attending again. Instead every time I try a new church I get so frustrated with the lack of love and grace and all the legalism that I run the other way. The loving God I serve gave us the gift of laughter…. many of us could use a lesson in laughing at ourselves. Sometimes I see the ridiculous side of me in your pictures and it cracks me up. Keep it real Alli and continue to do the good work that you do in Him and for Him by just being you.
Alli:
I’m impressed you even thought to bring up the possibility of tearing someone down! You have never come across as “mean-spirited” to me. I think it’s fun to have a laugh once in a while, and you do not seem to be doing it at anyone’s expense. Keep being real! Blessings, LLMajer
Laura Leigh´s last blog ..John’s First-Cousin-Birthday-Buddy
Allison –
That post you linked to is great, by the way. It gives a pretty good and balanced review of the principle in the context of the Scripture it is taken from. There are two things that I would add to the discussion. First, some people will be offended by anything. Sure, there are a couple of people out there offended by your pictures. There are probably also people offended that you now have a picture of a manatee mid-destruction (they are an endangered species, you know). There are probably people offended that you are using the internet at all (only pedophiles and pornographers use that internet, don’t they?).
Second, the “stumbling block principle,” as Paul outlines it, is intended to protect those who are weaker in the faith – new Christians, immature Christians. I highly doubt that any one who fits that bill will be offended by what you post. It’s probably the other way around: people who have an extremely religious background who have lost sight of real faith and replaced it with rules and regulations.
I don’t see how you’re doing anything wrong. Besides, in the little time I’ve had to get to know you, I know this: Alli Worthington would never do anything to intentionally offend her readers. Anyone who follows your blog knows that, and if they know the heart behind the blogger, they won’t be offended.
Ben Martin´s last blog ..Seven Reasons to Fall in Love with Hiking
Here’s where I stand:
It doesn’t matter what OUR opinions are (your readers), if you feel in your spirit that the Lord is leading you to stop posting those types of pictures, then you’re best off to listen to Him.
Monica @ Paper Bridges´s last blog ..Seen and heard: unprompted love
Alli,
Remember that “a cheerful heart is like good medicine.” We need to laugh. That’s how God made us. I’ve never been offended by the pics in your caption contests. They make me laugh. They make me look at myself in the mirror one last time before I go out the door, because if not, *I* may end up in one of your pics for caption!
It’s your blog. It’s your decision. And I love you no matter what!
Heather @ Not a DIY Life´s last blog ..Memory Verse – 2 Corinthians 10:5
Sometimes..we just need to laugh…I have never been offended…ever…not even once~
But, my one question…where is the website “mother of conservatives”…there is a lot going on right now to talk about!!!!
Do what your heart tells you! I laugh by butt off over the photos. Of course I have been in Europe for a few years, maybe my sensibilities and self rightousness got kicked in the rear. Anyway, it is time to stop being religious and be yourself. Jesus was himself, and he pretty much offended every religious persons. What are the reasons for you actions? I am learning to question myself all the time. If you can answer this with a clear concious and no Holy Spirit is kicking you in the butt, you should be free to be you.
Susan´s last blog ..Time for Cherries and Circuses
I concur with what a lot of other people are saying. I’ve never been offended or thought you were meaning to be nasty with the contest. The photos are usually pretty out-there … it’s not like you are putting pics of celebrities and tearing them down over the size of their butt or what they are wearing. It’s always seemed very good natured. They are usually pics we have all always seen on funny e-mails …
you guys are all kinda awesome. xo
I think about this often. I wonder if when I tweet or blog about needing a drink, for example. Am I causing someone to stumble and reach for alcohol? On the other side, I think, I would have said that out loud in real life… that’s just who I am. What I wouldn’t do is offer a drink to someone as a way to soothe them or offer a drink to a person who struggles with alcoholism. That can be said about a number of stumbling blocks people have.
The fact that you are struggling with this question shows that you care. If others think you’re being a hypocrite, I say “don’t judge lest ye be judged” to them. Or I’d pull the plank out of their eye so that we could have a decent conversation or something like that. I don’t have a suggestion only because this is your blog and you know your heart better than any of the rest of us.
(((HUGS)))
Sugar Jones´s last blog ..I Scream for Fourth of July and Ice Cream!
OH! and I will totally offer inappropriate photos of myself should you require it. (I gotz tons of those!!)
Sugar Jones´s last blog ..I Scream for Fourth of July and Ice Cream!
As a VERY black & white person who tends to throw the baby out with the bath water I am NOT offended. IF someone is offended they should just close the window.
One can’t please all the people all the time.
Sometimes the “most good” you can do is provide another stressed out Mommy a little chuckle. I don’t think you intend any harm with your Inappropriate Photos…they’re meant for entertainment only, and anyone who is offended by them should just take a deep breath and walk away.
Colleen – Mommy Always Wins´s last blog ..The party.
Like you, having someone criticize me in a kind and loving way always gives me pause … but ultimately, God alone convicts us. I feel certain that if this is truly something he wants you to change, he’ll let you know. Until then, I’ll share one of my favorite quotes that I used to keep my heart in the right place. I found it in a George MacDonald biography by C.S. Lewis:
“It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God that is afraid to laugh in His presence.”
While we should not mix humor with malice, a good ol’ face-hurting, belly-shaking laugh sounds like nothing short of praise music to the God I know.
keLi´s last blog ..Man of Many Faces
Alli, I thank you for being so real. I struggle with similar issues on my own blog as I am not as “out in the open ” with my faith walk as maybe other Christians would like to see, but I’m just being real and it feels fake to me to post verses with my posts if they just aren’t what I am feeling like writing. If that makes sense? I think it’s so important that others see us as REAL PEOPLE that laugh at funny things and so I have never thought your Inappropriate photos were inappropriate for a Christian to partake in. Maybe I am like so way off but I think “what would Jesus do” about it and is it wrong to think he might have a laugh and maybe provide a few captions of His own if He were to play along?
I don’t know the answer, I’m just giving you my perspective.
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing´s last blog ..Quite The Caboose, And My Puppet Voice
I do think this is between God and you…but as for me…my God doesn’t offend so easily and he sure must laugh a lot…look around ( He must have the giggles most days just seeing what predictaments I get myself into and it’s usually my first thought “are you laughing at me again God?”).
I struggle with this as well. I am a former pastor’s wife with a lot of lurkers from my old church. However, I’ve never been able to be anything but “real”. I agree with Michelle Smiles…if they choose to be offended by something you’ve posted, then they can just not come by that day. Easy-peasey, Breezy!
Keep keepin’ it real!
Jenny 867-5309´s last blog ..Welcome to modern technology
The picture you choose are as outrageous as they come. I would assume that the people in the pictures are aware that they are pretty humorous. Also, the pictures you choose are all over the internet. They got their somehow.
You made me proud today:“Do the most good for the most people.” a little utilitarianism! I wish I could remember if it was Aristotle or Mill. But I am proud either way
cassie´s last blog ..The Secret of Motherhood
Being 48 years old, but only 4.5 years as a Christ Follower (new thing is in my URL), I am cautious about answering these type of questions. So many people have more book smarts than I do. (I cannot throw chapter and verse at you, nor would I. I think we have to be careful to sling selected, fragmented verses around to suit our agendas.)
But…
1) Pray about it. That usually offers me clarity.
2) I like to think I make God laugh every single day. He can’t praise Himself, only we can do that, and I’ll be He has an acute (oh gosh, I almost wrote wicked) sense of humor and likes to laugh at us–in the most loving way. Laughter is a gift, and I would hope he approves of you giving that gift to others.
3) I don’t know where you find your photos, but I would guess that those posted are a fun embarrassedemnt to most of the subjects.
4) Before I was a Christ Follower, I ran from Christians who told me how to lead my life. I can think of many ugly things that were said to me and to me son by Christians. I KNOW God doesn’t assign us the task of randomly calling others out, but an awful lot of us take that on.
So, there you go.
Ellie´s last blog ..Such a thoughtful reader!
SERIOUSLY?!?!! This is even a QUESTION?!?!
How disappointing that people would find fault. And you shouldn’t even question this.
I’m honestly amazed that your pics and/or posts (or perhaps some of my comments on them?!? ha!) could offend.
UTTERLY RIDICULOUS.
’nuff said.
Lori´s last blog ..Did Mia Hamm Start Out This Way?
I don’t find it offensive in the least. All of the pictures you use are obviously from a different generation, like the 80’s, and that is one of the reasons I find it funny. It is kind of like making fun ourselves… because come on…. we all know we did some of that stuff.
Jennifer´s last blog ..Random Thoughts Tuesday: Car Repair, TV and Vacations
i never saw your contests as offensive or as stumbling blocks to others. some people are easily offended, some look for reasons to be offended. in most of the pictures you posted it appeared the people were trying to look or do ridiculous things. you weren’t posting a picture of me and then asking people to poke fun at me.
if one of the people in the photograph contacted you and said they were hurt by the use of their photo that would be different i guess.
melissa stover´s last blog ..I heart faces- Just for fun
I’m with most everyone else but I decided to share my thoughts to reinforce it anyway. I’m a Christian too but have not been offended by your pictures. I guess I can see where someone might be coming from and if you feel unsettled in your spirit about it, then by all means, lay it before God.
I’ve received negative emails about some of my posts and it broke my heart that I could have offended someone, when in no way was that my intention. I see where your heart is in this and it seems to be in the right place. I don’t think God is tricky, intending to fool us into sin (really, it’s the complete opposite). If God doesn’t want you doing something, He’ll let you know.
Thanks for being honest and even willing to let go of something you love in the name of Christ. Whether you keep the feature or not, I still love reading what you have to say.
Nicki at Domestic Cents´s last blog ..Refurbished Electronics
I like the Inappropriate photos. None of them have ever appeared to be the embarrassing sort & it’s not mocking. I’m not Christian, but Wiccan. I firmly believe you get back what you put out in the world, and love your neighbor as yourself. You are putting humor out into the world & if there is no harm in your intention I don’t see the problem. I can’t say I have seen a single photo where, if I were the subject, I would be unable to see the humor in the caption.
Stacey@Havoc&Mayhem´s last blog ..Glued my pants to my leg
Thanks Stacey.
We are discussing this? Really, this is a discussion? I think the photos are (mostly) funny and if someone doesn’t, there is PLENTY to read on the web. I’m Catholic and I haven’t lost my sense of humour. I’m sure the priests at my parish would have a good laugh, if they are not already reading your blog. If you met our priests, that wouldn’t surprise you.
And if I didn’t like it, I would just move on and check back tomorrow. But I’m thinking the contest is rigged since I never seem to win. Or I need to work harder to be funny.
Jennifer A´s last blog ..Yeah I suck as a mom for saying this, but this is where I’m at right now.
Well, as a non-Christian, marine-science book thumping heathen who attends the Church of Surf, I have to say I’m offended by the manatee picture. Does that tear down the manatee and minimize the threats to it and its environment?
I kid! Of course I kid, Ali. I’m not at all offended by it, even though I feel as passionate about ocean conservation and respect of the animals within it as you do about your religion. But if I were? So what, you can’t please everyone.
Drown out the chatter (including comments and emails, well-intended or not), get quiet and there you will find your answer.
Heather, Queen of Shake Shake´s last blog ..If I draw your number, I might call you an internet slut too.
Danggit, I am sending a message to hurt manatees! LOL
I am unaware of any rule that states that Christians are forbidden from having, or expressing a sense of humour!
I am a Catholic Christian and find these photos funny – I don’t always read all the suggested captions (because I forget to come back and check!).
If someone has a huge problem with this contest – I’d say maybe they might need to unwind ever so slightly – or click on out and read something else.
Annie´s last blog ..Puncture Day!
i personally have never liked “name the inappropriate photo.” and i do think it is mostly mean to whoever is in the photo, that said, it isn’t such a huge deal that if you really like and others like it (clearly lots of peeps do), keep doing it.
michele (mouthy_broad)´s last blog ..Jen Lancaster Book Signing!
You really *are* a mouthy broad.
And-
I love you for it!
also, that manatee photos is always a hoot.
michele (mouthy_broad)´s last blog ..Jen Lancaster Book Signing!
Alli,
I am so happy to see all the other people who commented feel the exact same way as I do. I did take a moment and tried to reflect on the person’s idea that this may be a bad thing. I can slightly see their point. I can remember one photo where somebody mentioned Seal and Heidi Klum I think? I honestly can’t remember if it was even an insult, probably wasn’t but maybe their thing was that the commenters were using “real people” and tearing them down. I have found lately that more and more people are trying to catch us Christians doing something ungodly so they can say AHA!! and call us liars, hate mongers and hypocrites. I would have to hope they were just concerned and that’s all. Truly I wish I was creative enough to enter your contests. I tried with all my might to think of something funny for the crazy jazz/ballet photos. But doesn’t CNN do the same thing with Anderson Cooper? It’s always pretty funny too. Well, I don’t think anybody would find you to be a mean lady at all. (Thank you for the cap and trade post too, I’ve been telling everyone.)
Just like the other ladies, please just pray about it. If God doesn’t want you doing it He will let you know. He would know more than anyone if you are a stumbling block. In the meantime while you wait for an answer from Him maybe post animals or something? Or lawyers, everyone likes to make fun of lawyers right? He he.
Love your posts always,
Jennifer
Jennifer @ Blogging God And Me´s last blog ..Did You Catch Oprah Today?
Well, I have prayed, and I feel cool continuing. But I will be careful to search for photos that are obviously done to be funny. I think that is a safe bet!
xo
Alli,
I have never been offended by your photos or the comments left about them. I don’t think that they are a stumbling block. I think that your photos are funny and build up your readers, through humor. I will echo others who have said that it is all between you and God, though. If you pray about the contest and feel it isn’t good for you then don’t have it. If you pray and feel that God doesn’t find it sinful, go for it. If you feel there is a middle ground and decide to post only certain photos, then that is the way to go.
We will support you Alli!
Oh, I just saw your last reply. I am glad you will continue.
Alli,
As a Christian who often rails against the hypocrisy of other Christians who choose to judge those around them (rather than, let’s face it, take a good hard look at themselves…), I say…”Meh.”
We all have to be able to laugh at ourselves, and yes, sometimes others. Your photo contests are hilarious and not in any way offensive that I can see. If, for example, you took a picture of me at Blissdom and posted that on your site with the caption, “What the heck is wrong with Amy Lupold Bair of 18205 M…..”, that would be horribly, boldly wrong. But finding creative commons pics that are meant to be ridiculous is just good, clean fun.
About a year ago my pastor asked me what I listen to on the radio in the car. I told him country music mostly for the fact that the chatter in between songs is not inappropriate for my children. He said, “Why not take a leap and listen to Christian radio stations? What’s stopping you from finding appropriate chatter in a Christian medium?” So I switched. It made sense. Sometimes living wholly as a Christian is a tough thing to do – to be in the world, but not of the world. But sweetie, your pictures aren’t you avoiding living a fully Christian life. They’re you having silly fun that I do not believe hurts others in a space where many people a.) do choose to tear down and b.) do choose to post inappropriate dribble. And they don’t in any way proclude you from also talking about the Faith that is the foundation for your life. You aren’t hiding behind country music…
So have fun, feel good, and keep those pictures coming.
Amy, Resourceful Mommy´s last blog ..Resourceful Design
What exactly are those pics suppose to make someone do ? Go out & pose for outrageous photos ? A stumbling block makes some one want to go out & drink or do drugs.
One sin most Christians won’t talk about is the sin of gluttony.
How much more warning can you give than Inappropriate photo caption contest.
Jackie Whitley´s last blog ..Spiced Up Crackers …
I am not a Christian… however allow me to insert my 2 cents in, knowing I was raised as one.
He would not have given you such a magnetic sense of humor had he not wanted you to use it. Your photos shock me, they tickle my giggles during a dull work day and even cause me to bring over my co-workers to look at them.
I love it… and he has granted you the joy and the blessing to make us all laugh. We all have different talents.. you have found yours and worked within the parameters of what you have been given. Some of us are not blessed with a funny bone or a way to write like you can.
Take the reins, laugh and joke as you were shown. Have fun Mrs. Fussypants!
Alli, thanks for the link to that article on stumbling. It’s definitely a good one
On the photo contest, like someone else said, as long as the responses given to caption are being fun and not derogatory or hurtful, I think it’s fine! Doing good for *the most* includes your readers ya know. With all the crap going on today, making us laugh is doing us some good!