OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART, THE MOUTH SPEAKS…..


Today I am sure was one of THE hardest days in the history of Stampin’Up! for each and every member of their team at the home office. Fifty employees at the home office had to be layed off from their jobs. SU announced that it would be happening a month in advance. It must have been an excrutiatingly long month as they all waited to see who would stay and who would go. This morning one of the dear people who we all love and respect greatly put an entry on her blog that told her story – and shared some of her hurts. As a demonstrator, my heart goes out to all the wonderful people who lost their jobs. I put a comment on this employees blog telling her she would be sorely missed, but you know what, it’s not MY PLACE to decide if she was treated fairly or not. Lay offs cause deep hurt and it is understandable that she and others were hurt. Here is MY GRIPE. I went on Shelli’s blog to see if she addressed the issue at all. Heaven knows she was not obligated to open herself up like she did to all the comments and advice she was given on her blog today. Can I just say, I am almost ashamed, no, not almost, I am ashamed of many of my fellow demonstrators at some of the callous, heartless, hurtful statements they made concerning the lay off. Don’t worry, I won’t mention any names- in fact I can’t because the demonstrators who left scathing and rotten comments didn’t happen to mention their own names, they just signed it with things like “sad demo” and “upset in IL” – Man I will never write a bunch of negative stuff on someones blog and not have the guts to sign my own name to it. If I am too ashamed to sign my name then chances are I shouldn’t be writing it in the first place, eh?? I just had to sound off and say what is going on inside of ME now, because it just makes me so angry. They said things like the 3 mentioned were the ‘FACE OF STAMPIN UP, THE HEART OF STAMPIN UP – AND IF THEY AREN’T THERE ANYMORE THEN I’M NOT EITHER…ETC ETC ETC. It amazes me that in the face of the grief that everyone is already feeling at Stampin’Up! they can rub more salt in the wounds, (to borrow a phrase that one demo used on the blog) HOW TRUE. Shelli isn’t hurting enough already but we as demonstrators need to spew all this poison on her blog. There is no easy way to lay off 50 people. There just IS no EASY way. I know Shelli enough to know these layoffs were not done without many tears and many prayers. And no THREE, OR MAINLY TWO PEOPLE ARE THE WHOLE ENTIRE HEART OF STAMPIN UP…..what about Pam Morgan, Selma, Carrie, Shannon, Courtney, the SAMS, Ann, oh gosh I could go on and on – what about SHELLI – the heart and face of Stampin’Up is made up of MANY and yes, this is sad, and it’s a blue day, but honestly, no one has the right to say hurtful, rotten, terrible things when we don’t know what went in to these decisions. Let’s get BEHIND Shelli and pray like she asked us to instead of trying to figure it all out. It’s really not our place. And yes, it will be sad at Convention this year not to see those familiar faces…..but come on friends, this is not a reason to not go on supporting this fantastic company. Maybe you need to be around for a while and work for some other kinds of places but Stampin’Up is an incredible place – run by incredible people….and I am baffled by people who judge when they don’t see the whole picture. Can’t we express our love and support for those who were let go, but also express our love and support to those who had to make these difficult decisions? And at the very least, if you have to say something negative, at least have the courage to give your NAME. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. I think we all need to reach down into our hearts and try to dole out a little sympathy for everyone involved all the way around, and hold our nasty comments and judgements back. I’m sorry for this big long epistle, but I already left 2 comments on Shelli’s blog – and for some reason I keep going back and torturing myself by reading the comments. Many have nice things to say, but oh those mean ones are just SO MEAN, and I can only imagine the tears that are flowing – on account of the thoughtless words. Come on demonstrators, suck it up – life happens, hard things happen, the economy is bad, and it’s not anyones fault. How can you say if little bags were not given to people to put their Hawaii tickets in then three peoples jobs could have stayed in place???? Listen to yourself, and watch your words……hasn’t it already been a painful enough day at Stampin’Up without causing more by careless words? I feel better, just getting this out…….hey- it’s a stamper’s diary, and sometimes you gotta talk to your diary when you just feel like no one else will listen……..if you have any negative comments to make on this entry – either keep them to yourself or at least be courageous enough to sign your name. Say a prayer tonite and tomorrow and the next day and the day after that, for everyone at SU……those layed off and those who remain…….and especially for those who had to make these decisions and implement them. And to all those demonstrators who decided they aren’t going to go to convention because a layoff had to happen, how sad. I will go with a certain sadness for all fifty employees who had to be let go, but now more then ever we should be supporting this awesome and wonderful company with our presence and our prayers.

What do you think?

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23 Comments
  • Claudia Perry
    April 17, 2009

    Karen,
    I totally agree with you and I am SO glad you wrote what you did, because I was so sad to see all the negative comments all day long. It’s very upsetting how some people react. Reading your blog entry made me feel better and I wanted you to know that.
    Thanks for sharing your opinion!

  • Jade's stamproom blog
    April 17, 2009

    Karen, what a great post, I saw on Shelli’s blog that you said you had written something. Well done, I love stampin’ up and I know you do as well, thanks for posting what we “loyalists” are all thinking.

  • Anonymous
    April 17, 2009

    Thank you so much. It’s so basic — weren’t we all taught that if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything? Or at least say something that rocks the boat a little in a respectful way. When we lose the ability to treat each other kindly, we lose what makes us human. Your words from the heart echo what so many of us are feeling — especially long time demos like me who’ve been through other changes that some thought would mark the end of the world — and SU instead changed and grew. I plan to see each sale right now as my part in getting some of these wonderful 50 employees back to work.

  • Kim Mullin
    April 17, 2009

    Karen,

    Well said. I totally agree with you. Anyone that knows Shelli knows that this wasn’t an easy decision and to get to this point, it had be. All, we can do is just pray for all those that lost their jobs – like so many throughout our country and be thankful for where we are in our lives. Have a great day!

  • Brenda
    April 17, 2009

    Amen, Karen! I totally agree. I found your site through the comment you left on Shelli’s blog and it makes me so sad to see how people are taking this out on Shelli and the hurtful, immature insults that were thrown her way. Thank you for posting this.

  • Cheryl Holtman
    April 17, 2009

    thank you! Karen, thank you! let’s stay positive, continue with prayer…… see you at convention!

  • Anonymous
    April 17, 2009

    Thanks Karen. I appreciate your post and agree completely. This is a hard time, and I of course will miss Linda and Jaron, but like you have been with SU long enough to know Shelli struggled with this decision. I wouldn’t want her job for anything. Thanks for saying what I feel like saying. We need to try to keep it positive in this very negative time.

  • Diana Gibbs
    April 17, 2009

    Hi Karen,
    I love you and for what you said.
    I am not going to be reading anymore comments on Shelli’s blog right now cause those mean ones made me pop a blood vessel. The nerve of them, anonymous or not.
    I bet they wouldn’t have the guts to say that to Shelli’s face.
    I am now looking at the people that said mean things in a whole different light…and it aint pretty.
    Love you and see you at Convention!!!

  • luv2stamp
    April 17, 2009

    AMEN!!!

  • Anonymous
    April 17, 2009

    Hi Karen – thank you for saying what I’ve been feeling…you are the very best! – See you at CONVENTION!!
    xoxo Marlene

  • Marlene Salvato
    April 17, 2009

    Hi Karen – thank you for saying exactly what I’ve been feeling…you’re the very best! – SEE YOU AT CONVENTION!!
    xoxo Marlene

  • Unknown
    April 17, 2009

    Isn’t it nice to know that there are a group out here that AREN’T mean and nasty! 🙂

    Amen to everything you said, Karen. Seriously. I could not believe the things I was reading. Unbelievable!!

    Thanks for your wonderful words and the already lovely comments that have been shared on YOUR blog. 🙂

    Speaking of, now that I found you – I might just have to keep coming back for more inspiration!! 🙂 ha ha!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!

  • Tasha Hickert
    April 17, 2009

    Amen, Karen.

  • Janet Marks
    April 17, 2009

    Karen, Your post was NOT too long. I am so glad to have read your words. I have always loved this company..their dedication to us, their generosity, the total down to earth way they walk the talk. I feel part of a family…I AM part of a family that I love and will continue to support. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!

  • amystamps
    April 17, 2009

    Thank you Karen, for expressing everything I was thinking and feeling! It made me feel better to read your post!

  • Well said Karen! As if this news wasn’t tough enough for everyone involved. Adding negative and nasty comments on blogs isn’t helping anyone. It just isn’t cool. It takes someone with compasion and love to speak out like you did. I am very proud of you and echo your same thoughts!

    Hugs,

    Lynn

  • Connie Babbert
    April 18, 2009

    Exactly what I’m thinking, Karen! I can’t believe ANYONE who knows Shelli and the people at Stampin’ Up!…from the Board of Directions down…doesn’t know how hard those decisions were to make. Thanks for speaking your mind!

  • Carol Dee
    April 18, 2009

    Karen, you a re truely a abeautiful and classy lady. I agree with your thoughts completely. Mom always said “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything.”

    Oh, and the 3 cards you posted are lovely. 🙂 I especially like the third one.

    Hey, when do we get to see photo of newest Granddaughter?

  • Shannon
    April 20, 2009

    Hi Karen! First of all, I love your samples!!! Thank you for sharing those!

    I also want to say thank you for relieving a little bit of the sadness in my heart. Last week I watched 3 people I love deeply walk out of Stampin’ Up, maybe forever. And I’ve spent a big bulk of the time since then choking back tears–and sometimes just letting them flow. Reading hurtful comments has done nothing but make it worse.

    We are all hurting about this–and I much prefer your method of supporting and loving each other. For 4 years, I spent 8 hours a day with these people–these people are as close as family gets to me. But every time I start to feel sorry for myself, I know they are hurting worse and it makes me want to say a prayer that God will bless them more than anything.

    I’m glad you will still be going to convention–I know we have a big hole to fill and we will be doing everything we can to try to make that happen!

    Thanks again!
    Shannon West

  • Lisa Atha
    April 24, 2009

    Karen,

    I agree with you 100%. Back when SU first announced that they were going to be laying off a few, I posted a prayer request on my blog. I too am a victim of this awful recession we are in, I have been laid off for 2 years when the new homebuilding market first dropped off (I obviously worked for a builder) and that company is now out of business. I feel everyone’s pain, because I am living it. However, leaving bad comments for Shelli to read on her blog….those nameless people should be ashamed of themselves. I am off to Shelli’s blog to leave a positive and encouraging response.

    God Bless,

    Lisa A.

  • Susie
    May 3, 2009

    I totally agree with you. I found your blog today thru a follower on my blog. I was sad as everyone else as I have never been able to go to convention or anything else S U has to offer but since I became a demo in 2007 I feel like this is family and we are all in this together. Obviously none of these people have ever been in the lay off position and dont know how it feels. I commend you for speaking out and I am sure you speak for alot of others.

  • Butternutsage
    May 5, 2009

    Karen this is beautifully written. I wish it would go out to ALL the demonstrator family of SU. We all need to hear it! Thanks for such a heartfelt, entry. Have a great day! Donna your baby baby way down the ladder SU grandchild! LOL

  • Unknown
    October 21, 2010

    Hi Karen,
    Wow, I just read your comments about how SU had to let 50 employees go. I knew about this as I am a hobby dem and became one because I love SU products and was spending a lot of money for personal use. Here we are more than a year later and I'm reading your wonderful, and very honest, post about how mean and cruel people can be and how they are so judgmental. I commend you for your outspokenness, and your seeing the big picture that so many others can't.

    I love your blog and you are such a warmhearted and FUNNY lady. 🙂 And I must add a VERY CREATIVE one at that. I sit and just stare at the beauty that you create.

    Thank you for always sharing your thoughts and heart with so many of us.

    Take care and keep those posts coming, and all of your beautiful work. Amazing. I wish I was half as talented as you are, but hey you inspire me in so many ways.

    Kind Regards,
    Karyn from Sunny So. Calif. 🙂
    It is pouring down rain right now and I'm loving it!