Friday, August 8, 2008

Viewer Emails

(Note: if you are offended by the mention of a woman's anatomy, please don't read any further.)

You guessed it, more viewer emails. This one came from a viewer who was worried I was showing too much on television.

Ms. Bassett, I'm not trying to be ugly, but I think if you rewatch tonite's forecast, you'll be upset to see that your nipples were really sticking out bad. I really think it was the blouse material. I'm sorry if I offended you. Signed, Linda Moss

Nope, no nipples showing. I explained to Linda that television can sometimes distort images like the one she thought she was seeing that night. For instance last week, I wore a pink blouse. I received several emails and phone calls from viewers who complimented my red blouse. There was no red in the blouse, but after the transmission of our signal, colors, materials and other things can appear differently on your television screen at home. You know by now that tv makes people appear taller & larger on screen. Viewers can rest assure that I would never wear anything that would embarrass my children, my husband, my parents, nor myself.

This next viewer is afraid I'm sending the wrong message to those of you in television land.

Hi Barbie, I am writing you with concern. Please do not take this the wrong way. I watch your weather forecast every night. Its a family tradition, but we have all fell to wonder: why you are having so many children? You are a role model to so many out there. Here I am, 21, mother of 2, and married and can barely make it. And you are showing kids of all ages that it is okay to go and have as many kids as they want or have no choice over having. I am really concerned. Please do not take this letter rude or hateful. But I know that you care for the public. But what your are bringing into everyone's home, that you are sending the message that its okay to stay pregnant all the time. I know that its wonderful to have children, but God also teaches us to use wisdom on how many we bring into the world. So please take this to thought. And again this letter is not meaning to hurt you in anyway. Sincerely, Just Concerned

I've had 3 children. I'm happily married, working, volunteering and trying to live by faith. I'm not quite sure how many children Just Concerned thinks I have. I empathize that she is a 21 year old mother of 2 and struggling to make it in this world. I work several jobs myself, along with my husband who works 10-12 hour days. We are not rich by any means, but we are richly blessed. If anything, I've tried to set an example for other women to see that you can work, be a mother, wife, and give back to your community--if that is what God has called you to do.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Barbie,
The email from JUST CONCERNED, seemed to be coming from someone who is immature, and trying in some way, to justify her own life, and circumstances. She is young, 21 years old, and already has two children. There is nothing wrong with that, she said she is married and trying to make it in this world, but sometimes people look at others and try to justify their own choices. I don't know, no one knows her heart but God. But don't let her seemingly judgmental opinion bother you. You are a wonderful example to us women, who are trying to live as God leads us, and we can't worry about others opinions of our lives. You just keep doing what you've been doing, and the decision about how many children you have is between you, your husband and the good Lord!
Have a blessed day!

Wilson said...

Since when is three kids a lot? Both of my grandparents had six kids each and thanked God each day for blessing them with six children. You only have one more child than "Just Concerned," so I am completely blown away by her email. We love you, Barbie. Just keep on, keepin' on despite all the rudeness.

Anonymous said...

Barbie,

I am new to your blog and enjoy it very much. I continue to be shocked by some of the comments/personal attacks. I apologize for those people who obviously have no tact. It's easier to be critical of anyone other than yourself. Everything about you radiates love, warmth, and gentleness.

Ava in AR

Deanna said...

As my six year old would say, "Heavens to Pepsi!"

Anonymous said...

I think some people have way too much time on their hands!! What they don't realize is that you have been on the air for many years before you had your babies and hopefully will spend many more years on the air!!!

trisma said...

I understood the Bible to say that having children are a blessing from the Lord and I have three children as well and I'm a single working mother and it's every individuals decision or not whether to start a family either with 1 child or 10 and if God gives you the means to provide for your family that is awesome. I respect you for being someone who is respected in this community and raising your children while working full time. Kudos to you!!! Btw..Who is your hairstylist???

Heather said...

people are insane!!!

JNJLICK said...

OMG.
How immature and idiotic can one person be?
I was so blown away when I read that. What business is it of anyone how many children you have?
Wow. She should be ashamed of herself for even writing that and sending it. Then, to be a total chicken and not use her name and to write about God in it was just as gross. I like to call it blanket Christianity..saying something ugly then adding God or Jesus to put a blanket on it and warm up the cold/ugliness.
Barbie you are an amazing working mom who I personally admire everyday of the week!

The Mathis Bunch said...

Barbie,
As far as I know, a decision as to how many children a woman has is between her, her husband, and the Lord. I think it's wonderful that you set a positive example of someone who can have a family, work out of the home, and live such a vibrant life for Christ. I have two children and am proud to be a middle school teacher. I strive very hard to set a Christian example for them and others. I'm not sure I can do all that I do with such grace as you! I know I couldn't handle all the rude criticizm as well as you. Hang in there. Also, on the newscast tonight, I could tell you were losing weight. Way to go!! Maybe some of your somewhat critical viewers will start noticing that!!

Samantha said...

The Word says to "be fruitful and multiply" and "behold children are a hertiage of the Lord, a reward to those who obey Him." My husband and I have four children and we feel greatly rewarded and oh, so blessed! I know you feel the same way. Your children are beautiful and loved and cared for. What more could any of us hope for?

Anonymous said...

Ms Barbie;
I continue to be amazed at the liberties some people think they can take when it comes to someone else's live. I have heard you speak and have read a lot about the many struggles you and your husband have had to face to be the family you are today. Each child is a gift from God. You are a shining light in this troubled world - a guide post for other Christians. I pray our Lord and Savior continues to bless and keep you and all you love within His constant care.

The following is more for we readers than for Ms Barbie:
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. And do not judge and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." Luke 6

5 xsa Granny

JanMarKil said...

Barbie,

I am just wondering what "Concerned" wanted you to do once you found out you were being blessed with another child. Were you expected to abort/kill?

She, in my opinion, sounds jeoulous. Jealously is not a good character trait to have.

I think she is too focused on herself. Which in the long run can be very detrimental to her children.

I have discovered that if you are not truly thankful for the little blessings you have, then you can't see the big ones. Sad, but true.

By the way, I wasn't able to donate my hair this year but am looking foward to doing so next year.

The MS Delta is VERY!!! proud of you.

Janice Kilby
Indianola, MS

kristina said...

i think you set an awesome example to young women of our generation! you make it tangible that a woman can have a successful and fulfilling career yet still find the balance to also have a beautiful family and strong faith!

The Jasper Family said...

Hi Barbie,

First let me say how proud I am of you that you are secure enough in yourself that you would even print what this poor girl wrote to you. You could easily only publish the many glowing reviews you get from those of us who love and respect you. You are a fantastic person and Christian and I know that without ever having met you personally from the way in which you live your life. I, like your other blog readers, continue to be amazed at how ignorant and shallow people who write to you can be. Maybe this poor girl should get on about the task of Bible studying or helping other young mothers instead of bothering herself with how many children you and your husband desire to have. Truly, this email takes the cake!! It is one thing to criticize someone's personal appearance, but to worry about what you do with your personal life is just crazy! Instead of being critical of your choice to be a working mother of 3 small children, she should thank you for getting up each day and leaving those precious little ones in the interest of protecting the lives of people like her family when you are stuck in a TV studio while your family is home without you. I am sure that if it were God's will and your desire, you would make whatever sacrifice that was necessary to stay at home full time. As a working mom, I applaud you for going out and doing what you probably feel to be God's calling on your life...to be of service to others. I am a teacher and feel exactly the same way about my job. I praise God that you have chosen to be a light in the world and such a wonderful example of really having it all. It is my prayer that you never let any of these sad, "concerned" viewers define who you are in any way. Take care!

JanMarKil said...

Barbie,

I am hoping I got the right information.

Not only are you a GREAT!! mother, meteorologist (sp), Instructor and Inspirational Speaker, but I hear that when your family gets behind on farme work and all that you are not afraid to take leave from work, roll up your sleeves, head back to the Delta and get those "sweat beads" going on.

Ashley said...

WOW! I am just now reading some of these older posts and I am so sorry that you have to constantly deal with these kinds of emails and phone calls. I cannot understand why people like to put others down.

God says, "Blessed is he whose quiver is full." My husband and I are letting God decide how many children we will have. We will not rob Him of the children He had planned for us to have. I do not want to miss a blessing in my life because I chose to put it in MY hands. If we have 10 kids then He knew we would be okay and take care of those children. He is not going to give us more than we can handle. If He wants me to have that many, He will give me the grace and patience to take care of them. So what is it to other people how many children we have? They aren't taking care of them.

I am not even going to go there on Linda Moss's comment. I read your other post about the 2 phone calls. I think the other comments said it best. I need not say anymore.

I will say that you are an inspiration to ALL WOMEN!