This month, Good News Wants to Know…. What is something that friends or strangers often incorrectly assume about you?

 

Someone once told me they were shocked to learn I could tune up my own car (back in pre-computerized days), or solder wires in broadcast equipment, build bookcases from scratch, or hang drywall before my back got old. You’d have to ask them why they assumed that I could not or would not do those kinds of things, ha ha.

Dolores King-St. George, King Communications and GraceNet Media

 

Friends and strangers often incorrectly assume that I have always been thin, and strangers incorrectly assume that because of my job I am always serious. 

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott

 

I’m kind of a tall guy and most people think that’s always a good thing. The downsides: More likely to walk into a spider web; less likely to find clothes that fit. More likely to get decapitated on Space Mountain; less likely to look cool fast dancing.

Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting

 

Because I have been in elected office for many years, people often assume two things. They assume that I am a lawyer because I am in politics, and they assume that I studied political science. However, neither is true. I studied engineering and business systems and worked in the design and construction industry.

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100

 

Having a background in the Marines and the Secret Service, people almost always assume I will be this rigid, stern figure. Ha! I always catch them off guard when they actually get to know me. I love people! There is such a thing as a “game face.” But I’ve always been quite quick to drop it when it’s time to clock out! 

Chris Simpson, President & CEO, CBMC International

 

One of the things friends or strangers may incorrectly assume is that I am serious when I’m joking or joking when I’m serious. Usually, I’ll get an I-can’t-tell-if-you’re-serious-right-now statement or look. I can have a deadpan sense of humor that catches people off guard. I can probably blame that on my father. Wait! Am I being serious right now?

Craig D. Huston, Summit Achievers

 

Occasionally, to my delight, friends and strangers have assumed I’m quite a bit younger than I actually am.

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

 

It is often assumed that I was born in the USA, when in fact, I was born to missionary parents in Nigeria, lived in Canada for 5 years then moved to Florida.

Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service, and Project Leader, Egbe Medical Mission

 

I think that some folks incorrectly assume about me the same thing that I used to assume about Pastors and other church leaders. Before I came into full time church ministry, I was a heavy equipment operator and concrete finisher. It was during that time that I would be at a church service and inwardly assume that my church leaders didn’t have any “real world” problems. I wrongly assumed that they were free from the painful, difficult trials that I encountered in the “real world” since they worked for God. November 2024 will be my 36th year of having been ordained as a Pastor. I was wrong in making that assumption about church leaders. Jesus told us all in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Fidel Gomez, Assistant Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

 

Many people think that because I have been a veterinarian for over 40 years, I have a house full of pets! We love our small dog, Deedee, that is it! I love animals but there is a time and place to be a “good” pet owner!

Dr. Fred Scarbrough, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida

 

That I color and curl my hair.

Gregg Wallick, President, Best Roofing, Inc.

 

What others assume about me, I really have no clue! My life is pretty normal. Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues. A Realtor since 1996. Saved by Grace since 1972. I love my life and so grateful for all that God has given me!”

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty

 

I have often been told that I look young for my age. While I am grateful for this, it also meant that I was sometimes overlooked while growing up. I now understand that sometimes God’s blessings may not appear as such when they come.

Jesse Carroccio, Station Manager, WRMB Moody Radio

 

Friends and strangers alike who do not know me well typically assume that I’m a good speaker. When, in fact, each time that I must speak publicly it is totally the Holy Spirit that speaks through me. If left to my own devices, I freeze.  

Dr. Jessica Vera, President, Chief Executive Officer, Elite Foundation

 

Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness! It is actually my strength.

Joe Vitkus, Senior Rabbi, Temple Aron HaKodesh

 

Usually, I find myself explaining how my name is spelled and clarifying that the origin is Latin and not a creative endeavor to be unique. Additionally, its meaning is equivalent to the English word “justice.”

Justus Martin, Photographer, Justus Martin Photo

 

Most people, if not all, assume that I’m much younger than I actually am.  Lol!

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

 

That I’m from another country as some say I have an accent!

Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Advancement, Palm Beach Atlantic University 

 

As a leader in a Christian Ministry, God will show things to me not everyone else will see or understand.  So, I think what most people incorrectly assume about me is that I know more than I say, and I see more than people think I see.  

Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

 

People tend to think that I am healthy, hardworking, humorous, humble and always hungry. But that is just not true… I am not always hungry!

Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company

 

The most common assumption from new people I meet is that I am Jewish. I love and embrace my heritage; however, this misconception allows me the opportunity to clarify and respond, “I am Jewish! But… I believe Jesus was the Messiah.” This is often the start of very interesting dialogue.

Dr. Mike Rozenblum, Genesis Physical Medicine and Chiropractic 

 

The most common misconception about me is that people, especially strangers, assume I speak fluent Serbian or another language. Due to my name, it must be expected.

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters

 

My origin. With a name like Oksana, people often assume I’m Japanese and thus are surprised when we meet that I’m Ukrainian.

Oksana Horton, Artistic Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

 

I asked some friends and family what people may assume about me, and their response was that people often assume that I am available all the time. Perhaps that is my own fault as I always respond to email and texts wherever I am. Often I am in the middle of something when this happens. The other thing they pointed out was that people think that I always have the answer to their questions. Hmmm, what do you think?

Patricia Colangelo, EdS, Lecturer, Professor, Trinity International University – Florida

 

Since I speak loudly, people may think I am angry!

Ray Monteleone, President & CEO, Paladin Global Partners

 

Because I’m pretty happy all the time, it’s possible sometimes people might assume, ‘do I ever have a bad day?’ LOL In reality, like everyone else, I do have tough days. I praise God those days are way less often than the amazing day! I sincerely believe that my life is not just blessed, but my cup is running over!!! DAILY I Pray and ask God, help me to CHOOSE to see life through the “lens of gratitude.” I sincerely hope that reflects in my day-to-day attitude!!! I am happy most of the time because I try to stay GRATEFUL … I pray HAPPINESS IS A REFLECTION OF GRATEFULNESS and I pray that GRATEFULNESS allows me to ALWAYS point to JESUS: THE GIVER OF ALL GOOD THINGS!!!

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder/President, SAINTS International Sports Ministry and SAINTS Homeschool P.E.

 

Something that friends or strangers often incorrectly assume about me is that I play or used to play basketball because of my height. As much as I wish I did, I never did play sports in my younger years, but we are trying to make up for that now with each of our kids playing almost too many sports. Coincidentally, one of my sons is the tallest player in his basketball league, so my height is not completely wasted. God has different plans and talents for different people, so it is always important to know who God made us to be and who he didn’t, and for some, this could be a “tall” order!

Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

 

Friends or strangers often incorrectly assume that with a name like Solomon and from New “Yawk” (lol) that I was raised in a Jewish family. I was Bar Mitzvah-ed because I chose to be. My Dad was an Orthodox Jew when he met my Mom (a French-American Roman Catholic) when he was stationed in Houghton, Michigan during WWII. They married in 1944 and decided that each kid they had could pick and practice either Judaism or Catholicism. My older brother and sister grew up and chose Catholicism like their friends. I picked Jewish like my friends because I wanted a Bar Mitzvah like them. I accepted Christ in November 1991. My brother and sister are strong Christians, accepting Jesus at different times in their life. Praise God!

Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC South Florida

 

I am so thankful to God for the gifts and talents He has given me. My first passion is to share the Gospel with those around me.  My second love is teaching others how to live for Jesus and put Him first. In my classes, I will share how sometimes I struggle with feelings of insecurity. Some are surprised, assuming my ability to speak and share come naturally. It is only by my dependence on the Holy Spirit that I can do what He has called me to. I stand with Paul, claiming 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.  As I lean on Him, His Spirit shines through, enabling me to overcome any apprehensions that may arise.  

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward Right to Life

Read last month’s GNWTK at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/good-news-wants-to-know-museum-of-the-bible/