The Stories We Tell Ourselves

Partner with work of CareImpact and Neighbourly!https://careimpact.ca/donateDescriptionWhat happens when the story we tell ourselves about someone keeps us from seeing the person in front of us?In this reflective episode of Neighbourly, Johan and Shannon step back from the regular guest interviews to talk about assumptions, the quick judgments we make, and the stories we build about people before we really know them.Together, they explore how easy it is to reduce someone to one moment, one behaviour, one request, or one struggle, and how neighbourly care invites us to slow down, stay curious, and protect dignity. From parenting moments in public, to CarePortal requests, homelessness, school experiences, and the story of Zacchaeus, this conversation gently reminds us that there is almost always more going on beneath the surface.This episode is not about ignoring harm or pretending everything is fine. It is about learning to ask better questions before our assumptions become labels.This week’s simple step:When you notice yourself forming an assumption about someone, pause and ask, “What might I not know?”Time Stamps01:35 CareCreatives Company04:37 Struggling with small talk09:23 Practicing self-awareness and empathy12:50 Understanding community assumptions and needs14:25 Understanding homelessness complexities16:58 Discussing the damage of assumptions21:05 Biblical examples of looking beyond labels23:58 Reflecting on Zacchaeus story28:46 Being a good neighbourOther LinksJoin The CareImpact Podcast Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1PgzJWfkq9/Reach out to us! https://neighbourlypodcast.caEmail: [email protected] the CarePortal: careimpact.ca/careportalDONATE! Help connect and equip more churches across Canada to effectively journey well in community with the most vulnerable: careimpact.ca/donate