Intersections with Phil Allen, Jr.         

Episode: 036 “When Faith Sustains Well-being”                       

Airdate: October 19, 2021

Length: 59:17

Guests: Sandy Schaupp

This week’s guest, Sandy Schaupp, takes us on a journey of identity, faith, and companionship. She discusses what her experience was as a Korean American (or as she puts it, 1.8 generation Korean American) who grew up in a predominately white context and how that context formed her. It was her experience in college after being introduced to Intervarsity Christian Fellowship that she met people who were interested in her Korean identity. This was a game changer for her as she began to embrace it more openly, actively resisting the instincts to assimilate to whiteness.

Her role at Intervarsity Christian Fellowship is “spiritual director.” But she calls herself “spiritual companion.” In this role she walks alongside students helping them “unpack their pain and suffering” so that they might now dwell in it but find a pathway to healing and wellness.

She unapologetically points to disciplines of her Christian faith as foundational for her own wellbeing and highly recommends them for others. Sabbath is a central practice in her life. She tells us that Sabbath, not just a day off but a time to restore our joy, includes nature, movement (recreation, exercise, or dance), connection with others, and music. This is in fact a time to play with and enjoy God who is the force behind sustaining our wellbeing.

Hear her wisdom and passion for seeing others (you) thrive, especially during this difficult time we all share together.

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Phil Allen, Jr. is a Los Angeles-based author, poet, social justice activist, and filmmaker. Allen’s book Open Wounds explores the murder of Nate Allen—Phil Allen’s grandfather—in the Jim Crow era of South Carolina and how that traumatic event resonated through generations of his family. Open Wounds – which is based on the Allen-produced documentary of the same name – was published on February 9, 2021. Allen is a Ph.D. candidate studying Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA.