I am so honored and excited to have chaplain and author J.S. Park on the Still Becoming Podcast. I admire J.S., and his work in the world, very much. In this powerful and multi-layered conversation we talk about common humanity, seeing one another up close, holding space, believing the stories people tell about their own experience, and the different ways trauma and racial trauma can impact lives. We also discuss the impact of Covid on real lives (not numbers), and the increased violence against Asian American Pacific Islanders. J.S says in this episode, when you hear someone's story, believe that person. We also discuss his powerful book, The Voices We Carry. This conversation felt sacred, impactful, and rich. I trust that wherever you are, or from whatever unique place you are listening to the words of J.S., you will be moved towards deeper understanding of your own experience, and deeper empathy for the experiences of others. J. S. models for all of us how to how to allow complexities to all exist together, and how to honor the stories of others. I can't wait for you to hear the conversation.
J. S. Park is a hospital chaplain, published author, viral blogger, teaching pastor. He has spent nearly the past six years as an interfaith chaplain at a 1000+ beds hospital that is designated a Level 1 Trauma Center. His role includes grief counseling; attending every death, every trauma and Code Blue; assisting with end-of-life care; and supporting patient and family advocacy. He also serves as a chaplain at one of the largest nonprofit charities for the homeless on the east coast.
J. S. has a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, completed in 2010. He has a BA in Psychology from the University of South Florida. He also has a sixth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
J. S. currently lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife, a nurse practitioner, and his baby daughter and half German Shepherd.
To find J.S. Park, his work, and his book go to these links:
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Episode 78 - Conversation with J.S. Park: Holding Space For One Another