Dim Sum and Faith: Exploring Our Spiritual Stories with Jenn Suen Chen - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 11

What stories are we each born into and how do they shape our experience of God in ways we may not even realize? In this week’s episode of Deeper Experiences with God, host Dave is joined by Jenn Suen Chen, spiritual director, co-director of Summit Clear, and author of the new book 'Dim Sum and Faith'. The discussion revolves around the intertwining journey of knowing God and oneself, especially within the scope of our families and cultures of origin. Jenn elaborates on how personal stories shape our souls, using dim sum as a metaphor for collective spiritual growth. The conversation touches on the themes of shaping, undoing, awakening, and remaking in one's spiritual journey. Reflecting on Psalm 139, Jenn underscores the importance of being known by God and the inward and outward transformative power of God's love. The episode concludes with Jenn leading a thoughtful prayer, encouraging listeners to embrace God's presence in every season of life.

Takeaways:

• Know God by Knowing Yourself: Jenn reminds us that spiritual growth begins with honest self-reflection. As John Calvin once said, knowledge of God and knowledge of self are inseparable.
  • Action: Spend time this week asking God to show you where your personal story intersects with His story.
• Faith Is a Shared Table: Using dim sum as a metaphor, Jenn describes faith as a communal feast—intergenerational, messy, and filled with unexpected gifts. 
  • Action: Invite someone new into your spiritual life—share a meal, pray together, or simply listen to each other’s stories.
• Be Known and Loved by God: Psalm 139 reveals a God who fully knows and loves us. Our worth isn’t earned but spoken over us from the beginning.
  • Action: Read Psalm 139 slowly and let God’s words of love settle into the places where you feel unseen or unworthy.
• Dive into the Four Movements of Formation: Our spiritual lives move through seasons of Shaping, Undoing, Awakening, and Remaking. Growth isn’t linear—it’s cyclical and grace-filled.
  • Action: Reflect on which movement you might be in right now and what God might be forming in you there. 
•  The Wall Is Not the End: Periods of dryness, doubt, or disorientation—“the wall”—are sacred spaces where God meets us beyond performance or striving.
  • Action: Instead of rushing past pain or confusion, ask: “Lord, what invitation are You offering me here?”
• Let Yourself Be Loved: The final summit of spiritual life is learning to receive the love of God more deeply. True transformation flows from that love.
  • Action: Each day this week, take five minutes of stillness simply to let God love you—no words, no agenda.

Quote of the Show:

• “ When we feel fear around something, it just means that there's still places in our hearts that God's love has yet to reach.” - Jenn Suen Chen

Links:

• Website: https://www.jennsuenchen.com/ 
• Book Link: https://www.ivpress.com/dim-sum-and-faith