A Day of Irony and Resolve
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24)
• • •
Today is a day heavy with irony and significance. On the same day we honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Donald Trump is inaugurated for a second term as President of the United States. This juxtaposition is a painful irony: the memory of a man who fought for equality and justice shadowed by the swearing in of a leader whose actions and rhetoric have deepened divisions and undermined those very ideals.
The sadness many feel today is not just about a political loss—it is about the values we hold dear. Dr. King envisioned a “Beloved Community” where love and justice reigned, where the dignity of all people was affirmed. Today, that dream feels distant. The America of equality, compassion, character, truth, integrity, ethics and shared purpose seems overshadowed by an America of rage, revenge, racism, greed and deepening inequality. The one comfort we can take: More Americans voted for someone OTHER than Donald Trump than for him. But still…here we are.
The weight of this moment is heavy for many of us. It’s hard to see a path forward when the challenges before us feel insurmountable. To acknowledge this heartbreak is not weakness—it is honesty. It is to say that the work ahead will demand more from us than we feel prepared to give.
But we are not alone in this work. Dr. King himself knew the heartbreak of injustice, the despair of slow progress, and the crushing weight of opposition. He reminded us that “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
This is a moment of challenge. And it is a moment that demands resolve. Not blind optimism or easy platitudes, but the kind of steadfastness that comes from knowing the stakes and choosing to engage anyway. We may not see the fruits of our labor, but we plant seeds in the hope that others will.
The work ahead is hard, but we are in it together. The values we hold—generosity, justice, inclusion, and compassion—are worth fighting for. As we face these days of uncertainty and struggle, let us hold fast to one another, knowing that the journey will be long but that our collective effort will make a difference.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What emotions are you experiencing today as you reflect on the state of our nation?
How can you find strength and solidarity in community as you face the work ahead?
What steps can you take to uphold the values of justice and compassion in this moment of challenge?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Resolve and Solidarity
God of Justice and Truth,
Today, our hearts are heavy.
We mourn the injustices we see around us,
And we feel the weight of the work ahead.
Give us the courage to face these days with honesty,
The strength to stand together in solidarity,
And the resolve to keep working for what is right.
Help us to carry forward the legacy of those who came before us—
Who labored for justice, even when it seemed out of reach.
May their example inspire us to move forward,
Step by step, hand in hand.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Grounding in Community
Take time to sit with the anxiety you may be carrying about our collective future. Find a quiet moment to pause and allow yourself to feel. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and ask, “What am I holding in my heart today?” Whether it’s fear, sadness, anger, or a sense of overwhelm, let yourself name it. These feelings are real, and they are valid. You don’t have to push them away or fix them right now—just acknowledge them as part of being human, part of caring deeply about the world.
If it feels right, take out a piece of paper or a journal and write a letter to the future. You might write to yourself, to someone you love, or to future generations. Share your hopes, your fears, and what you are grieving. Let the words flow honestly and without judgment. Writing can be a way to process your emotions while grounding yourself in what matters most—your values, your commitments, your belief in the possibility of something better.
When the weight feels too heavy to carry alone, reach out to someone you trust. Call a friend or sit with a loved one and say, “I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately. Can we talk?” Connection reminds us that we’re not alone, that others share our heartache, and that together we can carry the burden with greater strength.
Finally, create a simple ritual to comfort yourself in this moment. Light a candle, hold an object that feels grounding, or wrap yourself in a warm blanket. As you do, whisper a prayer or a mantra: “I am not alone. Together, we hold hope.” Let this be a reminder that even in heartbreak, there is love. Even in despair, there is connection. And even in uncertainty, there is a path forward, one step at a time.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
February 27, 2025, 12-1:30pm - Margaret Wheatley and I are offering a 4 or 8-session course called “Are We Made for These Times?” If you know Meg’s work, it’s going to be extraordinary. If you want the deep dive, the 8-session course is for you. You can read about the shorter 4-session course here. Scholarships are available. I sooooo hope you can be a part of this!
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more. Only two spots left!
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.
AMEN