Courage as Sacred Work
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
• • •
In 1955, a young woman named Claudette Colvin was riding a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. At just 15 years old, she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger, defying the oppressive laws of segregation. When asked later why she didn’t move, she said, “I felt like Harriet Tubman was on one side of me, and Sojourner Truth was on the other.”
Her act of courage came months before Rosa Parks’ famous stand, but Claudette’s bravery was met with resistance and hardship. She faced ridicule, legal battles, and isolation. Her refusal to be silenced became a spark in the civil rights movement, paving the way for the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the eventual dismantling of segregation laws.
Perseverance in the face of adversity is sacred work. Claudette was young, vulnerable, and without the privilege of power. But in that moment, she chose to stand for justice. Her courage wasn’t born out of ease but out of a deep conviction that the world could be better—that the chains of injustice could be broken.
How often do we find ourselves in situations where the odds feel stacked against us? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to want to give up, or to believe that our small actions don’t matter. But change starts with those who have the courage to stand firm, even when the road is hard.
Scripture promises us that joy will come in the morning, but it also acknowledges the long nights of weeping. Faith doesn’t ignore the pain of injustice; it gives us the strength to endure it. And perseverance—rooted in love, justice, and hope—is what turns weeping into joy, not just for ourselves but for others who benefit from our courage.
Let us draw strength from the example of those who have gone before, like Claudette Colvin. Let us remember that the work of justice often requires persistence and sacrifice, but it is holy work. And let us trust that even in the hardest moments, God is with us, turning our acts of courage into seeds of transformation.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
When have you faced a situation that required courage and perseverance?
How can you draw strength from the example of those, like Claudette Colvin, who have overcome adversity for the sake of justice?
What small acts of courage can you take today to bring about a more just and loving world?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Courage and Hope
God of Justice,
You see the struggles of this world,
And You walk with those who endure hardship.
Grant us the courage to stand for what is right,
Even when the path is steep.
Strengthen us with the stories of those who have persevered before us,
And fill us with the hope that our small actions can create great change.
May we trust in Your presence,
And may our lives be a reflection of Your love and justice.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Honoring the Legacy of Perseverance
Take a moment to reflect on the story of someone who has inspired you through their courage and perseverance. It could be a figure from history, a community leader, or someone in your own life.
Learn: Read or listen to their story. What challenges did they face, and how did they persevere?
Reflect: Journal about how their story inspires you. How can you embody their courage in your own life?
Act: Choose one small way to honor their legacy this week. It could be advocating for justice, helping someone in need, or simply speaking up for what is right in your community.
Let this practice remind you that perseverance, even in the face of adversity, is a sacred act. Your courage, like theirs, can plant seeds of change that ripple far beyond what you can see.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 12, 2025, 3-4:30pm ET - Join me for a FREE conversation on “Progressive Islam – Universal Values vs. the Politics of Human Rights – What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Muslim and Other Muslims?” with Ani Zonneveld. Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
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.
Recently, 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.