Every Act of Courage Counts
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
These are strange and staggering days. Many of us are waking up each morning with a pit in our stomachs, asking: Is this really happening?
Yes, it is. But something else is happening too. Something inspiring. Something brave.
Last week, after comedian Jimmy Kimmel was taken off the air a surprising thing occurred. People stood up. Loudly. Across political lines. Even longtime conservatives condemned the move as a violation of First Amendment freedoms. Protesters took to the streets. Local governments pushed back. Artists, lawyers, veterans, and everyday neighbors raised their voices. And it worked! Kimmel will be back on the air starting on Tuesday.
It’s easy to forget that resistance often looks ordinary. But every refusal to bow to authoritarianism matters.
In Chicago, plans to deploy federal troops were quietly shelved after public outcry and organized protest. They may rise again. But for the moment, the plan was disrupted. In cities across the country, coalitions are forming to protect immigrant families, defend libraries and schools, and resist extremist legislation. The MAGA agenda is loud—but it is not loved. Trump’s approval ratings have plummeted to 39%. The majority of this nation does not want what he is offering.
Meanwhile, the courts—imperfect as they are—are still functioning. The group Just Security reports that of the 384 legal challenges to Trump’s actions, 130 have already led to court orders blocking him. Another 148 are pending. The Supreme Court may be captured, but many lower courts are still holding the line.
The lesson here? Pushback works.
The Bible is full of stories where resistance seemed futile—until it wasn’t. Moses went up against Pharaoh. Esther risked her life to stop genocide. The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, quietly defied a king’s orders to kill newborns. Their courage saved a nation.
Jesus, too, taught us that love means showing up—especially when power turns cruel. He flipped tables in the temple. He broke Sabbath laws to heal. He told the truth, even when it cost him everything.
So here we are. Once again, the call is before us: Take heart. Speak up. Stay grounded. Resist with love.
The forces of authoritarianism depend on our despair. Our leaders want us overwhelmed. Silenced. Exhausted. But we are not powerless. Our voices, our art, our protests, our lawsuits, our neighborly care, our votes, our prayers—they are firewalls. They are sacred.
Don’t let the noise fool you. We are not alone. And we are not done.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
Where have you seen courage show up this week—in yourself or others?
What small act of resistance can you take today?
How might you nurture hope without denying reality?
A Prayer for the Day
For Faithful, Loving Protest
God of the long arc and the daily choice, You remind us that even mustard seeds can move mountains. When fear whispers that we’re too small, You speak courage into our bones. Strengthen us for this moment. Give us stamina for the long work of justice. And help us remember: every act of love is a form of protest. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Acts of Courage
Today, choose one small act of courage.
It might be speaking up, reaching out, donating, praying, writing, or simply resting so you can rise again tomorrow.
Say aloud (or write down):
“I am part of a greater movement for good. I will not give up.”
Let that be your quiet anthem today.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
NEW!!!!!!!!!!!! October 8-9, 2025, 7-8:30pm ET ONLINE Event- Counterpoint: A Response to Peter Thiel’s Antichrist - For four straight Mondays, tech billionaire Peter Thiel is convening a private series in the heart of Silicon Valley on his obsession with the Antichrist. This peculiar and troubling theological fixation is not just eccentric—it reveals how his version of political theology and apocalyptic imagination are shaping the worldview of some of the most powerful people in the world. We cannot remain silent. As a counterpoint, join me and Rev. Dr. Matthew Fox, along with Kamala Harris’ former Communication Director, Gil Duran, for a powerful counter-narrative rooted in wisdom, justice, and authentic spirituality. REGISTER HERE.
October 18, 2025 - No Kings 2.0 Protest - Scholars of authoritarianism teach us that we need 3.5% of the population rising up to disrupt the rise of authoritarians. The last protest had over 6 million people in the streets in the US (more around the world) which was one of the largest protest in US history. We need to double that number. So here we go again. The movement builds. See you on the streets.
October 20-24, 2025 - FREE Online 5-Day Summit on “Made for These Times: Spiritual Leadership for a World in Crisis.” Political extremism. Climate collapse. Cultural fragmentation. People of faith across the globe are asking: How do we lead with clarity, courage, and compassion in a time like this? REGISTER HERE.
October 23, 30, November 13, 20 2025, 7pm ET - In Search of a New Story: Reimagining What Comes Next, A 4-Part Online Series with Dr. Matthew Fox, Cameron Trimble, Ilia Delio, Diana Butler Bass, Caroline Myss and Luther Smith. We are living through the unraveling of many old stories—about who we are, why we’re here, and how we are meant to live together on this Earth. As these inherited narratives collapse under the weight of climate crisis, social fragmentation, and spiritual disconnection, the question becomes clear: What story will guide us now? REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
NEW!!!!!!!! July 19-24, 2026 - Join me and my amazing co-facilitator, Victoria, on retreat in the back-country of beautiful Wyoming. The Art of Wilding is a 5-Day Expedition for Women Leaders. We will spend the week reconnecting to nature, exploring our inner landscapes for change, and engage the wisdom of spiritual teachings. Click here to learn more.
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.
If you are a leader or member of a congregation looking for consulting support in visioning, planning, hiring or staffing, please consider Convergence.
Thank you for these encouraging words 🙏😊❤️
We need reminders of where resistance is working. Thank you Cameron