Grounded in Love, Called to Action
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“If we are absolutely grounded in the absolute love of God that protects us from nothing even as it sustains us in all things, then we can face all things with courage and tenderness and touch the hurting places in others and in ourselves with love.” –James Finley
• • •
This weekend, I visited a church in Minneapolis that deeply moved me. Like many congregations across the country, they are grieving the results of the election and what it means for the issues they care about—environmental justice, immigration, equity, women’s rights, and the common good. Their grief is real, and so is their resolve.
Even as they process their hurt, they are organizing, settling in to be a force for good in the years ahead. Their commitment to the environment is inspiring. Through their “Creation Care Collective,” they have organized around six areas of concern: Buildings and Energy, Land Use, Food and Agriculture, Worship and Spirituality, Christian Education/Formation, and Political Advocacy/Organizing. Their efforts are bold and inspiring, rooted in faith and care for the earth and all who live on it.
This kind of leadership is a reminder of the flow of justice throughout history—the tireless work of activists and faith communities who have always risen to meet moments like this. They teach us that grief and action are not opposites; they are companions. Grieving what is broken sharpens our vision for what must be healed. Their work reminds me of James Finley’s words: “If we are absolutely grounded in the absolute love of God that protects us from nothing even as it sustains us in all things, then we can face all things with courage and tenderness and touch the hurting places in others and in ourselves with love.”
Grounded in God’s love, we are sustained, not spared, through the struggles we face. This grounding gives us the courage to act and the tenderness to care—for ourselves, for one another, and for the world. In Minneapolis, I saw a congregation living this truth. Their grief is not paralyzing; it’s propelling them toward bold, compassionate action.
As we navigate these times, may we follow their example. Let our grief be joined with action, our hurt with compassion, and our fear with faith. The work ahead will not be easy, but it will be holy. And we are not alone—we are grounded in the love of God and joined by communities who are committed to building a world where justice, equity, and care for creation are not just ideals but realities.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What grief am I carrying right now, and how can I let it propel me toward action
In what ways can I join others in working for the common good in my community?
How does being grounded in God’s love sustain me as I face the challenges of this moment?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Courage and Compassion
God of Justice and Grace,
Ground me in Your love,
The love that sustains me even as it calls me to act.
Help me to hold my grief with tenderness and my fear with faith.
Give me the courage to face the challenges ahead
And the compassion to care for the hurting places in myself and others.
May I join hands with those working for justice and peace,
Trusting that together, we can reflect Your love in the world.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Joining Grief with Action
Today, reflect on an area of grief in your heart—something broken in the world that weighs heavily on you. Take a few moments to pray or meditate on this grief, not to dismiss it, but to acknowledge it with compassion.
Then, ask yourself: What small action can I take to help address this pain? It could be volunteering, connecting with a local advocacy group, or simply reaching out to someone who shares your concern.
Let your grief guide you toward meaningful steps of care and action, trusting that each act of love, no matter how small, contributes to the greater work of justice and healing.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
December 1 - 4-5:30pm ET - FREE Online webinar with Rev. Jim Dant - “Understanding the Development of the Christmas Nativity Stories Through the Lens of Jewish Midrash (What You Were NOT Taught in Sunday School).” Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi on the launch of her latest book on depth hypnosis. Info coming soon.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.