Hold the Line
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21
There are some days when despair feels like the only honest emotion left, when headlines seem to stack on top of one another with cruelty and chaos, when we wonder whether justice can still find its way through the storm.
But today, I want to notice what is going right: we have reason to be encouraged. Slowly, stubbornly, consistently—resistance is working.
Last week, we learned that the federal government is reversing the termination of legal status for 1,500 international students.1 After relentless pressure from the academic and legal communities, justice won a round. Over 150 universities have now come together to defend higher education from political assault.2 Even some conservative media outlets are beginning to name their concern, breaking the trance of blind allegiance.3 Corporations are speaking out about the recklessness of tariffs and the real danger of a global trade war. The courts, though strained and battered, have ruled against at least 108 of this administration’s initiatives, halting or delaying them in defense of due process and the Constitution.4
Let us also note that in the latest “100 Day” polls, Trump’s approval rating is lower than that of any president in over 80 years.5 The next lowest approval rating by a US president was Trump in his first term. People who have supported him in the past are finally waking up.
That said, the damage being caused by the Trump administration is real. DOGE has dismantled infrastructure and devastated trust, likely causing wounds that will take generations to heal. But that is not the end of the story.
Theologian Dorothee Soelle once wrote, “Every protest against suffering is a protest against God’s silence. But even that protest is a form of prayer.” Our protest—our refusal to give up, our insistence on naming harm, our actions both large and small—is having impact.
The tide may not have turned completely, but we are holding the line. Together, we are refusing to let fear, cruelty, lawlessness and authoritarianism define our future. We are reminding this country—and ourselves—that power is not the same thing as leadership, and control is not the same thing as goodness.
There is still so much to do. But today, let’s honor the victories, the ones that come from organizing, from showing up, from refusing to normalize what we know is wrong. These victories aren’t flashy, and they don’t erase the harm. But they matter. They are signs of life. Signs of resilience. Signs that the moral arc is still bending—because people like you are holding it steady.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
Where have you seen quiet signs of resistance or hope in recent days?
What sustains your commitment when the work feels long or overwhelming?
How can you amplify voices or efforts that are holding the line where it matters most?
A Prayer for the Day
For Those Who Refuse to Let Go
Holy One,
We give thanks for all who hold the line—
For lawyers who challenge unjust laws,
For teachers who protect history,
For students who refuse silence,
For judges who remember their oath.
Let our protest be a prayer.
Let our resistance be a hymn of hope.
Remind us that we are not alone—
Not now, not ever.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Name What Is Working
In times of chaos, our attention is pulled toward destruction. But today, practice noticing what is holding. Light a candle. Take a walk. Breathe deeply. Then make a list—three things, however small—that are giving you hope.
Maybe it’s a court decision. A courageous friend. A child who still dreams big.
Write them down. Speak them aloud.
Let gratitude fortify you for the road ahead.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
May 19-22, 2025 - Preaching and Worship FREE Online Summit: From war to genocide to a global climate crisis to a nation that perpetuates racism, misogyny, transphobia, and more from the highest office in the land, how do we prepare a sermon, a liturgy, a song, a prayer? Learn from some of our best preachers. REGISTER HERE.
June 4, 2025, 12pm ET - Jeff Chu has written a new book on a topic close to my heart: Soil! The title is “Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand.” I am so pleased to be interviewing him. Together, we’ll explore what it means to cultivate “good soil” in our lives, our communities, and our spiritual practices. I hope you will register. Your registration includes a copy of his new book.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more. Only one spot 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.
September 4, 4:30pm ET - I will be collaborating with the Anderson Forum for Progressive Theology to host a conversation with Thomas Jay Oord on Open and Relational theology. It’s a FREE event. Register here.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Register here!
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.
https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5267714-immigration-advocates-ice-international-students-visa-registrations/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/21/us-university-presidents-trump-administration
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5265210-trump-approval-rating-fox-news-poll/
https://www.aclu.org/the-first-100-days
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/27/trump-approval-ratings-historic-low/83310942007/
Thank you for the good word of encouragement. Community activism is communal prayer. It is an alignment of our voices with God's vision for Creation. Thanks again!
Thank you. Amid all the necessary reminders of the dire situation we’re in, your reflection today encourages us to keep working in ways large and small to confront “dire.” I appreciate it!!