Hope Beyond the Headlines
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
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Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading congregations, businesses, and organizations in Futures Labs—conversations where we imagine the world of 2070 and the futures we might bet on. I’ve noticed a pattern in these discussions: a growing sense of anticipatory dread. The future feels heavier than the past, filled with challenges that seem insurmountable.
And now, in the wake of recent events, the narrative feels clearer, even harsher. We see the signs: the worsening climate crisis, deepening divisions, rising inequality. These realities weigh on us, and in their shadow, hope feels harder to hold onto.
But maybe that’s because we’ve misunderstood hope. Hope isn’t blind optimism. It’s not spiritual bypassing—a way to ignore the difficulties in front of us or avoid the work we need to do.
Real hope is more grounded than that. It’s not about denying the dire truths we face but finding the courage to act in the face of them. It’s about placing trust not in easy solutions, but in the resilience, creativity, and compassion of the human spirit. It’s the kind of hope that fuels action, that says, Yes, the challenges are immense, but we still have choices to make, gifts to give, and lives to live.
Buddhist teacher Joanna Macy describes this kind of hope as “Active Hope.” She writes, “Active Hope is a practice. Like tai chi or gardening, it is something we do rather than have. It is a process we can apply to any situation, and it involves three key steps. First, we take in a clear view of reality; second, we identify what we hope for in terms of the direction we’d like things to move in or the values we’d like to see expressed; and third, we take steps to move ourselves or our situation in that direction.”
Jesus embodied this kind of hope. He didn’t promise His followers that the road would be easy; in fact, he warned them of the trials ahead. But he also called them to live with courage and compassion, to serve the poor, to love their enemies, and to hold onto the vision of God’s kingdom—a world transformed by justice and love. That kind of hope doesn’t bypass reality. It steps into it, anchored in the belief that every small act of goodness matters.
In these days, hope means being honest about the challenges ahead while still choosing to show up—with generosity, with creativity, and with compassion. It’s not about clinging to the certainty of success but trusting that our efforts, no matter how small, carry meaning.
So today, ask yourself: What does hope look like for me? How can I act, not out of optimism that everything will be fixed, but out of faith that my actions matter?
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
How does Joanna Macy’s idea of Active Hope challenge the way I’ve thought about hope before?
What small actions can I take today to bring more compassion, creativity, or generosity into the world?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Grounded Hope
God of all creation,
You know the challenges we face and the weight we carry.
Teach us to hold hope not as an escape, but as a call to action.
Help us to trust in the resilience of the human spirit,
To show up with love, and to work for justice and care.
Remind us that even small acts can make a difference,
And that Your presence is with us as we face the future.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Hope in Action
Today, take a moment to reflect on one area of your life where the challenges ahead feel overwhelming. Name the weight of that reality honestly—don’t shy away from it. Then, ask yourself: What small action can I take today to bring light into this space?
Perhaps it’s reaching out to a neighbor, reducing your environmental impact, supporting an organization that serves the vulnerable, or simply offering kindness in your daily interactions.
At the end of the day, reflect on how these small acts of grounded hope have shifted your perspective or renewed your sense of purpose. Let this practice remind you that hope is not just something we feel—it’s something we do.
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, 2025 - 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.