How Long, O Lord?
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)
• • •
Another school shooting. Another tragic loss of innocent lives. We wake again to grief, to anger, and to the overwhelming feeling that this should not be. Children should not have to practice lockdown drills. Parents should not have to fear sending their children to school. Teachers should not have to shield their students from bullets. And yet, this is where we find ourselves—again.
It is tempting in these moments to throw up our hands, to say the problem is too big, too entrenched, too unsolvable. But hopelessness serves no one. We know the truth: this violence is not inevitable. Other nations have shown us that common sense gun reform saves lives. It is possible to honor responsible gun ownership while creating laws that protect the innocent. The real question is not can this change? but do we have the courage and the will to change it?
Isaiah offers us a vision of a different world, one where swords are beaten into plowshares, and tools of destruction are transformed into tools of creation. This is not just a poetic dream—it is a call to action. It reminds us that we are not powerless, that violence does not have the final word, and that God’s vision for humanity is one of peace, not harm. But this peace does not come passively. It comes when we refuse to accept a culture of violence and work to create systems of safety, justice, and care.
As people of faith, we cannot look away from the suffering around us. We cannot grow numb to the news of yet another shooting. To grieve deeply and to act boldly are not mutually exclusive. Our prayers for comfort and healing must be accompanied by calls for justice. Our compassion for the victims must move us to demand change. Faith without action is empty; love without justice is incomplete.
So, let us not accept this as the world as it must be. Let us carry the hope of Isaiah’s vision—a world where weapons of violence are no longer needed—and let that hope drive us to act. Call your representatives. Advocate for common sense gun reform. Speak up and show up in your community. Each step, no matter how small, brings us closer to a world where children can go to school without fear, where life is cherished, and where peace prevails.
How long, O Lord? The answer depends on us.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
How do you feel when you hear news of another school shooting? How can you hold space for both grief and action?
What steps can you take—large or small—to advocate for common sense gun reform in your community?
How does Isaiah’s vision of swords into plowshares inspire you to imagine a more peaceful world?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Peace and Action
God of Mercy,
Our hearts are broken once again by the violence in our world.
We grieve for lives lost, families shattered, and communities forever changed.
Give us the courage to face this tragedy,
To speak the truth, and to demand change.
Transform our grief into action,
And our anger into resolve.
May we work for a day when weapons of harm are no more,
And when peace reigns in our schools, homes, and streets.
Hold us in Your love,
And strengthen our hearts for the work ahead.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Fron Grief to Action
Take time to hold both the grief and the hope that arise in the wake of gun violence.
1. Pause and Mourn: Take a few moments to sit in quiet reflection. Light a candle in honor of those lost to this tragedy. Pray for the victims, their families, and the community. Allow yourself to feel the weight of the loss.
2. Take a Step: Identify one concrete action you can take this week. This could include calling or writing your elected representatives to advocate for common sense gun reform, donating to organizations working to end gun violence, or joining a local group working toward solutions.
3. Hold the Vision: Reflect on Isaiah’s call to beat swords into plowshares. Imagine what a safer, more peaceful world would look like. Pray for the strength to live into that vision and to do your part in bringing it to life.
Let this practice remind you that grief and action belong together. As we mourn, we work. As we hope, we strive. And together, we move closer to the world God desires—a world where peace prevails and every child is safe.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 9, 2025, 12pm ET - What Does the TikTok Ban Mean for Churches, Faith Leaders, and Digital Ministry? Register here.
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.
February 11, 2025 - Diana Butler Bass and I will be geeking out together in an online event about the state of the world (post-inauguration). We are still putting the details together. For now, mark your calendars.
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.
What are the steps of common sense gun reform?