Listening to the Winds
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Train up a child in the way they should go; even when they are old, they will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
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In the book, Spiritual Ecology: The Cry of the Earth, Chief Oren Lyons, a wisdom keeper of the Onondaga Nation, shared a powerful teaching from his elders: the earth itself will show us when it is in distress. Two signs, they said, would reveal the depth of our degradation. First, the winds would accelerate—growing faster, stronger, more destructive. Second, the way we treat our children would reveal how far we’ve strayed from harmony with the earth and one another.
Today, these warnings feel uncomfortably close to home. Winds of over 100 miles per hour have fueled the most destructive natural disaster in California’s history. Hurricanes have battered the east coast, leaving paths of destruction in their wake. And in our communities, the headlines remind us that we have failed to protect our children. School shootings, systemic inequalities, and an overwhelming mental health crisis tell a story of neglect and misplaced priorities.
The winds are high, and our children are suffering.
As people of faith, we are called to listen—to the cries of the earth and to the needs of the most vulnerable among us. The Bible is clear about God’s care for children, who are among the most precious and vulnerable of creation. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14). His teachings remind us that to care for children is to honor God.
But caring for children goes beyond the personal; it requires collective action. It calls us to advocate for systems and policies that prioritize their safety, education, and well-being. It asks us to create a world where children can grow in love and security, not in fear of violence or environmental disaster.
Chief Lyons’s wisdom reminds us that the degradation of the earth and the neglect of children are intertwined. When we fail to protect the earth, we fail to protect the future of our children. When we disregard their well-being, we perpetuate a cycle of harm that impacts generations.
The winds are speaking to us. Are we listening? Leave a comment with your view below.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What steps can you take to care for the earth and advocate for the well-being of children in your community?
Where do you see hope, even in the midst of these challenges, for a more just and compassionate world?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for the Winds and the Children
Creator of Heaven and Earth,
You have entrusted us with the care of your creation
And with the precious lives of your children.
Forgive us for the ways we have failed—
To listen to the winds,
To see the suffering of the young,
To protect the sacred gifts you have given us.
Open our hearts to your call for justice and care.
Teach us to live in harmony with the earth,
And to create a world where children can thrive in safety and joy.
May Your Spirit guide us as we work
For renewal, restoration, and hope.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Listening to the Winds
Find a quiet moment to reflect on the two warnings shared by Chief Oren Lyons: the acceleration of the winds and the treatment of children.
Begin with a time of silence. Close your eyes and imagine the winds that carry messages from the earth. What are they saying to you? Where in your life or community are you being called to respond?
Next, reflect on the children in your life or in your community. How can you contribute to their well-being? Consider one tangible action.
Finally, commit to one small act that honors the earth this week—whether it’s reducing waste, planting something new, or supporting an environmental cause. Let this action remind you that caring for creation is inseparable from caring for the generations to come.
As you move through this practice, remember that even small acts of care can create ripples of hope and healing in a world that so desperately needs both.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
February 27, 2025, 12-1:30pm - Margaret Wheatley and I are offering a 4 or 8-week course called “Are We Made for These Times?” If you know Meg’s work, it’s going to be extraordinary. If you want the deep dive, the 8-week course is for you. You can read about the shorter 4-week course here. Scholarships are available.
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.
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.