Sitting with Grief in an Age of Uncertainty
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
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Grief is a companion we all know too well in this age of collective heartbreak. Whether it’s the loss of loved ones, the weight of climate change, or the deep divisions in our world, the ache of grief touches us all. It’s personal, and it’s communal—a shared lament for what has been lost and a longing for healing in a fractured world. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel reminds us, “The opposite of good is not evil; it is indifference.” Grieving, then, is a sacred act. It means we care deeply, that our hearts are tender to the suffering around us.
In moments of grief, it’s tempting to push it away, to distract ourselves, or to try to fix what feels broken. But Pema Chödrön teaches us that healing begins when we have the courage to sit with grief, to let it wash over us like waves, without resisting it or rushing to move past it. Grief is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of love. It is evidence of our connection to what matters most.
Imagine yourself as the sky—vast, open, and steady. The emotions of grief, however heavy, are like clouds passing through. They may be dark, stormy, and overwhelming, but they do not change the steadiness of the sky. This doesn’t mean grief is easy or that it will pass quickly. It means we can hold it gently, allowing space for sorrow without letting it define us. As the Psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” God meets us in our grief, holding us with tender care as we navigate the storms.
Today, let us remember that our grief is sacred. It calls us to pay attention, to honor what we’ve lost, and to find strength in our shared humanity. In an age of collective sorrow, our grief can become a source of compassion, inviting us to care more deeply for one another and for the world. Let us face it with courage, trusting that God’s love holds us steady, even when the clouds feel heavy.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
How can I allow myself to fully experience my grief without rushing to fix or avoid it?
What shifts within me to see grief as sacred—a reflection of love and connection?
In what ways can I find strength and solidarity in this time of collective grief, knowing others share in the sorrow of our world?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Presence in Grief
Loving God,
You are near to the brokenhearted, and You carry us when our spirits are down.
Help me to sit with my grief, to feel it fully, and to trust in Your steady presence.
Remind me that my sorrow is sacred, a sign of love and connection.
In this age of collective loss, guide me to be a source of compassion and care,
For myself, for others, and for the world.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Becoming the Sky
When grief arises, find a quiet place to sit and breathe deeply. Close your eyes, and imagine yourself as the sky—vast, steady, and open. Let the feelings of grief be like clouds, passing through. They may be heavy and stormy, but they cannot change the openness of the sky.
As you breathe, allow each emotion—whether sadness, anger, or confusion—to simply exist. Notice it, feel it fully, but remember that you are the sky, holding these clouds of feeling but not defined by them. With each exhale, gently release any urge to control or fix your grief. Let it simply be, and trust that healing will come in time.
Take a moment to reflect on this truth: grief is not the end of the story. It is a part of the journey, one that invites us to lean into compassion, connection, and hope.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
November 21, 12-1pm ET - Advent After the Election - What does it mean to step into the season of Advent on this side of the 2024 Presidential election? If you are a pastor, how do you intentionally engage this impending season with an awareness of the cultural and political landscape we find ourselves in? Register for the conversation here.
November 21 - 7-9:00pm ET - What Buddhism and Christianity Can Teach Us About Gratitude: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi and Rev. Cameron Trimble. Find out more here.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.