The Call to Good Trouble
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” — Isaiah 1:17
The collective efforts of those who care deeply about democracy—lawyers, judges, journalists, faith leaders, and everyday citizens—have managed to slow the momentum of Trump and Musk’s attempted seizure of power. But this is only the beginning. What we now face is a longer, harder campaign, one that will require sustained courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice.
As we look ahead, we must be honest about what we’re up against. It appears that every Republican member of Congress is willing to break laws and undermine the Constitution to support their leader. Cabinet members were chosen for loyalty, not credentials. A big part of this administration’s strategy relies on stoking the fires of racism, fear, and division among its base. We must be vigilant in recognizing and resisting the rise of hate speech (currently against LGBTQ+ people and women) and the targeting of minority communities (DEI is the new enemy).
History offers us sobering lessons. Remember, the people who hid Anne Frank were breaking the law. The people who betrayed her were following it. Legality is not the same as morality. When laws are used to oppress, silence, or harm, it becomes our moral duty to resist. Gandhi reminds us, “Non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good.”
I was grateful to read Sherrilyn Ifill’s1 newsletter which gave us very practical steps that we can and must take. This paragraph haunts me:
“To insist that nothing can be done is to surrender to the pull of inertia. To numb ourselves and settle for watching our country’s demise, rather than fight it. If this seems like an option to you it is only because you are unable to imagine how truly bad it can get for our families, our friends, and our communities. I am clear that it can and may become not just worse, but intolerable for many, many people, and that none of us will be immune. That recognition makes it clear to me that there is no option but to fight.”
This is the moment we prepare for—not with fear, but with fierce love. The days ahead will demand good trouble, as John Lewis2 called it. They will demand holy mischief, the kind of courageous, creative resistance that refuses to bow to injustice. They will require civil disobedience, not for the sake of rebellion alone, but as an expression of our deepest values, our commitment to the dignity and worth of every person.
We are not alone in this. Across history and across faith traditions, people have risen to meet moments like this with courage, compassion, and unwavering hope. We stand in that lineage now. So take heart. Get ready. And let’s meet the days ahead with the steady, powerful force of love in action.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What fears or doubts do you need to confront in order to engage in this work of resistance?
Where do you see opportunities in your community to practice “good trouble” or holy mischief?
How can your faith or spiritual practice sustain you during times of civil disobedience and resistance?
A Prayer for the Day
For Courage in the Struggle
Spirit of Justice and Peace,
In these uncertain days, we call upon Your strength.
When fear threatens to silence us,
Ignite in us the courage to speak.
When laws protect injustice,
Give us the wisdom to discern right from wrong.
When the path ahead feels long and weary,
Remind us that love is our guide and justice our goal.
Bless our hands as they work for change,
Our hearts as they hold both grief and hope,
And our spirits as they rise to meet the challenges ahead.
May we be bold in our love,
Steadfast in our commitment,
And unafraid to stir good trouble for the sake of what is right.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Cultivating Courage Through Connection
In the days ahead, one of the most powerful tools we have is connection. This week, identify a small group of people who share your values and commitment to justice. It could be members of your faith community, trusted friends, or local activists. Reach out, gather together, and begin to plan how you can support one another and take action.
Before you act, create a ritual of grounding. Light a candle together, take a few deep breaths, and name your intentions. Why are you committed to this work? Who are you standing up for? What values guide your actions?
After each action—whether it’s attending a protest, writing letters, offering sanctuary, or simply having hard conversations—come back to this group to reflect, recharge, and recommit. This work is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need each other to stay strong.
Let your courage grow not just from within, but from the community that surrounds you. Together, we rise.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
February 18, 2025, 12pm ET, Being a pastor is no easy task, especially in a year like this one. Join my colleague Rev. Jim Keat and other faith leaders as we talk about not only what we are holding, but how we are holding it. Register here.
February 27, 2025, 12-1:30pm - Margaret Wheatley and I are offering a 4 or 8-session 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-session course is for you. You can read about the shorter 4-session course here. Scholarships are available. I sooooo hope you can be a part of this!
March 4, 2025, 7-8:30pm - Dr. Matthew Fox and I are scheming a four-part series that we are calling “From Darkness to Dawn: Spiritual Courage and Political Action in the Age of MAGA.” We are still confirming our co-presenters, but Andrew Harvey will be one (on March 11)! The registration page is coming…stay tuned.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more. Only two spots 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.
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.
https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2020/07/remembering-john-lewis-the-power-of-good-trouble/
Speaking of “civil disobedience” - what about executive disobedience? I bet you a dollar that Trump will ignore the judges.
Thank you so much for these postings! It makes me feel better and inspires me to encourage my congregation to work together in building community in the midst of chaos.