We Belong to Each Other
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” — Acts 2:42, 44-45
You’re probably feeling it, too—that sense that the ground is shifting beneath our feet. Over the last few weeks, we’ve watched as job cuts have rolled out across the country, with families waking up to pink slips and people being forced to move at a moment’s notice. It’s unsettling. It’s scary. It’s exhausting. I’ve heard from friends who don’t know how they’re going to pay rent, who are wondering if they’ll have to uproot their kids from schools and start over somewhere new. It feels like the systems we’ve relied on are crumbling.
When things feel this shaky, it’s easy to spiral into fear. To wonder, How will we hold it all together?
But here’s the thing: we’ve always held each other together. When the institutions we thought we could trust let us down, it’s the people around us—our neighbors, our friends, our communities—who catch us. It’s in those small, everyday acts of care and solidarity that we’re reminded who we really are.
I’ve been thinking about something Desmond Tutu once said: “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” That feels especially true right now. Mutual aid—the practice of neighbors supporting neighbors—isn’t just about getting by; it’s about reclaiming that sacred connection we have with one another. It’s about recognizing that when one of us is struggling, it impacts all of us. And when we show up for each other, we all become stronger.
This isn’t a new idea. The early church communities knew this deeply. In the book of Acts, we read that “all the believers were together and had everything in common… they gave to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2:44-45) They didn’t wait for permission to help each other. They just did it. Because love—real, messy, practical love—calls us to action.
So, where do we start? The American Friends Service Committee (the Quakers) has this great guide on how to build mutual aid networks here, but honestly, you don’t have to start big. Maybe there’s already a mutual aid group in your neighborhood, quietly organizing food deliveries or offering rent assistance.1 Maybe you’ve been doing this all along without even realizing it—watching a friend’s kids after school, dropping off a meal when someone’s sick, or pooling resources to help cover a neighbor’s unexpected expenses.
As things get harder, now’s the time to lean in. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be formal. Just look around and see who needs a hand—and who’s ready to lend one. Maybe it’s organizing a grocery run for a neighbor. Maybe it’s pooling funds to help cover someone’s bills. Maybe it’s just showing up, listening, and reminding people that they’re not alone in this.
We’ve been through hard times before. We know how to find our way through. Let’s love our neighbors. Let’s share what we have. And let’s build the kind of community that reflects the very best of who we are. When we do that, we’re not just surviving this moment—we’re planting seeds for something better, something more just, more compassionate, and more beautiful.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
Who in your life or neighborhood might need support right now? How could you reach out to them?
When have you experienced the power of community in your own life? How did that shape you?
What small step can you take this week to contribute to the well-being of your community?
A Prayer for the Day
For the Hands That Hold Us Together
Holy One,
In the middle of all this uncertainty,
remind us of the steady ground beneath our feet—
the ground we find in each other.
When fear knocks at our doors,
let love be the answer.
When we feel overwhelmed by what’s broken,
show us the beauty in what’s being repaired.
Help us to see the sacred in the simple—
in shared meals,
in helping hands,
in the quiet, stubborn presence of community.
Hold us together as we hold each other,
and let our hearts be brave,
our hands be open,
and our spirits be rooted in hope.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Start Where You Are
Take a moment to notice who in your circle might need support. It could be as simple as texting a friend to check in or offering to run errands for an elderly neighbor. If you feel called to do more, look for existing mutual aid groups in your area—or gather a few friends to brainstorm how you can support your community together.
Mutual aid doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about showing up in whatever ways you can. Maybe you have time to volunteer, maybe you can share resources, or maybe you just offer a listening ear. And don’t forget—you’re part of this too. If you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out. Community is a two-way street, and we’re all in this together.
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.
Here is another great resource called Mutual Aid 101: https://gdoc.pub/doc/e/2PACX-1vRMxV09kdojzMdyOfapJUOB6Ko2_1iAfIm8ELeIgma21wIt5HoTqP1QXadF01eZc0ySrPW6VtU_veyp? This was written during COVID, but the principles still apply.