Awakening to the Work of Justice
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
"Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." — Amos 5:24
There’s a shift in the air. After many days of anxiety, confusion, and chaos, people are waking up. Across the country, lawyers are filing lawsuits, judges are staying unconstitutional orders, and communities and congregations are rising to protect the vulnerable. Protesters are filling the streets in all 50 states, phones are ringing off the hooks in congressional offices, and investigative journalists are shining a light on the dark corner of this administration’s overreach.
This is what democracy looks like—not perfect, but alive. For now.
In times of crisis, it’s easy to feel powerless. But history and faith teach us otherwise. The prophet Amos calls us to let justice roll down like waters, not as a gentle stream but as a powerful, unstoppable force. Justice doesn’t roll down on its own. It moves because people—ordinary people like you and me—push it forward.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel once said, “When I marched in Selma, my feet were praying.” Our actions, no matter how small, become sacred when they are rooted in love, justice, and faith. Whether you’re protesting in the streets, making phone calls, offering sanctuary, or simply showing up for your neighbor, you are participating in the sacred work of democracy.
We’re not just fighting against something; we are standing for something. We are standing for a government that serves all people, for leadership that acts with integrity, for systems rooted in fairness and compassion, and for a future where justice and mercy walk hand in hand.
This is not the time to retreat. It is the time to re-double our efforts, to stay grounded in commitment, and to move forward with courage. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
Right now, it’s our hands pushing that arc. Go team!
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
Where do you see signs of hope and courage in your community today?
How can you contribute to the work of justice in ways that align with your gifts and passions?
When you feel overwhelmed, what spiritual practices help you stay grounded in hope and love?
A Prayer for the Day
For Justice That Flows
Holy One of Justice and Compassion,
In these turbulent times, give us strength.
When fear threatens to paralyze us,
Remind us that we are not alone.
Bless the hands that write, the feet that march,
The voices that speak truth,
And the hearts that refuse to be hardened.
May justice roll down like waters,
And may we be swept up in its current—
Not as bystanders, but as participants
In the holy work of healing and hope.
Keep us steadfast, keep us tender,
And let love be our guide.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Rooted in Action
Over the weekend, consider one concrete action to participate in the work of justice. It could be attending a protest, calling your representatives, supporting a local journalist, or volunteering with an organization that protects vulnerable communities.
Before you take that action, pause. Place your hand over your heart and take three deep breaths. Feel that breath as a bridge between your inner world and the outer world. Remind yourself that your work is part of a larger movement for justice and love. It’s all connected.
Afterward, reflect on how the action felt. Did it energize you? Challenge you? How can you continue to stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed? Return to your breath, your heart, and your community whenever you need to ground yourself in hope.
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 (every Tuesday in March) for Lent 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.
I am determining where best to stand, where best to focus, thanks for the encouragement.
Has the early promoted visit with Diana B Bass been moved? I do not see it on the list here?
Thank you for the reminders.