Balanced to Soar
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“So God created humankind in God’s own image, in the image of God they created them; male and female they created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
• • •
The Baha’i people tell a powerful story about humanity—a story of a bird with two wings, one masculine and one feminine. For centuries, the masculine wing has been overextended, keeping the bird aloft but straining itself to the point of imbalance, even violence. The feminine wing, meanwhile, has been folded, suppressed, unable to stretch fully. As a result, the bird has been flying in circles, stuck in patterns of conflict, dominance, and disharmony.
But there is hope in this prophecy. It speaks of a time when the feminine wing—the qualities of intuition, compassion, collaboration, and care—will fully extend, not to overpower the masculine, but to balance it. With both wings working in harmony, the bird of humanity will soar for the first time in history.
I love this story. This vision isn’t about making men wrong or women right. It’s about calling all of us into balance. For too long, traits associated with the feminine—gentleness, tenderness, and interconnectedness—have been seen as secondary to productivity, dominance, and measurable outcomes. But what if we could value both equally? What if we allowed the feminine qualities within us to rise, not as a challenge to the masculine, but as its complement?
The climate crisis calls for deep care for creation. Political divisions demand collaborative problem-solving. Broken communities cry out for compassion and connection.
Jesus modeled this balance beautifully. He showed courage and strength when facing injustice but paired it with deep tenderness and compassion for the vulnerable. He built relationships, shared meals, and emphasized the power of community. His way of being was not either-or—it was both-and, a seamless integration of love and action.
As we move through this time in history, we are invited to embody this balance. To value productivity and intuition, action and stillness, power and tenderness. To teach our children, lead our communities, and walk through the world with both wings extended.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
In what ways have I over-relied on the “masculine wing” in my life—valuing productivity, action, or control over gentleness and collaboration?
How might I nurture the “feminine wing” within me, embracing qualities like compassion, tenderness, and intuition?
What steps can I take to promote balance in my family, community, or leadership?
A Prayer for the Day
Creator of Harmony,
You made us in Your image,
with both
strength and tenderness,
action and care.
Help us to find balance
within ourselves and in our world.
May we embrace the fullness
of who we are—
masculine and feminine together—
So that we may reflect Your wholeness
in all we do.
Guide us to value intuition as much as productivity,
collaboration as much as control,
and compassion as much as strength.
Let this balance be the way we soar together,
united in love and care for the world.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Cultivating Balance
Today, take time to reflect on where you may be out of balance. Are you leaning too heavily into productivity and action without allowing room for rest and intuition? Or are you holding back on decisive action when it’s needed?
As you go throughout the day, choose one small action to nurture the “feminine wing” within you. This could mean pausing to truly listen to someone without trying to solve their problem, creating something beautiful without worrying about its utility, or practicing gentleness toward yourself in a moment of frustration.
At the end of the day, reflect on how these small shifts have impacted your sense of balance. Consider how embracing both wings in your life can help you move through the world with greater harmony and purpose. Let this practice remind you that we all have a role in helping humanity soar.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 9, 2025, 12pm ET - What Does the TikTok Ban Mean for Churches, Faith Leaders, and Digital Ministry? Register here.
January 12, 2025, 3-4:30pm ET - Join me for a FREE conversation on “Progressive Islam – Universal Values vs. the Politics of Human Rights – What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Muslim and Other Muslims?” with Ani Zonneveld. Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
February 11, 2025 - Diana Butler Bass and I will be geeking out together in an online event about the state of the world (post-inauguration). We are still putting the details together. For now, mark your calendars.
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.
Recently, 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.