Stopping the Spin
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” —Romans 12:21
• • •
As a pilot, I’ve learned that some of the most dangerous moments in flight happen when you lose the balance of safe conditions—lift, thrust, gravity, and drag. When that balance is lost, the plane can go into what we call a “spin,” a downward spiral that, if not corrected, leads to disaster. To stop a spin, you must apply oppositional force in direct proportion—not more, not less. You engage the rudder in the opposite direction of the spin and gently pull the nose of the plane back toward the sky. It requires focus, skill, and steadiness.
Today, it feels like our country is in a spin. The safe conditions of community—care, compassion, kindness, and inclusion—seem to have eroded. We’re spinning toward division, fear, and chaos. And just as in aviation, pulling out of this spin will require intentional, skillful action. This is not a time for panic or overreaction. It’s a time for what I would call non-violent leadership—a steady, determined, fearless commitment to counter the forces of danger with equal measures of love, justice, and hope.
To stop the spin of fear, we must apply the force of courage. To counter hatred, we must respond with radical love. To resist cruelty, we must extend compassion, even when it feels undeserved. These aren’t abstract ideas; they are the practical skills we will need in the days ahead. Each act of kindness, each moment of truth-telling, each decision to care for our neighbors is a step toward restoring balance and lifting our collective nose back toward hope.
This work won’t be easy, but it’s what we are called to do. The world may be spinning, but we are not powerless. We can be the steady hands and calm hearts that help bring us back into alignment. It starts with small actions—reaching out to someone under attack from this new administration, standing up for what is right even knowing it will cost you, or simply refusing to let fear dictate our choices.
We are not alone in this work. Sacred Love surrounds us, steadying our hearts, guiding our actions, and reminding us that even in the midst of chaos, love has the power to prevail.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
Where do you see the “spin” of fear or division in your life or community?
How can you apply an oppositional force of love, compassion, or courage to counteract it, especially to yourself?
What does non-violent leadership look like for you in your daily life?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Steady Hands and Hearts
God of Peace,
When the world feels out of control, steady us with love.
Teach us to respond to fear with courage,
To meet hatred with compassion,
And to counter cruelty with kindness.
Help us to be instruments of peace,
Guiding our communities back toward hope and healing.
May we trust that you are with us in this work,
And that love is stronger than the chaos around us.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Grounding in Love
Take a moment to pause and reflect on an area of your life or community where fear, division, or chaos seems to be spinning out of control. As you consider this, imagine yourself as a steadying presence.
Breathe deeply and visualize applying a force of love to that situation. What does that look like? Maybe it’s a conversation with someone who disagrees with you, a small act of kindness, or a decision to stand up for someone who is vulnerable.
Commit to one action that counters the forces of division with compassion and care. Trust that your steady, courageous presence can help bring balance and healing to the world around you.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. 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!
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.