The Age of the Cowboy
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” —Galatians 3:28
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After the inauguration, man said in an interview, “It finally feels safe to be a white man again.” His words reveal a truth we cannot ignore: for many, safety and security are tied to dominance and exclusion. The new administration’s attack on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, the rollback of civil rights protections, and the silencing of history all stem from a fear of change—a fear of losing power.
Why are we targeting 11 million undocumented immigrants, dismantling DEI initiatives, erasing the history of slavery, and banning discussions of gender and sexuality? Because honoring the contributions of people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups challenges the supremacy of whiteness. It disrupts the narrative of dominance that has long been upheld in this country. It reveals a deeper fear: According to census data, by 2043, white people will no longer be the majority race in America. That reality terrifies those clinging to the myth of superiority.
It’s no accident that shows like Yellowstone and 1923 are wildly popular right now. They romanticize the era of the white cowboy—the rugged individualist, the conqueror of the West. They harken back to a time when the world seemed simpler for some, but only because it excluded so many others. But the age of the dominant white cowboy is over. The beauty of diversity—of race, gender, sexual orientation, and abilities—is here to stay. And it’s not a threat; it’s a gift.
The Christian story tells us that all people are created in the image of God. When God looked upon creation, in all its stunning diversity, God declared it good. Diversity is not something to fear or erase; it’s something to celebrate. It is an expression of God’s boundless creativity and love.
Yet we are living in a moment when fear is driving policies of exclusion and hate. The backlash against progress is real, and it’s painful. But we cannot let fear have the final word. Instead, we are called to live boldly into God’s vision of inclusion and love. We are called to stand with those who are being silenced, excluded, and targeted.
The work ahead is not easy. It requires courage to speak the facts in love, to resist policies that harm our neighbors, and to model the radical inclusivity of Jesus.
The beautiful diversity of creation is not a mistake or a threat; it’s a reflection of God’s divine intention. And it is good.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
Where do you see fear driving policies or conversations in your community?
How can you challenge narratives that exclude or diminish others?
What steps can you take to celebrate and honor diversity in your daily life?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Courage and Inclusion
God of all creation,
You formed us in love and called us good.
Help us to resist the fear that seeks to divide us.
Give us courage to stand with those who are excluded,
To speak truth in the face of lies,
And to celebrate the beauty of Your diverse creation.
May we be instruments of Your peace,
Living into Your vision of justice, love, and inclusion.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Listening to Diverse Stories
This week, take time to seek out stories from people whose experiences differ from your own. Whether through a book, podcast, documentary, or conversation, listen deeply and reflect on what you learn. Let these stories challenge your assumptions and expand your understanding of the world.
As you listen, ask yourself: How can I honor these voices in my own life and community? Let this practice be a reminder that God’s image is reflected in every person you encounter.
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.