The Power of the Small and Steady
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." — Zechariah 4:10
How are you holding up? I have moments of absolute dismay (I’ve been watching FOX News to witness how they are sanitizing the coup unfolding before us…it’s amazing). Then I have moments of such deep sadness for all of us, for the planet, for our grandchildren. Then I get angry, then I feel paralyzed, then I want to protest and then I think, “we are so screwed,” and then I fix hot tea and read Octavia Butler, this time with a big yellow highlighter.
Clearly, I am doing fine, except for this eye twitch. That is new.
My head knows that in times of great upheaval, it is easy to feel powerless. When we look at the state of the world—deep divisions, unchecked corruption, a government in turmoil—it’s tempting to believe that nothing we do will make a difference. The weight of it all can be paralyzing.
Spiritual traditions across time teach us that even the smallest actions, taken with courage and consistency, have the power to create lasting change. In the Book of Numbers in the Torah there is a story of Nachshon,1 a leader of the tribe of Judah. As the Israelites stood at the edge of the Red Sea, Pharaoh’s army closing in behind them, panic set in. Some prayed, some argued, some froze in fear. But Nachshon? He stepped into the water.
The story tells us that the sea did not part all at once. It wasn’t until Nachshon waded in—first up to his ankles, then his knees, then his chest—that the waters finally made way. His faith was not in waiting for the perfect moment but in stepping forward, even when the path was uncertain.
We are standing in turbulent waters (maybe a tsunami). It is tempting to wait for a savior to part the sea for us, to fix what is broken. I fear we will be waiting a long time. It is becoming clear that the way forward is made not by waiting, but by stepping in. Even the smallest acts—mobilizing our communities, showing up for those in need, resisting the erosion of justice—matter.
Rabbi Tarfon taught, “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”2 Let us take heart: the work of justice and healing (and stopping a coup) is never done by one person alone. Like Nachshon, we step in. And like the waters before him, the world will begin to shift.
In the meantime, take good care of yourselves, friends.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
Where in your life are you waiting for the waters to part instead of stepping forward to serve?
What small act of courage can you take today, even if it seems insignificant?
Who in your life has modeled persistence and courage in the face of overwhelming odds? What can you learn from them?
A Prayer for the Day
A Step Forward
God of the restless and the worried,
In this time of uncertainty, steady our hearts.
When fear whispers, "Stay still,"
Give us the courage to take one step forward.
Bless our small beginnings,
Our hesitant movements,
Our quiet acts of defiance against despair.
Let them ripple out,
Creating currents of justice,
Streams of mercy,
Rivers of hope.
We do not ask for easy waters,
Only for the strength to wade in.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Wading In
Identify one place where you feel overwhelmed by the state of the world. Instead of waiting for a perfect solution, take one action—no matter how small.
Maybe it’s calling a representative (5 times a day), having a difficult conversation, volunteering, or simply reaching out to someone who needs encouragement. The practice is not about immediate results but about developing the habit of stepping in.
Take a moment to reflect: What is one step I can take today? At the end of the week, notice what has shifted—not necessarily in the world, but in your own heart. The waters may not part all at once, but trust that they are moving.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
TONIGHT! February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here. We are going to talk about how to hold the anxiety of these days while also seeing clearly what is taking place. I hope you can join us.
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!
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.
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2199147/jewish/Nachshon-ben-Aminadav-The-Man-Who-Jumped-Into-the-Sea.htm
https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.2.16?lang=bi
Thank you so much for your devotionals. I live in rural Iowa, and some days just getting up and hearing the news makes it tough to step forward. You are a blessing for us all!!!
Thank you for your inspiring words. I am drawing strength from reading about courageous women in our history. Right now it is the doctors Blackwell: Elizabeth and Emily and Dr Mary Putman Jacobi