When the Foundation Shakes
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” —Psalm 11:3
• • •
Yesterday, a new chapter in America’s history unfolded—a constitutional crisis that jeopardizes not only the foundations of our democracy but also the lives of millions. By halting tens of billions of dollars in federal spending, the administration has ignored the clear mandate of Congress, placing countless programs and initiatives in peril. From research grants and community projects to foreign aid that provides critical medication to the most vulnerable, the consequences are staggering.
This isn’t just political theater. Millions of lives hang in the balance, and the cruelty of this decision is beyond words. Essential foreign aid, including life-saving assistance to developing nations, is frozen. Domestic programs that sustain struggling families, support early childhood education, and maintain vital infrastructure are stalled. While some systems, like Social Security and Medicare, remain intact for now, this is not just a “pause” in spending—it’s a weaponization of power, wielded recklessly and without regard for the suffering it will cause.
The Bible reminds us, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” It’s a question that feels painfully relevant in this moment. What do we do when the systems we rely on are threatened? When the safety nets meant to protect the vulnerable are slashed? When lawlessness masquerades as strength?
First, we must name the truth. What we are witnessing is not just a political maneuver—it is a moral failure. It’s a disregard for the sacred call to care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. The decisions made in Washington D.C. have real consequences for people across the globe, and we cannot afford to look away.
Second, we must resist despair. Yes, the scale of this crisis is immense, and yes, it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of such reckless cruelty. But despair is a luxury we cannot afford. Instead, we must ground ourselves in the values of compassion, justice, and shared humanity. We must remember that we are not powerless. We have voices, and together, those voices are mighty.
Finally, we must act. Write letters. Make phone calls to your Congressional representatives. Join protests. Support organizations that are stepping into the breach to provide for those who are being abandoned. Talk to people in your communities and refuse to let the narrative of lawlessness go unchallenged.
This moment calls for courage. It calls for resilience. It calls for faith in a better way, even as the foundations seem to shake beneath us. And it calls for solidarity—for standing together and reminding one another that no matter how dark the day, we do not face it alone.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
How are you feeling in light of this moment? What fears or anxieties is it stirring in you?
Where do you see opportunities to resist this injustice and make a difference
How can you ground yourself in courage during this time?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Justice and Courage
God of Justice,
Our hearts are heavy with the weight of this moment.
We grieve the cruelty, the lawlessness, the harm being done to so many.
Strengthen us to be truth-tellers, love-bearers, and justice-seekers.
Give us the courage to act, the resilience to endure,
And the compassion to love fiercely in the face of hate.
May we hold fast to your promise
That the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice—
And may we do our part in bending it.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Bearing Witness and Taking Action
Set aside time this week to educate yourself about the specific ways this spending freeze is impacting people and communities. Choose one area—whether it’s Medicaid for seniors, foreign aid, climate programs, or early childhood education—and learn more about the human stories behind the policies.
Then, take one action. Write to your representatives. Call their offices and demand accountability. If you’re able, donate to organizations working on the ground to address the immediate harm caused by this decision.
As you engage, pause to reflect on your own power to create change. Let this practice remind you that resistance is both an act of faith and an act of love. Together, we can be a force for justice, even in the most uncertain times.
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.
Cameron:
This reflection is being sent to every church in the Western Association of the Illinois Conference,UCC
Cameron,
I have been reading your comments for a long time. They have been powerful, but especially so today. Rubio's sites refuse to accept comments, and I don't know if my senators can read. But, I'll keep trying.