Navigating Anxieties, Peacemaking, and Hope in Troubled Times with Bishop Julius Trimble

In this episode of the To Be Encouraged podcast, Bishop Julius Trimble and Rev. Dr. Brad Miller engage in a profoundly relevant conversation centered on global unrest, leadership, and the essential pursuit of peace—both abroad and at home. Grounded in compassion, wisdom, and hard-earned leadership experience, their dialogue touches on the anxieties shaping our times, the role of the church and community, and the imperative for practical peacemaking. Here are three key takeaways from the episode:

1. The Weight of Uncertainty and Anxiety in Today’s World

At the very heart of the conversation is the recognition that people feel increasingly anxious and uncertain about the world’s direction. As Bishop Trimble explains, many are troubled by governmental unpredictability, unstable policies, and a lack of clear leadership vision  Everyday concerns—such as health care, gas prices, and economic stability—are compounded by discomfort with how “others” are treated, from immigrants to marginalized communities.

The conversation highlights not just the global headlines—but how policies like deportations and unclear military engagements undermine a collective sense of security. Bishop Trimble makes it clear that these issues aren’t abstract: they directly affect families, children, and even veterans . The failure to invest in relationships and community on every level, from political to personal, is a central cause of this collective anxiety.

2. The Essential Work of Relationship-Building and Soul Care

The episode offers hope in the form of actionable advice for being peacemakers. Both hosts agree that the hard work of building relationships is the foundation for lasting peace—whether among nations or within local congregations and families.  Bishop Trimble draws on their experience as a faith leader and international advocate to urge a recommitment to soul care. Quoting a Wesleyan principle, they remind listeners to first ask, “Is it well with your soul?” , emphasizing that true peace begins inside.

From this place of inner peace, communities are empowered to practice peacemaking as an active discipline—engaging in “the hard work of building relationships, of being peacemakers rather than peace breakers” . The episode stresses this is no easy feat; it requires humility, honest conversation, and shared courage. As Bishop Trimble succinctly puts it: “much prayer, much power,” but prayer must be paired with follow-through and advocacy.

3. Encouragement, Humility, and the Call to Action

Despite tackling difficult truths—wars, polarization, inhumanity—the conversation closes with a message of encouragement and a call to action. Leaders at every level are challenged to embrace humility, exemplified by the metaphor of “washing someone’s feet” instead of pursuing conflict . When asked what they would say to former President Trump regarding humility and leadership, Bishop Trimble models grace by inviting him to use his strengths not for power, but for peacemaking .

The episode ends with the resounding encouragement to pursue peace “to the best of your ability,” quoting both scripture and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Hatred cannot drive out hatred, only love can do that; darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that” 15:21. This call resonates—urging listeners to let peace begin within and extend it outward to all.

In summary:
This episode challenges us to face uncertainty with bold humility, invest in relationships, and become peacemakers at every scale. Through soul care, advocacy, and collective courage, the To Be Encouraged podcast reminds us that it is possible—yet challenging—to live with peace and pass that peace on to the world.