Show Notes for "To Be Encouraged" - Episode 119:

Title: Encouraging Amidst Disappointment with Bishop Julius C. Trimble

Join host Rev. Dr. Brad Miller for an uplifting and thought-provoking conversation with Bishop Julius C. Trimble in this episode of "To Be Encouraged." Together, they delve into themes of love, hope, and resilience in a world that often seems discouraging. Bishop Trimble shares his mission to encourage 2 million people with the love of Jesus Christ, providing deep insights into navigating political divides, social challenges, and personal disappointments with faith, optimism, and action.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Hope and Resilience in Difficult Times: Bishop Trimble candidly addresses the widespread disappointment following the recent presidential election. Despite the discouragement, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and acting as "prisoners of hope," a concept inspired by Desmond Tutu. The bishop reminds listeners that while political events can bruise our hopes, our spirits and faith must remain unbroken. Both Dr. Miller and Bishop Trimble stress the necessity of focusing on proactive and positive actions to drive meaningful change, encouraging listeners to flood their lives with positive affirmations and to prioritize compassion over fear.
2. The Role of Community and Advocacy: Bishop Trimble passionately discusses the biblical principle of welcoming strangers, stressing the need for comprehensive immigration reform and compassionate solutions for asylum seekers. He challenges faith communities to move beyond divisive political views and instead focus on love, as emphasized by the Golden Rule. In discussing the immigration crisis and the broader political climate, Trimble highlights the historical context of America's immigrant heritage and the dangers of Christian nationalism. Both speakers agree on the importance of community engagement and collective efforts to bring about positive change, advocating for resilient and hopeful action regardless of political divisions.
3. Personal Practices for Positive Mental Health: Maintaining hope and resilience isn't just about large-scale actions; it's also rooted in daily personal practices. Bishop Trimble shares how he gains encouragement from music, the resilience of others, and activities that bring joy, like visiting bookstores and taking walks. Both he and Dr. Miller recommend laughter, taking breaks from the news, and engaging in joyous activities to maintain mental and emotional well-being. They highlight prayer not just as a method of seeking help, but as a powerful way to connect with a higher power for healing and strength. The conversation underscores spreading love and viewing it as a personal "superpower" to make an impact.

Conclusion: This episode of "To Be Encouraged" invites listeners to become part of a greater mission of spreading love and hope. Bishop Trimble and Dr. Miller offer practical advice and spiritual wisdom, encouraging everyone to engage thoughtfully and actively in their communities. Tune in for an episode brimming with inspiration and actionable steps to make the world a more encouraging place.

Listen now on and join the mission to encourage and uplift 2 million people!