Show Notes: Episode 135 – Grace and Empathy: Expanding Compassion in Difficult Times

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of the “To Be Encouraged” podcast with Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Dr. Brad Miller. In this thought-provoking conversation, Bishop Trimble opens up about the recent loss of his mother and how this experience has deepened his reflections on grace, empathy, and the vital role of compassion in today’s world. Together, they explore the challenges of fostering unity and offer practical guidance for listeners eager to encourage and uplift those around them.

Here are three key takeaways from today’s episode:

1. Grace Is Meant to Be Expanded, Not Hoarded

Bishop Trimble shares reflections on his mother’s legacy—a life spanning over a century marked by resilience and unconditional love. He emphasizes the importance of not only receiving God’s grace but also actively extending it to others. Too often, society restricts grace to those who are similar or familiar, shrinking the community of compassion. Both Dr. Miller and Bishop Trimble underscore that true grace is inclusive, and they challenge listeners to resist patterns of division and instead become “amplifiers of God’s grace.” As Bishop Trimble puts it, “God loves us—how come we can’t find a way to really express that love to more people, if not all people?”

2. Empathy, Sympathy, and the Power of Listening

The discussion draws an important distinction between empathy (feeling with someone through shared experience) and sympathy (feeling for someone). Both are essential, but Bishop Trimble points out that real transformation often begins with genuine empathy—the sense of connection that comes from shared vulnerability. They also highlight the act of listening as a transformative, even radical, practice. “The act of listening is…an act of vulnerability,” Bishop Trimble reminds us, emphasizing that listening to another’s story is a first step in breaking cycles of hurt and misunderstanding.

3. Leading with Compassion and Clear Values

Drawing inspiration from Brene Brown’s “Dare to Lead,” Dr. Miller and Bishop Trimble discuss leadership as fundamentally rooted in service, trust, and vulnerability. Authentic leadership, they argue, comes from servant leadership and the courage to act out of one’s values. Gratitude, a clear sense of purpose, and prayer are practical ways to remain grounded and to lead by example. Bishop Trimble encourages listeners to “choose an attitude of gratitude,” practice the ministry of presence, and actively seek justice and peace in their communities.

Tune in to hear how stories of personal loss, hope, and faith can inspire all of us to “encourage 2 million people” and be agents of grace in our world.