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Timothy Snyder, on three rules for effective resistance:
it’s ok to take a little step, so long as… it's something you know something about, do with other people, do regularly, [and] it makes you a little bit uncomfortable. If it meets those criteria, then you're helping democracy. What do you know about the sacred fool? The jester, joker, ditzy detective or playful pastor? In pop culture, movies, stories, TV, you often see the seemingly foolish detective, like Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot or the gentle vicar, like Grantchester’s Sidney Chambers, make huge discoveries, often by asking lots of questions and being benign in posture. This character often builds trust with folks even when it seems one could dismiss them for their innocence or ridiculousness. But truthfully, the fool is smart. There is a method to their madness. One of my favorite illustrations of the fool is in the Tarot. I’m sure I’ve written about this archetype before, but as you know, repetition is the key to faith formation. The fool has a journey to make, and they trust the process. They take a step into the unknown and they don’t do it alone-they have their faithful companion by their side. Taking the risk, being vulnerable, resisting the urge to conform or fall back into old patterns, the fool moves bravely forward, never turning back. Timothy Snyder’s rule for resistance reminds me of the fool-but he takes it one step farther, “do it with other people.” That’s what’s possible for us-together, like a herd of horses, like an alley of clowns, we can practice resistance and being human together-little steps, regularly taken, even when it makes us uncomfortable. We can strengthen democracy, build beloved community, and experience all the beauty life has to offer us. As we enter 2026, let us not be afraid. Let’s shine our lights brightly for all the world to see. May we forge the fires of our commitments to justice and transformation. Let us commit to being sacred fools as we explore our Unitarian Universalist faith and make meaning together. This January, we are kicking off our stewardship campaign, “Letting Our Light Shine.” More information will be coming to you soon. As the eminent sacred fool of UUCO, I’m going to be taking risks, sharing with you vulnerably and playfully by inviting you to join me in conversation about our mission and the money needed to sustain our congregation. Let us move boldly and faithfully in the direction of our dreams for UUCO and the wider Oxford community. In mirth and reverence, Rev. Sarah
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“We are not saints, we are not heroes. Our lives are lived in the quiet corners of the ordinary. We build tiny hearth fires, sometimes barely strong enough to give off warmth. But to the person lost in the darkness, our tiny flame may be the road to safety, the path to salvation.” ~Kent Nerburn
It is no wonder that so many holidays centered on light are celebrated in the darkest part of the year. It’s easy to get lost in the longest nights as the world spins on its axis. Those who manage to find holiday cheer or hold onto hope in a season fraught with loneliness, despair, or suffering are the true marvels. And perhaps all of us, even those experiencing the night a little too tenderly, hold a sputtering sparkle inside us. It is possible to be keepers of both sorrow and joy. The miracle of life is that we contain multitudes. We are social creatures in nature, and though we may be made of stardust and magic, we need each other to make it through our days-especially during the winter. It’s ok to need a little help, even better to ask for it when you need it. Sometimes simply showing up to receive joy and hope are enough. And for those who are overflowing with love and mirth, maybe you can shine your light a little brighter for others to see. This is what is asked of us when we strive to be beloved community. You know the Grinch Who Stole Christmas was so grinchy because he was lonely. His light and his heart were too small because he felt different, unseen. And like many folks, if he wasn’t happy, he didn’t want anyone else to be. But a little one, Cindy Lou Who, shined her light toward the Grinch and the beloved community of Whoville joined their lights together, aimed their compassionate hearts at the Grinch and a miracle occurred! His heart and his light grew! Love begets love, ya’ll. So if you have a little light to spare, if joy is stirring in your heart, shine it bright for all to see. And if you’re struggling, don’t despair, look for the tiny flames showing you the way. In this season of hope, remember that we all need each other. Happy Holidays and blessed be! Blessings to you all, Rev. Sarah |
Reverend Sarah OsbornePart-time minister at UUCO Archives
August 2026
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