Minister's Musings January 2026

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