The Courage to Resist

Written By Kairos-Milwaukie United Church of Christ
A large green frog stands alone in resisance to several figures with batons and wearing riot gear.

The reflection by Rev. Jeanne Randall-Bodman presented on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

This small, delightful story (Exodus 1:15 - 21) is a message to us to remember that we too are called to resist evil. With whatever skills and knowledge we possess, wherever life places us, we are called to choose life with humility, creativity and courage.

I’m thinking today of the creativity that we are witnessing every day at the ICE building here in Portland, and I have to say that I have never been prouder to call myself an Oregonian than since the Frogs of Resistance starting dancing their whimsical and subversive dance in the streets. They are dancing to say no. Portland is not a war zone, it is not on fire, and it has not disappeared. They are dancing to say no to the authoritarian power-grab of ICE, to make a mockery of the lies that are being told — creatively, whimsically, with persistence daily they are dancing their resistance.

Liberating Words:

  • Exodus 1: 15 - 21

  • Matthew 5: 1- 12

Kairos-Milwaukie United Church of Christ

Kairos-Milwaukie United Church of Christ (KMUCC) is an inclusive, progressive Christian community in Milwaukie, Oregon, celebrating God’s still-speaking voice and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

https://www.kairosmilwaukieucc.org
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The Courage to Live