Years ago, my sister and I laughingly made what we called a “Ribbit Pact,” inspired by two little throw pillows we had with drawings of frogs saying, “Together ‘til we croak.” (Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to wait for me; but if all goes well, I’ll have an opportunity one day to let her know how much I have missed her.)

But it turns out that — according to the Old Testament — God was way ahead of us with a Ribbit Pact of His own. In Exodus 8:2-4 (English Standard Version), it is written:

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will plague all your country with frogs. The Nile shall swarm with frogs that shall come up into your house and into your bedroom and on your bed and into the houses of your servants and your people, and into your ovens and your kneading bowls. The frogs shall come up on you and on your people and on all your servants.”’”

*. *. *

Whether you are a believer in the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Quran, the Tripitaka, or no testament at all, you have to wonder whether some of the good folks of Portland, Oregon, were referencing Moses’ instructions when they adopted the big green frog as the symbol of their ICE resistance movement. Or perhaps they were just having fun, as Portlanders are reputed to do . . . a lot.

Whatever the case, it appears that there may be a 21st-century Moses, alive and well and living in Portland. I just hope, for his sake, he’s not an immigrant.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/16/25