A group of frogs were hopping contentedly through the
woods, going about their froggy business, when two of
them fell into a deep pit. All of the other frogs gathered
around the pit to see what could be done to help their
companions. When they saw how deep the pit was, the rest
of the dismayed group agreed that it was hopeless and
told the two frogs in the pit that they should prepare
themselves for their fate, because they were as good as
dead.
Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, the two frogs began
to jump with all of their might. Some of the frogs shouted
into the pit that it was hopeless, and that the two frogs
wouldn't be in that situation if they had been more careful,
more obedient to the froggy rules, and more responsible. The
other frogs continued sorrowfully shouting that they should
save their energy and give up, since they were already as
good as dead. The two frogs continued jumping as hard as
they could, and after several hours of desperate effort were
quite weary.
Finally, one of the frogs took heed to the calls of his fellows.
Spent and disheartened, he quietly resolved himself to his fate,
lay down at the bottom of the pit, and died as the others looked
on in helpless grief. The other frog continued to jump with every
ounce of energy he had, although his body was wracked with pain
and he was completely exhausted. His companions began anew, yelling
for him to accept his fate, stop the pain and just die. The weary
frog jumped harder and harder and - wonder of wonders! Finally
leapt so high that he sprang from the pit.
Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his miraculous freedom and then
gathering around him asked, "Why did you continue jumping when we
told you it was impossible?" Reading their lips, the astonished
frog explained to them that he was deaf, and that when he saw
their gestures and shouting, he thought they were cheering him on.
What he had perceived as encouragement inspired him to try harder
and to succeed against all odds.
This simple story contains a powerful lesson. The book of Proverbs
says, "There is death and life in the power of the tongue." Your
encouraging words can lift someone up and help them make it through
the day. Your destructive words can cause deep wounds; they may be
the weapons that destroy someone's desire to continue trying - or
even their life. Your destructive, careless word can diminish someone
in the eyes of others, destroy their influence and have a lasting
impact on the way others respond to them.
Be careful what you say. Speak life to (and about) those who cross
your path. There is enormous power in words. If you have words of
kindness, praise or encouragement - speak them now to, and about,
others. Listen to your heart and respond. Someone, somewhere, is
waiting for your words.