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 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. Your encouraging
words can lift someone up and help them make it through
the day.
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... |
