| 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... |
