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 leaps 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...
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