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A group of frogs was hopping contentedly through the woods, going about its froggy business, when two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit to see what could be done to help their companions. When they saw the depth of the pit, however, they became dismayed and agreed that they had no hope of rescuing their friends. They told the frogs in the pit that they should prepare for death. Nothing else could be done.

But the two frogs in the pit were unwilling to accept such a terrible fate. They began jumping with all their might. Despite this display of determination, their friends continued to shout into the pit that their case was hopeless. They also told them that they wouldn't be in their current situation if they had been more careful, more obedient to froggy rules, and more responsible in general. And, they added, the frogs in the pit should save their energy and give up, since they were already as good as dead.

The frogs in the pit did not agree. Rather, they continued jumping as high as they could. But after several hours of desperate effort, they became quite weary.

Finally, one of the fallen frogs took heed of his fellows' calls. Spent and disheartened, he quietly resolved himself to his fate, layed 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 his energy, though 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 die. The weary frog jumped harder and harder, and—wonder of wonders—he finally leapt so high that he sprang from the pit.

Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his miraculous return to freedom. Gathering around him they 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. When he had seen their gestures and saw that they were shouting to him, he thought they were cheering him on. Their encouragement had 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." Our destructive words can cause deep wounds; they can be the weapons that destroy someone's desire to continue his or her life. Our destructive, careless words can diminish others in someone else's eyes, ruin their influence in the world, and have a lasting impact on the way others respond to them. But encouraging words can lift others up and help them make it through their day.

Be careful what you say. Words have enormous power. If you have words of kindness, praise, or encouragement, speak them now both to and about others. Listen to your heart and respond. Someone, somewhere, is waiting for your words.