BThe late Dr. Maya Angelo stated in Oprah’s master class, “words are things I’m convinced, you must be careful of the words you use”. In the old testament, we are told in genesis that in the beginning there was the word, and the word was God and the word was with God, so we must be careful with the words we use. One day we will be able to measure the power of words”. With that said, I want to share this story with you.
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.
The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, “Did you not hear us?” The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.
The Power of Words
This story teaches two lessons:
1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.
2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them.
Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words, it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.
My experience
Being someone who has always been sensitive to the words of others, I can tell you that the words you say, especially to those who are impressionable, who look up to you, if delivered without forethought, can be devastating. While the intention may be pure as in the case of these frogs, they did not want the two frogs to suffer. However, every experience in life has a purpose, is designed to make us stronger, even help us reach heights we never knew we could reach but heights that we are destined for. So Today, I challenge each an every one to edify your brother and sisters, as you never know how far your words can lift them!
Enjoy your week!
man running in forestPhoto by 
