Words

As a group of frogs was traveling through the woods, two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs crowded around the pit and saw how deep it was, they told the two that there was no hope left for them.

However, the two frogs decided to ignore what the others were saying and tried to jump out of the pit. Despite their efforts, the group of frogs at the top of the pit kept yelling down to them that they were wasting their time and should just give up. Shouts of “save your strength” and “you will never make it out” rang through the woods.

The two tried for hours (that’s months in frog-years), until eventually, one of the frogs took heed to what the others were saying, and gave up, falling to his death.

The other frog however continued to jump as hard as he could. Again, the crowd of frogs above him yelled at him to stop the pain and just die, but he jumped even harder and harder still until suddenly he made it out of the pit.

When he got out, the other frogs said, “Did you not hear us?” The frog looked questioningly at the others and then as best as he could explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

The frog's triumph in overcoming the pit despite the discouraging words serves as a powerful lesson.

Often, the words of others, whether meant to encourage or dissuade, hold significant weight in our actions and beliefs. The frogs at the top, intending to discourage, inadvertently fueled the determined frog's determination.

I don’t know about you, but in my own life I have encountered similar voices; some urging me to push forward, others wanting me to give up.

I realize this is just a simple tale, but really it reminds me of the importance of belief in ones self; even amidst external noise.

It highlights the significance of resilience and determination, even in the face of overwhelming negativity or doubt.

The deaf frog's success emphasizes the power of our own perception. Sometimes, what others say or do is not as influential as how we interpret it!

The frog's inability to hear turned what could have been discouraging remarks into perceived encouragement, enabling his success.

The impact of our words on others is huge!

Allow this story to inspire you to tune out negativity and embrace your inner strength. A strength only God can give.

Paul reminds us to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV

This verse encourages us to maintain hope and patience, even in challenging circumstances; emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faith despite discouraging situations, reminding us to stay committed to our goals and beliefs.

But more than our own determination and will, if we are willing to partner with Him, we are promised a super-human type of strength. "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 NIV

This verse tells us that with God's help, we can overcome obstacles and persevere through difficulties, regardless of what our “friends” may be telling us.

The moral of the story is this: People’s words can have a big effect on other’s lives. Think about what you say before it comes out of your mouth. It might just be the difference between life and death.

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24 ESV

by Jeanette Stark – Friday, December 15, 2023