Pitted Frogs

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit…Proverbs 18:21 NIV

It rained the other night. As we drove into our driveway, we saw a frog in the middle of the road. It reminded me of a story that has a much-needed lesson for us all. Thanks for allowing me to share it. I may have shared this one before, but it bears repeating. The story goes like this…

A group of frogs was traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around to view the plight of their comrades.  When they 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 of their might. The other frogs kept yelling at them to give up and succumb to the inevitable.

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 put an end to 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 “pitted frog” explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

This story teaches two lessons: First of all, the power of life and death is in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down in the pit can lift them up and help them make it through the day. On the other hand, a destructive word to someone who is down and out can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and pushes them over the edge.

Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path today. An encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that rob another of the spirit to keep on keeping on in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage a fellow sojourner.

If you are hearing a lot of discouraging words these days, turn a deaf ear and keep jumping. The next jump may get you out of the pit. If you happen to run into a “pitted frog,” toss him a lifeline of hope and encouragement. All frogs are not deaf.

Blessings, Kenny.