A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. 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 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 practically deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

The moral of this story: Be careful of what you say.

1. Encouraging words to people who are down can motivate them to achieve their goals.

2. Destructive words to people who are down can have a devastating effect.

Consider this statement as it relates to Words… "The Snow may look smooth and soft, but the rocks underneath are sharp!" Mark Russell Phrase your words so they inspire and encourage, not hurt or destroy.