A group of fwoggies were hopping contentedly through the woods, going about their fwoggy business, when two of them fell into a deep pit. All of the other fwoggies gathered around the pit to see what could be done to help their companions. When they saw how deep the pit was, the rest of the dismayed group agreed that it was hopeless and told the two fwoggies in the pit that they should prepare themselves for their fate, because they were as good as dead.

Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, the two fwoggies began to jump with all of their might. Some of the fwoggies shouted into the pit that it was hopeless, and that the two fwoggies wouldn't be in that situation if they had been more careful, more obedient to the fwoggy rules, and more responsible. The other fwoggies continued sorrowfully shouting that they should save their energy and give up, since they were already as good as dead. The two fwoggies continued jumping as hard as they could, and after several hours of desperate effort were quite weary.

Finally, one of the fwoggies took heed to the calls of his fellows. Spent and disheartened, he quietly resolved himself to his fate, lay down at the bottom of the pit, and died as the others looked on in helpless grief. The other fwoggie continued to jump with every ounce of energy he had, although 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 just die. The weary fwoggie jumped harder and harder and, wonder of wonders, finally leapt so high that he sprang from the pit.

Amazed, the other fwoggies celebrated his miraculous freedom and then gathering around him asked, "Why did you continue jumping when we told you it was impossible?" Reading their lips, the astonished fwoggie explained to them that he was deaf, and that when he saw their gestures and shouting, he thought they were cheering him on. What he had perceived as encouragement inspired him to try harder and to succeed against all odds.

This simple story contains a powerful lesson. The biblical book of Proverbs says, "There is death and life in the power of the tongue." Your encouraging words can lift someone up and help them make it through the day. Your destructive words can cause deep wounds; they may be the weapons that destroy someone's desire to continue trying or even their life. Your destructive, careless word can diminish someone in the eyes of others, destroy their influence and have a lasting impact on the way others respond to them.

Be careful what you say. Speak life to (and about) those who cross your path. There is enormous power in words. If you have words of kindness, praise or encouragement speak them now to, and about, others. Listen to your heart and respond. Someone, somewhere, is waiting for your words. Be wise, make them kind and encouraging words, always.