A group of frogs were traveling through the woods when two of them suddenly fell down a deep dark pit rather unexpectedly. All the other frogs gathered around the pit to see what they could do to help, but when they saw how deep the pit actually was, they told the two unlucky frogs that they were as good as dead.

The two frogs ignored their comments and tried to jump up out of the pit to safety with all of the might that they could muster. All the while the other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the two frogs took heed of what the other frogs were saying and just gave up. As he did so, he rolled over and died.

The other frog though continued to jump as best he could. Still the crowd of frogs continued to yell at him to stop; telling him there was simply no point in his jumping.  A few jumps later though he jumped so high that he actually made it out of the pit. Surprised the other frogs asked him: "Did you not hear us telling you to give up?" "No" replied the frog, "I thought you were encouraging me to jump the whole time."

This story teaches two lessons:

1. There is power of life and death in the words we speak. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day no matter how dark, depressing or disappointing that day might seem at the time.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be all it takes to push them over the edge. As such, be mindful of your words.  Give hope, love and support to all you meet throughout your day.  Never rob anyone you meet of the will to live!