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Here’s a
story that I came across about “The Two Frogs” to clearly illustrate the power
of encouragement towards progression or regression: 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 deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.
Two
important lessons to derived from this story: (1) That the tongue holds the power
of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Remember that a word of encouragement to someone
who is already down can boost him or her up and support him or her to make it
through the day. (2) That a disparaging word to someone who is down can be the
trigger to kill him or her. Therefore, be careful of what you declare and speak
at any given moment.
Always
aspire to always speak life to those in your path because words spoken can
become a powerful ally or a worst enemy. It is sometimes hard to understand
that an encouraging word can go such a long way towards betterment or tragedy. Keep
in mind that anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to
continue in difficult times. That is why; special is the individual who will
take the time to encourage another to do greater things rather than the
opposite.
William
Arthur Ward, one of America's most quoted writers of inspirational maxims shared,
“Flatter me, and I may not believe you.
Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.
Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”
Unquestionably, a wholesome word of encouragement can transform an
unlikely individual to do grander things beyond their capabilities. On the
other hand, nobody wants to be discouraged and to find himself or herself alone
without anyone to boost them up. That’s why, while it is true that the concept
of just “being there” can provide comfort initially however, a specific word of
assurance and support goes a long way in instilling strength for the person to
move forward confidently.
What are
the necessary steps to do to encourage another positively? Here are some specific
things to practice and apply another person anytime: “A compliment can be a great motivator, particularly if you put a little
thought into the why, when, and how of delivering it. Be sure to comment
whenever someone on your staff keeps working in the face of rejection, handles
a difficult situation well, catches an error, given another employee a helping
hand, sells a particular product for the first time, or gives you a lead that
proves fruitful. Most of the time, a compliment should be given in public,
either at a meeting or on the company bulletin board. If the situation is
delicate, convey your praise through a personal note that the employee can
share with his family. As with all rewards, praise should be given immediately
after good performance to provide the greatest reinforcement.”~ Bits
& Pieces, May 27, 1993, p. 12. With this in mind, we need to become
fully responsible to whatever will come out from our mouth as the Scriptures
gave a stern warning about it: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on
the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew
12:36 NIV).
Lastly, never
forget that we have God to encourage us when all other else cannot. When Joshua
was discouraged, God spoke to him these words: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be
frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever
you go” (Joshua 1:9 ESV). Through God’s words, Joshua was able to do
what God wanted Him to do with much success. When we turn to God’s Word for
encouragement, we will surely be transformed as a brand new person.
Let’s talk again!
