This is an old but meaningful tale with many lessons for all of us. I first posted it in my other blog but thought I'd repost it this morning because of its relevance to what's happening around us. Have a nice day!
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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.
-Author Unknown-
This story teaches two lessons:
1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.
2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path.
The power of words....it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.
Can you think of any other lessons that we can learn from this tale? Do share it by leaving a comment. Thanks and have a nice day!
41 comments to WORDS CAN BE SO POWERFUL
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nick Sis,
Indeed words are powerful BUT for Malaysia, some people should remain quiet or better yet not allowed to speak even though they are "leader" or president (nothing to do with US) or "has been" (nothing of value comes out except BE, that's why!).
In fact they should been committed to a mental institute long ago (some form of senility, selective amnesia and contradiction in statements are indeed symptoms of mental disorder).
BTW, frogs in Malaysia are not swayed by words anymore Sis. They are more inclined to jump harder and higher for RM, Merc and "Get out of jail" card from the AG if you know what I mean.
Hamba.
Have a great week Sis and may GOD bless us all.
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JournoDownUnder Dear MWS,
In the words of the Bee Gees:
Smile an everlasting smile, a smile can bring you near to me.
Don't ever let me find you gone, cause that would bring a tear to me.
This world has lost its glory, let's start a brand new story now, my love.
Right now, there'll be no other time and I can show
you how, MY LOVE.
Talk in everlasting words, and dedicate them all to me.
And I will give you all my life, I'm here if you should call to me.
You think that I don't even mean a single word I say.
It's only words, and words are all I have, to take your heart away
The brothers Gibb wrote such powerful stuff, don't you think so?
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Village Boy Each of us has a voice that longs to speak from the depths of our hearts.
It is up to us to make changes.
It is up to us to take charge of changing our circumstances and to make the world a better place.
It is up to us to let love, peace and happiness vibrate throughout the world.
Have a blissful Monday
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Ckw A word of encouragement can bring joy, courage and hopes to others.
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Antares I love frog stories and this one is a classic! Another variation has the frog doing a rain dance and waiting for a huge downpour to fill the pit.
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Anonymous Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
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nick A ha! Bro Antares is up and about, I see! Nice to have you back. Stay healthy! Keep the MAGICK ALIVE!
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Unknown Hi QQ
With all that is happening, it looks like we all have to put in MUCH MORE effort and everything else. :-(
Take care and have a good day!
cheers
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Unknown Dear Nick
I do not know where I would be without your insightful and passionate comments to the situation in our country. Not only are they spot on and sharp but they are also so witty and funny LOL!!!
Take care, dear adik, and have a lovely day! Yea...bro Antares is up and about already and has been blogging too!
Salam
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Unknown Dear JournoDownUnder
I love that song and I love the Bee Gees...We both grew up in the 70's on a staple diet of Bee Gees, Beatles, Herman Hermits etc and indeed - those glorious years witnessed some of the best music ever written.
I agree - the Bee Gees were brilliant in their song writing - powerful lyrics, superb vocal harmony and moving music.
Thanks again..Have a great day!
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Unknown Dear Village Boy
Very well expressed, Village Boy. Thanks so much.
However, sometimes, our voice can be stilted from fear or other concerns but what matters is we take that first step to voice out the cry in our heart!
Indeed it is largely up to us whether we want to make the world a better place to live in....
Take care. So far, my Monday has been excellent because I had a major makeover haha...changed my hairstyle :-).
Enjoy the rest of Monday, Village Boy and take care.
Warmest wishes
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Unknown Dear CKW
Agree! I am encouraged that you took the trouble to share that thought with us. Take care and God bless you.
Have a nice day.
Cheers
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Unknown Dear Anonymous @ 12.14 a.m.
Thanks for the reminder. You know, I first learnt that quotation when I was a five-year old girl. I came across my mom's high school autograph book and was amazed that her friends had such beautiful handwriting.
There were two quotations in the book that her friends wrote - which remain in my heart till this day...
The first one is the one that you shared...Thereafter, my mom explained what it meant and I am glad that thanks to her, I don't bear grudges in life and forgive easily, and forget even more easily :-)...
The second quotation is "Adversity is the touchstone of true friendship" and I only learnt the truth of that statement when I went through really tough times...
Take care. Have a nice day and thanks for leading me down memory lane with your comment.
Cheers
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Unknown Dearest Antares
Glad you enjoyed this one...Oh - I must check out the other variation. Thanks for swinging by. Take care and am so glad you are back in cyberspace and on the mend so quickly,
hugs and much love from my household to yours
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Unknown Dear Anonymous at 12.59 pm
Many thanks for the timely advice. Take care and have a nice day.
Best wishes
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Anonymous It is nice to dream, some time.
But dreaming all the time can be very harmful.
It is nice to hope, some time.
But having false hope will get you nowhere.
Being doing a lot of reading lately.
Reading the articles by a lot of very highly educated Malays.
Malays such as a son of a former Menteri.
Malays such as a "Fellow" to a prestigious "Institute" in Malaysia.
And I also read stories by ordinary, more moderate Malays.
Horrible first account stories such as how they are being brainwashed by their teachers in school, when they were taking the "Agama" lesson, on things like "killing all the kafir".
Stories such as these normally were kept under wrap.
We non-Muslims never get to know such things were happening all around us.
Now we know.
And now we see how they really think about us, the non-Muslims.
No, I have no more dream.
And I have no more hope for Malaysia.
This country has already crossed the point of no return, towards extremism.
So, Denim gal, if you still want to dream, please, don't do it full time.
Keep your eyes fully open, at least part of the time.
Denim guy.
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Hafiz b Shukor If we compare our own improvements and achievements and if we have moved forward from our last capacity, then it is victory!
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Hafiz b Shukor At times, it is better to suffer injustice rather than commit injustices!
What say you, dear readers?
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Unknown Dear Denim Guy
Like you, I also dream and read. I used to be negative and without hope. Amongst my friends, I am the most negative of all.I believe that there is hope because I know there are many more Malaysians out there, and I know these people personally, who are actively lobbying, risking their lives, giving up their time and resources to bring about change and they don't just do it via reading or blogging alone. They are out there in the field, in the market ...in society.
If we all succumb to negativism, my goodness - how easy it is for Malaysians to give up and to be overcome by our enemies.
The fact that more things are coming out in the open now means that more people are unhappy and are ready to tell it all. So others on the other side also tell their side of the story.
We have to work at closing the gap...
And i do read those posts and articles too and lately, I have been quite surprised by the change in the tone and focus. But I am not going to lose sleep over it....there are greater things to be accomplished ...
The most important one will be to get as many to register as a voter and to vote. And the next would be to volunteer to the different political parties our service, time, talent etc. All is not lost.
I keep my eyes wide open and actively monitor what is happening with both eyes wide open....
Think of Martin Luther King.
Think of all the other great heroes who started because they had a dream....and they chased that dream to make it a reality...
Many Malaysians are chasing that dream even if others are busy planting landmines.
No one is going to take that dream away from us, from me...
Take and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Specially for you:
I have a dream by Martin Luther King
I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
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Unknown Dear Saudara Hafiz
Such wonderful and inspiring thoughts you have shared with us.
I agree with you wholeheartedly.
In some ways, things may appear worse but the fact that many cans of worms have been opened have also opened up the eyes of many to see rot and corruption as it is.
And I know they will know what to do at the next election. The backlash will be powerful.
Certainly we cannot repay evil with evil and it is better to suffer injustice than to commit injustice. Well said!
Take care and thanks for sharing.
Salam
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Nameless Fool Quote I found in Jan '10 Reader's Digest (paraphrased because it's from my memory):
"Instead of asking whether or not you can do something, state that you are doing it. After that, fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride."
It's done wonders for my book-outlining progress.
I luff quotes :D
I've just seen RPK's newest 'speaks his mind' video about the price of the Cause, and standing up while people tell him that it is too dangerous, why not submit to the status quo. Then he cites past historical figures like Tok Janggut who have paid more horrendous prices, if compared to RPK's own cases of inconvenience, as he has mentioned.
The beret-wearing deaf frog listens to a voice higher than our state's ruling powers. :)
+ Welcome back Antares!
For a Monday, today was good so far.
Peace, Kak Wordsmith ^^.
Fishfoot
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Anonymous Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir has issued a stern warning to all politicians and the media to stop harping on the spate of attacks on churches nationwide for their own personal gains.
He added that peace and harmony should “transcend all political barriers” and the present situation was as good a time as any for everyone to work closely with one another irregardless of political affiliations.
- The Malaysian Insider
We truly agree with what is being said.
Have a nice evening.
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Kenneth Required of our top leadership are not empty words, but responsibility, action and determination.
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Anonymous Peace is the most basic starting point for the advancement of humankind.
Nothing is more precious than peace. Nothing brings more happiness.
Have a blessed evening
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Unknown Dear Fishfoot
Planning any form of writing is essential for unity and coherence...otherwise, you would be lagging behind in your target for your book, dear girl. I know I can see it in print one day :-) and hope to get an autographed copy.
RPK is definitely a role model for all to follow because of the manner in which he lives up to his ideals and principles. How many would be willing to do what he had to do for the love of a country? I doubt that activism and blogging would be where it is today in Malaysia without Malaysia Today.
Indeed it is so nice to have Antares back again!
For me, I have been busy hehehe having a makeover at the hair saloon - snipped off three inches of my hair and restyled it in a bid to look younger LOL! Gosh - I had to sit there for 4. 5 hours!!! That explains why there has been only ONE post so far for today :-).
Take care sweetheart!
hugs and salams
mws
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Unknown Dear Anonymous @ 5.40 pm
Many thanks for sharing that with us. I am glad that he made that call and hope that leaders will stop amplifying the problem as it will only exacerbate the situation.
Take care and God bless you.
Salam
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Anonymous Eagerly waiting to see your new look, your hair-style!
Salam
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Unknown Dear Very Sad
How true! Moderation is the key..Take care and have a lovely evening.
Cheers
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Unknown Dear Kenneth
Spot on - you have zeroed in on what we so desperately need to see in our leaders. May God guide and help them to see reason and to lead us out of the mire...
Take care and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Cheers
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Unknown Dear Anonymous @ 7.24 p.m.
So many songs and poems have been written about peace because it is such an elusive element in this world. We think we have peace but sometimes we don't...And then we yearn to have peace and sometimes we can't have that....
Yet, when we find peace...the best is the one that comes from heaven above that none can ever compare...
Take care and may you have an evening filled with so much peace that lulls you to sleep and to rest well for tomorrow.
Blessings to you and yours
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Unknown Dear Anonymous @ 7.46 p.m
:-) Aiyo - too shy lah! Thanks for swinging by. Take care and have a lovely evening.
Cheers
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Anonymous Denim gal,
Please read this report:
http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2234&Itemid=229
Rumor has it many of the top dogs in the government are also moving their money abroad.
Denim guy.
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Unknown Hi Denim Guy
Thanks! I read that this morning before going out.
Most of them had placed their money in banks in many parts of the world long before all this happened and now the exodus testifies to the gratitude of the problem that we face.
In fact, I am 1/4 way through my next post which also cites that article amongst others.
Take care and thanks for swinging by again...
Have a restful evening.
Warmest wishes
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Catherine "We desire to create a society in which all peoples are victors, instead of one consisting of winners and losers who oppose and threaten one another in the pursuit of self-interest." - Mr de Klerk
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Unknown Dear Catherine
That quotation is so relevant to our scenario now...Thanks for taking the trouble to share it.
Take care and have a nice evening.
Cheers
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A Arthur This anecdote is really good. There are at times when we have to totally ignore what others say (as we may not be deaf) and plow ahead to do what seems to be the impossible task. Good lessons, MWS
QQ Victory will not come without tremendous efforts.
Have a nice day