We all experience seasons in life that can be discouraging and stressful. Whether it is losing a job, having financial troubles, or navigating the uncertainty of our world, an encouraging word can lift us up to our rightful place of strength so we don’t lose heart. An inspirational quote or story can bring a smile to our face and ‘pep in our step.’

A short frog story did that for me today.

A group of frogs were hopping along in the forest enjoying their day when two frogs accidentally hopped into a deep hole. Scared and bewildered, the two frogs began jumping to get out of the hole. But the hole was too deep. Realizing this, they exerted more strength & energy to reach the top but could not. After several minutes of leaping, their friends stood over the hole sadly telling them to accept their fate. There was no getting them out and they should make peace and die. One frog got tired of trying and he did lie down and die. The other frog continued to leap, stronger now, more might, more courage, more energy until with one magic leap, he leapt out of the hole! His friends gathered around him and asked what caused him to keep trying when they were telling him to give up and die? The frog responded explaining that he was deaf, and he interpreted their gestures & expressions as encouragement to “keep trying!” That encouragement fueled his will to keep trying and not give up!

Encouragement nourishes the soul. It is heart-warming when encouragement comes from a friend or loved one. But if it does not, thank God we can turn a deaf ear to the negative and tune in to our ever-present Encourager for Truth who always leads us in triumph!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

From the desk of Valerie

In a small Italian town, hundreds of years ago, a small business owner owed a large sum of money to a loan-shark.