Poison Frogs and Words

Miguel and Carlos were exploring the small stream in Miguel's backyard. "Hey, look over there!" Carlos pointed. "It's a poison dart frog! I wonder if we can catch it."The boys ran back to the house to ask Miguel's dad for a bucket. "You're going to catch what?" Dad asked in surprise. "A poison dart frog!" said the boys in unison."Maybe I should come to supervise this," Dad said. "Poison dart frogs can be dangerous if you don't handle them properly."Dad and the boys, now armed with a bucket and gloves, went back to the stream in search of the frog. They quickly found the bright orange and blue frog perched on a rock. Together they captured the little creature in their bucket. "Boys, this tiny frog is oozing poison. In fact, animals that eat these frogs can get very sick, and many die from the toxic poison. Since it's on the frog's skin, touching it could be very painful if the poison got into a cut or open wound.""Oh boy!" said Carlos. "These frogs are bad news!""They aren't all bad," said Dad. "Scientists are trying to develop medicine using some of these little guys. They think the toxins could be used in good ways like in anesthesia and muscle relaxants."Miguel looked puzzled. "So these frogs can be both deadly and helpful?""That's right," said Dad. "It just depends on how they're used." He peered into the bucket to look at the little frog. "You know, poison dart frogs always make me think of our tongues," Dad said."I'm sure not going to lick this frog!" Carlos said with a laugh.Dad smiled. "I wouldn't recommend that. But just like this poison dart frog can be both harmful and helpful, our tongues have the power to speak hurtful or encouraging words. The Bible says that both death and life are in the power of the tongue, so we have to choose to use our words in the right way. We need to remember that we belong to Jesus and speak in a way that reflects His goodness and love."Miguel looked in the bucket. "Well, little poison dart frog, you will be a good reminder to use my words to help people, not hurt them." -Kendra Angle