How do I unstick my parking brake?

I set the parking brake on my '92 Ranger, then couldn't disengage it.I tried everything, but it wouldn't free up.I was on the side of the road with a 2 year old on a Sunday so I cut the cable. Replacing the cable is not an issue. The problem seems to be with the pedal assembly itself.I can't get the pedal back up. Is there something I can do to unstick it or do I need a new assembly?

Thanks, Mick

Thanks for the suggestions. One of the first things I tried was lubing it.I took the whole assembly apart yesterday(not something I want to do again). Turns out the bar that pushes back to release the ratchet had a groove worn in it. That was preventing it from having the force to release.I fashioned a sleeve out of sheet metal to cover the groove. It's working ok now. Now my problem is that according to Ford, the cable I need(from the pedal to just forward of the rear wheel) has been discontinued!Had the pedal assembly been more accessable, I may have figured out the jam and released it manually before cutting the cable. Oh well, I got moving but now will not pass inspection due to cut brake cable

That's a thought.I didnt even think of that.I'm going to try a couple of aftermarket places first and I know someone who might have one. He stockpiles all kinds of junk.I'll keep it in mind though, thanks