Treated Like a Dog!

King James Bible: Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

My step-dad used to jokingly (or maybe not so jokingly) say that if there was such a thing as reincarnation, he wanted to come back as one of my grandmother’s dogs. Meaning, her dogs had a great life…amazing food, regular deluxe baths, the most comfortable part of the sofa, extra treats, various toys, an unlimited supply of love and affection, no expense spared to meet any need for her ‘babies!’ For all intrinsic purposes, anyone that knew my grandmother, knew her dogs were numero uno! Once she had a large beautiful dog, half -husky and half-saint Bernard, named King. My step-dad said it was the most appropriate name for ALL of her dogs. “They certainly enjoyed a king’s life,” he’d quip.

So, to say that you’re being or have been treated like a dog, in some instances could be a wonderful thing. But let’s look at the other side…

I greatly dislike those SPCA commercials of the wounded and a mistreated animals. I usually turn the channel if I can. Not because, I’m not stirred by the images on the screen, but because it sickens my stomach. It stimulates my compassion. (My hubby says I’m the type of person who would live or own a zoo if possible. Remember that movie that came out a few years back, “We Bought a Zoo” with Matt Daemon? Well, you get the idea…) It’s heartbreaking to see how human beings can be so cruel and thoughtless to a lesser, innocent animal. I remember several years ago, in a town next to mine, a lady found 2 kittens nailed to a box outside of a grocery store. The poor things had been “crucified” in the way they had been positioned on the board –their little paws each pulled far apart and maliciously nailed. Who would do that?!! The police never caught the perpetrators, but felt like it was a group of teens. (Even sadder to me)

So WHY DO people intentionally hurt you?  What gain do people get from it?

Ever worked or lived with anyone who had a horrid bark? Not just a harsh bark but an even nastier bite? Why DO we turn on each other, often biting the one who has loved and cared for us?! You’ve probably seen or experienced people “within the church” guilty of this same behavior. WHY do they abuse authority, position, or titles?

My short answer…Selfishness and Ego.

Here are a few tips for when the ATTACK dogs

Are on the loose in your life!

·         Don’t try to control them when they’re out of their cage! This means you can’t rationalize with an irrational person. If it’s appropriate, use animal behaviors, and don’t confront them with eye contact. Remain calm. It emblazons the attacker more often than not when we defend ourselves.

·         Remember that one’s sense of entitlement doesn’t make being mean-spirited okay. I used to have a boss who constantly (or regularly at least) said demeaning things about female leadership. I didn’t understand it for a long time, until I understood that he must have been insecure within himself. He spent a lot of time going “up and down the block” intimidating and bullying the rest of us. Did it make him happier? Probably not. Nicer? No.

·         Understand that you can’t fix people! Only God can do that. We can pray. We can control our own reactions. We can bite our tongues, figuratively. We can TRAIN ourselves through God’s Word. Don’t try to TRAIN a dog in attack mode…it doesn’t work. They have to be willing and calm first. It remains true that wild animals attack other smaller or weaker animals. They seek to devour. Purpose in your heart to let God fight your battle. He’s NEVER lost a battle, so I put a lot of confidence in His track record!

·         Some dogs attack out of anger and/or a thirst to dominate. They may lash out at you, but they’re really mad at the world. At themselves. They want to control SOMETHING in their lives. Offer soothing words, a turned cheek of forgiveness, but I wouldn’t encourage you to try and solve their issues. The truth is, at this point, most attack dogs are driven by their ego.

·         Grab the pepper spray! Go for the shock collar!! Okay, just kidding here. No need to carry a big stick, at least most of the time. But the Word of God is our weapon. HE promised to be our shield! (Psalm 18:2)

·         Keep telling yourself, “God will equip me with the strength I need to deal with this situation.”  Or this person. Or this event. Remind yourself that no enemy formed against you will prosper! They may win the battle, but not the war! (Isaiah 54:17)

·         Then finally, when attack dogs/people come barking and biting…Don’t go back to try and shut the gate!  Keep walking…walk away before you’re hurt further! You’re walking into enemy territory. Start praising God for His blessings, His purpose in your life, His love for you, His dying on the Cross for you, His continued protection. Force OUT the barking and let IN the peace of God. It can be challenging! I understand this all too well. But, in your car, in your cubicle, in your mind, in your office, as soon as possible – ask Him not to allow you to fall into a trap. Hold back your own tendency to lash back. (We’re human!) Play some heavenly, Godly music. Write some notes in your journal. Pray to God. Do things that will mentally pepper-spray that old adversary’s mouth shut! Don’t try to fix it yourself.

Look for those “Beware of Dog!” signs! They might help you avoid being bitten.

Let’s do look UP!