Chasing The Chipmunk

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” (Isaiah 1:18-20)

Charlie bounded down the trail like all good goofballs do. Mouth hanging open, tongue loose and free, eyes wide and focused straight ahead with no regard to his owner desperately trying to keep up. It was a crisp fall day and the trail at West Woods was deserted so it was a great opportunity to give Charlie some much needed off-leash time. He ran with abandon stopping only to take in the scent of some long since gone field mouse. Patty enjoyed watching Charlie explore his surroundings, unfettered by his 6 ft. leather leash. She imagined that in Charlie’s eyes, the woods was absolute nirvana. It was his chance to be dog in the true animal sense and not in the “off the couch, lay on your bed, drink from a bowl” family pet sense. At the moment, Charlie was an animal among kindred spirits.

Patty tried to stay close behind, always keeping Charlie in her field of vision. Charlie had a tendency to go off on a rabbit trail but would always double back at the sound of Patty’s voice. Charlie was granted this freedom because he always returned to Patty when she called. This was precisely the reason that it came as a shock to Patty when Charlie slipped out of her sight and did not respond to her voice. The calls were calm and assured at first and then began to take on the sound of desperation. She could hear Charlie barking in the distance but it was clear that Charlie could not hear her. Or did he care to. She tried to follow the direction of the barks but their echoes bounced off trees and she was afraid of straying too far off the path. She ran back down the trail hoping to find Charlie waiting by the car as she yelled, “Charlie! Go for a ride?!!” That was Patty’s emergency call that never failed to turn Charlie away from the closest squirrel and straight toward the hatchback of her SUV. She stood next to her car, her eyes darting desperately in every direction for her wayward friend.

It was evident that Charlie was no longer anywhere near the trail they had been on so she jumped in her vehicle and drove around the park; her eyes scanning the fields and trails for that unmistakable coat of gold. After an hour had passed, she pulled down one of roads that led to a second series of trails. As she turned a corner, she saw a woman crouched down with a walking stick in one hand and Charlie’s ID tag in the other. She struggled to read it between Charlie’s well-intentioned kisses. Patty immediately pulled to the side. Charlie recognized Patty the minute she stepped from the car, he knew her walk, the scent of her leather boots, and her unmistakable low alto voice. He leapt and danced as Patty approached. She was shocked at how a dog could get so covered in burrs, mud, and horse manure in such a short period of time. The mud and manure came off quite easily but Patty spent hours painstakingly picking out burrs imbedded in all the nooks and crannies of Charlie’s previously spotless, gloriously maned, frame.

Who can blame Charlie? He was only doing what his creator made him to do. Hunt and track and seek out wild game. When temptation came scurrying across the woodland floor disguised as a chipmunk, Charlie bolted. He wasn’t reasoning out the repercussions of straying from his “master”. He wasn’t thinking about the meals she’s provided that he’s never had to retrieve, the warm bed that’s always there waiting for him, her unfailing friendship. No. His mind was set on getting that one thing that he couldn’t have. Sound familiar?

Even with our superior reasoning capabilities, we often find ourselves falling into temptation’s trap. We dart off after the chipmunks of the world. The wants, the shiny things, the “big and better”. We forget Paul’s precious words in Philippians 4:12, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Whatever situation in life we find ourselves, the devil slithers in and convinces us that we deserve more. Charlie’s act of defiance was driven by instinct but is that so different from how we were made? Weren’t we all born sinners? “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God....” (Rom. 3: 23) Even Adam and Eve were tempted in the forest and strayed. God knows the temptations we face, he lets us off leash to experience all the wonders and joy His creation has to offer. But we so often want more and in His love for us, He lets us go. So we bound off down the trail, our eyes straight ahead, never looking back to heed our Father’s voice. Once obtained, we find once again, what we thought we wanted and needed leaves us empty and unfulfilled. In His mercy and grace, He rescues us. He is faithful. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Cor. 10:13) We can never travel so deep into the woods of sin that God cannot give us a way out. Like Patty, he’s seeking us, calling us, following closely behind and is willing, through his love and grace, to painstakingly pick out each burr and tangle that we’ve picked up along the way. When we stop chasing the temptation and return to Him, he will wash us clean, make us new, and shower us with all the blessings we need. No matter where sin and temptation has taken us, our master is always ready to bring us home. “Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back.” (Deut. 30:4)

“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1Sam. 16:7)

He was intimidating. His 75 lb. sturdy frame stood poised at the front of the kennel. He was the epitome of strength and power and his very presence was unwelcome and banned from countless cities and counties across the country. His jaws, capable of crushing a man’s arm, hung open in a wide-mouth pant. He was a Pit Bull recently rescued from a dog fighting ring and his new name was Happy. I’m not sure what Happy’s fighting background was but I determined from his soft brown eyes and calm demeanor that fortunately for him, he probably wasn’t very good at it. Happy had successfully passed all of his temperament tests at the animal shelter with flying colors. The shelter staff could scratch his ears, poke their fingers into his mouth, wrap their arms around him and the only danger they faced was a face full of dog saliva. They could even bend down and join him in devouring a bowl of kibble if they were so inclined. He was a joy to be around and in time, became the favorite of all the volunteer dog walkers at the rescue center.

The public, however, saw the gaping jaw and squared head and hurried past Happy’s kennel. They warned their children not to stand too close to his cage, not to look at him and definitely, do not try to give him a treat from the small metal bowl filled with dog biscuits that was attached to the outside of his kennel. Happy barked and whined as he watched all the other dogs happily devouring biscuits offered from tiny, sticky fingers up and down the aisle. Staff and volunteers at the shelter began to worry about Happy. Some dogs that spend weeks and weeks at a shelter begin to spiral downhill psychologically so a decision was made to put Happy to work by including him in the shelter’s public obedience classes. Happy thoroughly enjoyed his once a week furlough. He learned to sit, come, heel, and walk calmly on a leash. He was a quick learner and attentive student as Pit Bulls tend to be, and he quickly moved through class, eventually even passing the Canine Good Citizen test. Despite the large plaque displaying his Canine Good Citizen diploma and the glowing remarks concerning Happy’s friendly and obedient nature from multiple staff and volunteers, the public continued to pass Happy by.

Happy watched as dog after dog left the shelter. People fell in love with the beagles and lab mixes and other seemingly “friendlier” breeds. These dogs got to go home to a bed, their own food bowl and warm lap every night. Happy however, was continually avoided because man, and woman, continued to, “...look on his appearance...” and “...the height of his stature”.

When we choose a friend, a mate, or a leader, we often look at the outward appearance. Who has God chosen to be his messengers? Who did God choose to lead and orchestrate his good and perfect will among men? David was the youngest boy, barely grown, in a family of strong, capable men. Moses was old, feeble, and by his own admission was "...not eloquent...slow of speech and of tongue". Mary was a 14 year-old peasant girl from a humble home. Is it so difficult then, for us to believe that a hero, a leader, or an earthly comforter could perhaps come in the form of a four-legged fur ball? Inside the heart of your neighbors toy poodle could lie the strength of a lion. Or in your German Shepherd, the warmth and compassion of Mother Theresa. God chooses the unremarkable. He elects the ordinary to do the extraordinary.

What we see isn’t always the truth. Eyes lie. We are often taken aback by the cruel actions of someone who “looked so nice”. We’re enamored and awed by athletes whose moral character shocks and disappoints us. We gravitate to the strong, thin, handsome or beautiful...someone who looks more capable than ourselves. Thankfully, God chooses us based on the condition of our hearts. God knew the tender, gentle heart that Happy possessed. After all, He created it. Dogs seem to get this. It’s the reason the smallest Pomeranian will playfully romp and nip at the largest Great Dane. Dogs are not constrained by the limitations of sight and perception but possess an amazing capacity for innate understanding and acceptance not for the way things appear but the way things are. They live out Isaiah 11:3 which states, “...and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;”

Happy was fortunate to be surrounded by dog lovers who could look past Happy’s external image and see the loving, strong, capable dog that God had created Happy to be. Happy did find his forever home with a loving family who was willing to give Happy a chance. What Happy gives in return is a grateful heart and a wide gaping jaw full of sloppy, wet kisses.

Fear or Faith?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on you own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Poverbs 3:5)

I had seen dogs who were fearful. Dogs that hid in their kennels at the sound of thunder or ran in terror at the drop of a plate. So when the Martin’s called me about their fearful German Shepherd mix, Dief, I was pretty sure I knew what I was getting myself into.

I asked that the Martin’s meet me outside for our first meeting with Dief on lead. When I arrived at their home, I glanced at Dief and already I could tell that Dief sensed something was up. Dief’s crooked ears were alert but he was strained as far back from my car as he could possibly get. Julie tried to coax Dief forward with her loving, gentle pleas but Dief held back, looking for a way out, straining back against the leash. I hadn’t even gotten out of the car.

My hours of reading and research on fearful dogs had taught me the safest way to approach a fearful dog so I stepped from the car gently with a bag of warmed bits of hot dog strapped to my hip. I turned to the side so as not to face him directly on, which dogs see as a threat or challenge, and I edged a bit closer. Dief nervously paced back and forth as far back from Julie as the leash would allow. He tried to free himself from his collar and turned in circles trying to escape. To Dief, my approach meant imminent death and destruction and there was no where for him to hide, no one who he could trust to save him. When the Martin’s disclosed Dief’s tragic start in life, the behavior began to make sense.

Julie and Mark had recently adopted Dief from a rescue group where he spent the last few weeks recuperating after being dumped in a ditch with the rest of his litter mates. He hadn’t seen much of the world and from what he had seen, he determined it was a scary place to be. The Martin’s had done a wonderful job at taking things slowly with Dief. He had adapted to their home and had gained some semblance of normalcy in his new life. But with strangers--and that was anyone besides Julie and Mark-- Dief was terrified.

When I began to see Dief’s desperate attempts to flee from my approach, I stopped where I was and began to toss the warm hot dog to Dief. To most dogs, it’s manna from heaven but Dief did not take the bait. Would you step toward an axe murderer who was offering you filet mignon? That’s how Dief interpreted the situation. In reality, I was offering freely what most dogs would have to work for in order to earn. I tossed it in the air and all he had to do was move forward a quarter of an inch and he would experience doggy bliss in a pressed meat form. He didn’t budge.

Dief had a comfort zone. A place where the world was safe. Where he wasn’t vulnerable. If he stayed back far enough,perhaps the next county, he wouldn’t get hurt. What he didn’t take into account was that he also would not get a warm bit of hot dog, a gentle, reassuring scratch behind the ear or the pleasure of the perfect belly rub.

Humans have a comfort zone as well. Staying back in our comfort zone may make life seem safe but it certainly doesn’t enrich it. How often do we wrap ourselves in our fears and deny ourselves the blessings God has waiting for us if we would only take that quarter of an inch step forward. If we would only budge.

Jesus came so “that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) But that means stepping forward in faith. It means putting ourselves out there and risking rejection and hurt. Maybe we’ve had a rough start in life. Perhaps, like Dief, we were rejected, tossed aside. We were hurt by people who were supposed to care for us so we find it safer to just stay back away from anyone who could hurt us again. God knows what happens to us and he doesn’t ask us to forget those horrible circumstances but to step forward in faith, and take hold of the new life that he is offering us.

Sometimes that new life begins with the guy in the next cubicle over. Or the elderly woman who just stopped to pet your dog. God places people in our lives with hot dogs strapped to their waist. They possess blessings just waiting to be tossed to us freely if only we’d step forward.

By the end of six weeks, Dief was making great strides; coming up to me and taking the bits of chicken or steak I had diced up from last nights meal. He was slowly getting out more and experiencing trail hikes and car rides and beginning to warm up to family members who visited his home. Through training, he was growing closer to Julie and Mark. He was beginning to trust in them and live in freedom from fear. Seek God, grow closer to Him, and embrace the blessings just waiting to be tossed.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8)

The GI Joe M3 Tank Destroyer. It came with a 12” GI Joe action figure, a 75 mm gun with elevation recoil action and operating breech. It had a working rear door, removeable gas can, flexible rolling rear tracks and the tools of any good military action figure, an axe and a shovel. It was everything a 10 year-old boy could hope for and as I listened to the pastor describe this Christmas gift he had dreamed of so many years ago, I could see his face light up, and the excitement of miniature military glory welled up inside of him all over again. He recounted his pleas to his parents, his letters to Santa, his frantic screams to his mother in the kitchen that would have her scrambling to rush and stop the blood that must be hemorrhaging from somewhere to elicit such a cry, only to find him pressed against the TV and pointing excitedly to the scenes of luckier boys than himself playing with the ultimate destroyer on the GI Joe commercial.

On Christmas morning, paper and boxes flew as he desperately sorted through new socks, a baseball bat, and a pair of pajamas to find the toy he had hoped and prayed to receive. It wasn’t there. He didn’t notice in all his hysteria, his father quietly slip out of the room and head for the garage. As he sat amongst everything that signified his dashed hopes and dreams, a black Lab puppy came bounding into the room. Our pastor smiled as he recalled Chance’s entrance and wondered if there was some misunderstanding on exactly what he meant when he pleaded for a “destroyer”. The puppy shredded paper, ran off with the newly opened socks, and preceded to do what puppies do. Although he was happy with his new puppy, it didn’t come with elevation recoil action.

It wasn’t what he wanted.

God is the master of patiently listening to our wants and desires. He sifts through them and some he blesses us with and some he does not. God’s focus is not what we want but what we need. “...for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matt. 6:8) Our pastor would discover over time that the puppy he named Chance, may not have been what he wanted then as a 10 year-old boy but over the years, this dog would fill his heart like no toy ever could. God’s desire is to fill our lives with abundant blessings that don’t always come in the form of worldly gadgets.

After all, how many toys that he would absolutely die without were already gathering dust under his bed? How many cars were lying at the bottom of his toy chest with 3 wheels and a broken door? They were all begged for and dreamed about but never quite followed through with the limitless joy and entertainment that the commercials promised. God’s promises are true. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.’” (Jer. 29:11) The hope we have in Him is a hope that fulfills. His ultimate gift to us was his very own son, Jesus Christ. And that gift came so that we may have everything we need. Jesus himself said, “but few things are needed--or indeed only one.” (Luke 10:42) Jesus. He sacrificed all to give us what we need. Not a better car, a bigger house, although those things are nice and are blessings to us, but they are above and beyond what we need or even deserve.

Chance lived well into the pastor’s adult life. This warm and loyal black lab was a gift that continued to give when all the other toys and electronics had worn out, broke, or just weren’t cool anymore. It was a warm body that gave comfort through storms that raged outside his bedroom window or inside his heart. Like the great Comforter, who promises to never leave us or forsake us, that dog was an ever present symbol of love and unconditional affection. The puppy that bounded in wasn’t asked for but aren’t those sometimes God’s greatest gifts to us? The one’s that come unexpected and undeserved? When we really think about it, aren’t the things that we desire often empty and disappointing? Trust that God knows what you need. Be grateful. Know that God hears your prayers and will meet your needs. And don’t be surprised if those “needs” come wrapped in fur and wagging a tail.

Be Still...

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God;’” (Ps. 46:10)

My dogs are a wealth of information. As I stated in a previous article a few months back, they continually reveal God’s truth to me in quiet moments when I’m perceptive enough to listen to their silent speech. One of these moments happened the other evening as I prepared to turn in for the night.

Dogs are creatures of habit and my dogs, Deion and Bacetti, are no exception. They know that anytime between 9:30pm and 10:00pm, I call it quits, grab their dog beds and head up the stairs. If, for some reason, I’m feeling extra saucy, I may even stay up until 11:00pm and that drives them batty. They pace and stare at me like somehow the planets have become misaligned and I really should do something about it. But this night, I was right on schedule and they raced ahead of me in happy anticipation of the sleep that awaited them and all was right with the world. I tossed their beds on their respective spots on the floor and decided to give my daughter one last “goodnight”, so I closed the door behind me and headed to her room. Well, the “goodnight” turned into a chat and before I knew it, twenty minutes had passed, that’s all it was, twenty short minutes but when I opened the door, you would have thought I had circumnavigated the globe. To Deion, at least. I heard him whining before I even opened my bedroom door and when I finally did, he was standing right there, ears alert, his stub of a tail wagging and a nervous look in his eye. He danced around me as I walked in and followed me around my room, watching my every move to make sure that this time I was, indeed, settling in for the night. He made sure the extra pillows were tossed on the chair, the comforter was folded back, before he decided that yes, I was going to bed now and it was safe for him to fluff his bed, spin in a couple of circles and plop his big frame into his doggy bed.

Then there was Baci. As I entered the room, she slowly lifted her head, looked over and welcomed me with a couple of tail wags and gently laid her head back down on her bed. There was never any doubt in her mind of my return. She heard my footsteps, my voice down the hall, and knew that while I may have stepped out of her range of vision temporarily, I was never very far and I would return. I hadn’t forgotten about her, or Deion, or our plans for a good night sleep. I smiled as I looked over at Baci; so relaxed and content. Then I glanced over at Deion, lying down but still staring at me.

Which dog am I?

When I call on God, am I Deion? Do I pray then stand at the door, heart racing, pacing back in forth saying, “okay God, now? How about...now? Are you there? Any time now...” Or am I like Baci? Do I follow my prayer with patient quietness, knowing that God has heard me and in his perfect timing, maybe not today, maybe not next year, but I will experience the answer to my prayer?

“....you need only to be still.” (Ex. 14:14), “Be still,..” (Neh. 8:11), “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;” (Ps. 37:7), “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God;’” (Ps. 46:10), “‘...cease and be still.’” (Jer. 47:6) and so it goes. I know that God has heard me yet I worry and the parade of “but what if’s....” continue. Like Deion, I stand impatiently, eyes wide, heart racing, and occasionally scratch at the door just in case He’s forgotten I’m here but deep down, I know he hasn’t. He’s just on the other side, working things out in His time. His will is being done whether I’m raising my blood pressure, whining at the door or simply relaxing on the couch and enjoying life. One behavior says, “I trust you but....”, the other, “I trust you.” The end result is always the same. He has listened. He will act. In His own time. So, I might as well stand up, return to a comfy place, circle a few times, and be still.

“Thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s”. (2Chron. 20:15)

In the tiny Pacific Island of Guam stands a statue. Atop it lies a Doberman Pinscher; ears erect, attentive; haunches not relaxed but poised at the ready. He stares straight ahead, ready to receive the next command of action from some unseen individual. Etched into the stone below are the names of 25 dogs who gave their lives in the battle against the Japanese who captured the small island less than twenty-four hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In Captain William W. Putney’s book, Always Faithful, he recounts his experiences with these brave animals.

On July 21, 1944, American soldiers fought the Japanese in a battle lasting only a few weeks but in that short time span, over 7,000 Marine, Army, and Navy men were killed along with 25 of their faithful canine recruits. These dogs, primarily Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds, were specially trained to scout ahead of the troops through the tangle of jungle thickets and treacherous terrain for Japanese soldiers hidden in caves and bush. Their keen senses alerted soldiers to land mines, booby traps, and approaching Japanese in the middle of the night. These dogs carried ammunition, messages and medical supplies. The most valuable weapons these Marines brought into battle weren’t their guns and grenades, they were the noses and ears of these military dogs. These dogs led over 550 patrols on Guam and were never once ambushed. They saved hundreds of lives and gave 25 of their own. Surprisingly, the dogs that were used in battle were nicknamed, “Devil Dogs”. The devil has no desire to protect us. He leaves us swaying in the wind, raising the white flag. These dogs were angels, sent by God to protect us and to provide a divine example of trust, obedience, and selflessness.

What was in it for these dogs? For them, there was no freedom to fight for. They had no concept of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. There was no hope of a Purple Heart or a high ranking position. They did it because the soldiers asked them to. The praise of their friend was enough. There is an innate trust that dogs have in us when we provide a healthy, balanced relationship of leadership and respect. When these dogs headed out on a dangerous mission to hunt out the Japanese fighters, there was no fear. They forged ahead among the thorns, reptiles, bugs and unseen enemies because it was what they were trained to do by the men following closely behind. They knew their friend, trainer and fellow soldier was there. Any command issued would be quickly obeyed and through this teamwork, lives were saved.

What an example of trust and faith. Everyday we head out into this world, we have a protector following close behind who we can trust. God has our back. Through his Word, he has given us instruction and training to help us battle our enemies, seen and unseen. Does it mean we’ll never get injured in battle? Of course not, but it does mean that he’ll be there to help us get through it. We’re often overwhelmed by “the great horde”; we get “dismayed” and frightened by the lump the doctor has discovered, the impending layoff, a troubled marriage. Stop. Turn around. Look to your protector, obey His commands; He’s prepared you for this. This battle is not yours to fight. You’re going to need an army. You’re going to need faith. And there’s no better equipped force than God and his angels. He’ll get you through it and in the end when the smoke has cleared, look up and thank Him for his guidance. There’s nothing on earth you can give him in return. Just praise him. The praise of a friend is enough.

A 12lb. David

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)

I wonder what Lucy thought when she entered our home. This four pound, twelve month-old Yorkie Maltese Mix pranced in with an air of superiority but her look of confidence turned to shock as she suddenly came nose to nose with a 85 lb. Doberman Pinscher and a pushy, inquisitive Boxer/Pit Mix. She stopped and crouched worriedly as Deion, the dobe, lifted her off the ground with every sniff at one end while Baci, my boxer mix, poked and prodded with her nose at Lucy’s other end. She was obviously fascinating to them. She entered carrying in all the smells from the outside world. She was full of information for their inquisitive snouts. Her paws smelled of squirrel feces, slug slime and other scents undetectable by the human olfactory system. She released a resume of information regarding her sex, mood and fertility. After about 2 seconds of this molestation, she also released a big ole’ can of the proverbial fury. Deion and Baci recoiled in fear. Baci immediately rolled into a submissive white flag and Deion bounced into a play bow; a dog’s way of saying, “Hey, calm down, I’m here for fun!” She was neither intimidated by their size or obtrusiveness. Like David, she drew her stone, flung it, and the giants fell.

There was nothing about Lucy’s outward appearance that promised such internal strength. She entered the home as if she believed she was taking ownership of it but reality set in as she was faced with obstacles larger, stronger, and seemingly insurmountable. What she thought was a fun excursion to a new and exciting place turned into her worst nightmare.

I was fascinated as I witnessed this interaction between the three dogs and studied the change in Lucy’s demeanor. I looked on as the truth of Timothy 1:7 unfolded before my eyes. This tiny, crouching, patient animal realized her true strength and potential in the midst of what seemed like impossible circumstances. As I watched Lucy, I realized the Dobermans of life are no match for the spirit of power that lives in us.

We don’t start out life with a “spirit of timidity”. Like Lucy, most of us, as children, see each new experience as the adventure of a lifetime. Somehow along the way, a few unkind words. disappointments and failed attempts come along and convince us to approach troubles and worry as if they were too big for us. God did not equip us that way. We cannot find the strength to tackle the seemingly impossible from inside of ourselves. We have to look up and not rest our gaze on the looming obstacle before us but past it, up to the Lord who gives us power.

Being timid is easy. It’s safe to stay in the corner in a crowd of people and give the excuse, ‘I’m just shy’. We feel protected surrounded by our insecurities. Lucy could have laid there the rest of her life getting nosed and poked at but eventually, the dogs would lose interest, walk away and live life as dogs do. And Lucy would have stayed there feeling used and dejected; never moving forward. Never experiencing the companionship Deion and Baci could have provided. Never roaming the house and discovering the bit of cookie hidden under the chair that only she could reach.

But like most dogs, Lucy possessed inner strength. She may have crouched down and become submissive in the name of self-preservation but she didn’t cower. She quickly understood through the body language that Baci and Deion presented that they weren’t all that their physical stature presumed them to be. It was as if she thought, “Okay, I’m done being pushed around; I’m taking control here.” God gives each one of us that same ability. Our responsibility as humans is to take control in a spirit of “love and of self-discipline”. Lucy did what cornered dogs do, she lashed out with ferocity. After all, when you’re 12 lbs. facing a 80 lb. opponent, it’s all about perception. However, we can face that verbal jab by a co-worker in the conference room not with fangs bared but with love and self-discipline. Knowing who we are, what the truth is, and who it is that grants us that power. God.

For the remainder of Lucy’s visit, the dogs got along just fine. Deion and Baci knew Lucy’s limits. They gave Lucy her space and she took it. She held her head high and though it may not have been in reality as high as the other dogs, Lucy thought is was. And that was all that mattered.