🐾 Barking Back or Standing Firm? 🐾

overcomerinhim1021
Oct 23
3 min read

The Lord often teaches us deep truths in the simplest ways.

One day while my dog, Izzy, was outside, our neighbor’s dog began barking. Naturally, Izzy joined in, as if she had no choice but to respond. But the Lord gently showed me something: Izzy isn’t less of a protector if she chooses not to bark back—especially when I, her master, am telling her not to.

How often do we as believers fall into the same trap? Someone barks at us, triggers us, or tries to bait us into a fight—and before we know it, we’re reacting instead of responding in Christ. But here’s the truth: just because someone else is triggered doesn’t mean we have to be.

🔥 Scripture calls these moments “the fiery darts of the enemy” (Ephesians 6:16).

Triggers, or "Fiery Darts", are simply attempts to pull us out of the Spirit and into the flesh. When we take authority over our protector parts—those instincts to defend, lash out, or prove ourselves—we show true emotional maturity. By doing so, we actually reduce the power others have over us.

✖️ Examples of “Barking Back” (reacting instead of responding):

1. Someone insults you → you fire back an insult.

2. A coworker criticizes you → you get defensive and argue.

3. A family member tries to guilt you → you explode in anger.

4. Your child disrespects you → you shame them instead of guiding them.

5. A friend ignores your boundary → you lash out or cut them off impulsively.

6. Someone posts something online about you → you rush to retaliate.

7. A narcissist provokes → you try to “prove them wrong.”

8. Someone gaslights → you spiral into self-doubt and over-explaining.

9. Someone raises their voice → you raise yours louder.

10. Someone rejects you → you chase after their approval.

✅ Ways to Respond Instead of React:

1. Pause & Breathe – create space before speaking.

2. Pray Silently – “Lord, help me respond in Your Spirit.”

3. Quote Scripture – even if just in your heart: “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

4. Walk Away – silence is often the strongest response.

5. Set Boundaries Calmly – “I will not engage in this conversation right now.”

6. Reframe the Trigger – see it as an attack of the enemy, not the person.

7. Use Empathy – “This behavior is about them, not me.”

8. Remember Identity – “I am a child of God, secure in Him.”

9. Choose Peace – protect your heart by refusing to enter strife.

10. Release It to God – let Him fight the battle instead of trying to win it yourself.

💡 Here’s the key:

Not engaging does not make you weak. Just like Izzy is not “less of a protector” if she doesn’t bark back, you are not less of a warrior for Christ if you refuse to step into unnecessary battles. In fact, it shows greater strength and maturity.

When we know who we are in Christ—loved, chosen, redeemed, and secure—we no longer need to prove ourselves. Our identity is unshakable, and no trigger, fiery dart, or barking dog can pull us out of that truth.

🙌 Overcomers in Him, let’s rise above the bait, walk in maturity, and stay grounded in the Spirit.

Overcomers in Him

🛐📖🛡⚔️📜💃👊🙏🙌🩷

If this applies to you and you need professional support to come alongside you in your healing journey, who has also been there, take that first step by reaching out to me to set up a time to discuss what that would look like and begin your BREAKTHROUGH to taking your life back and become the woman God created you to be.

Connie Wunderly, BSN, RN, NC-BC, BC-MHC

Board Certified Trauma Informed Nurse Coach

Christian Mental Health Coach (American Academy of Christian Counselors)

Certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist

Certified Somatic Experiencing, Positive Psychology, & Brainspotting Practitioner

Someone Who Has been There and Overcome

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