Bullies thrive on reaction. The more emotional energy you give them, the more power they hold over your peace.

Remember:

• You don’t have to match their tone.

• You don’t have to prove your worth.

• You don’t even have to fix them.

Your value doesn’t depend on their approval. It’s already secure in Christ.

When you stay calm and composed, you shift the dynamic. You show that their chaos can’t control your peace.

It’s awfully hard to set a boundary—or even know when one is needed—if we don’t know what we value. If we’re unsure of what we want, it’s usually a sign that we haven’t taken an intentional approach to discerning our values.

Looking back, I now recognize that “phone buzzing dread” as the Holy Spirit nudging me: You need to end this relationship. But I resisted. Why? Because I was afraid. Afraid of her disapproval. Afraid of what she might say about me. Afraid of what others might think.

Then one day, in His mercy, God spoke directly to my heart:
“Lynsie, you’re putting her approval over Mine.”