Even a Stray Dog Knows Where to Find a Meal
Why Being Genuine Doesn’t Mean Being Used
I've lived enough, lost enough, and learned enough to know this — I’m a full-circle genuine person. I mean that. I show up with truth, heart, and loyalty, not as a performance, but because it’s who I am. Not perfect, but real. And if you've ever had to go through seasons of lack, loneliness, betrayal, or silence — you already know how costly “real” can be.
But here’s the revelation that recently hit me like a gut punch:
Even a stray dog knows where it can find a meal.
Even the people who have no commitment to your journey…
Even the ones who never checked on you in your valley…
Even the ones who laughed at your small beginnings…
They still know how to show up when they sense something is being served.
It’s not about your popularity.
It’s not about your perfection.
It’s not even about your relationship with them.
It’s about your potential.
Even those just trying to survive recognize when a table is being prepared.
And yes — some of them will come not to support, but to snatch.
To take, not to contribute.
To hover, not to help.
And if you're not careful, your compassion can blur into codependence.
Your generosity can mutate into being used.
Your genuine nature — your whole heart — can become the very reason some think they can get over.
Let me say this clearly:
Being full-circle genuine doesn’t mean letting people spin you in circles.
It doesn’t mean being a doormat for those who only come around when it’s convenient.
And it certainly doesn’t mean tolerating people who never saw the value in you until your value started speaking louder than their disbelief.
Some people don’t want to see you win — they just don’t want you to leave them behind.
So how do you move in wisdom without losing your authenticity?
1. Discern Access.
Not everyone deserves a seat at your table just because they’re hungry.
Ask yourself: are they here for relationship, or for resources?
2. Protect the Pour.
When your heart is genuine, you’re always tempted to pour. But you must protect your oil. Be led by peace, not pity.
3. Stay Real, But Be Rooted.
You can be kind without being naïve. You can be giving without being gullible. Let your “yes” mean something, and let your “no” be holy too.
I’ve had to learn that being real comes with real challenges. But I won’t stop being genuine — I’ll just stop allowing access to those who only see me as a meal, not a movement.
Because this next season isn’t about proving I’m real.
It’s about preserving what’s sacred.
And making sure the table is filled with those who aren’t just hungry — but honest.
Welcome to the season of wise boundaries.
The ones who matter will get it.
And the rest?
They’ll find another meal.