Life is about relationships. We spin them into complex webs…The complexity increases with each new addition or loss to our web. (Relationships may be toxic or they may be a tonic.) Our web of relationships is a growing, moving, changing thing. The comings and goings make our web a living reality. We become connected to others. The strength of the connection will vary. The purpose of each connection will be different.
“Connections are relationships. In the web of relationships, we experience others. Our web provides the environment where we interact, communicate, play, argue, have fun and love. The experiences we have in this web or relationships is the essence of life…We also need quietness in which to contemplate our web of life. Quietness and silence are an essential if we are to learn from our experiences. In quiet contemplation, we will become sensitive to the trembling of our web. We will become attentive to the touch of others. That sensitivity can teach us the art of touching the webs of others. With that knowledge, we can become much more sensitive to our impact. And, in quietness, respond to others with wisdom. Reflecting on the touch of other people on our lives may lead to gratitude for those who have affected us in positive ways. The potential for learning from the pain we experience in relationships increases when we enter into thought and silent assessment of the learning in each experience.” (excerpt from chapter 1)
What is the effect of this web of life relationships that we create? Are we richer or poorer for the web in which we live? Do we bring richness or poverty to others…How have your relationships influenced your life for good or ill?
These are questions explore in the book, The Web of Life: An Invitation to Live or Die in the Fabric of Community, written by Glenn C. Taylor. The book is available from the author ($20.00 plus shipping) or from glennctaylor35@gmail.com, wordalivepress.ca or other booksellers.
| Other books by G. Taylor:
Pastors in Transition: Navigating the Turbulence of Change (WordAlive Press, 2013, order -glenmarytaylor@gmail.com) D’un ministère à l’autre. Savoir naviguer dans les eaux tumultueuses du changement (Excelsis, 2016 Exploring Your Anger: Friend or Foe (Regent College, 1997) with R. Wilson Helping Angry People: A short-term Structured Model for Pastoral Counselors (Regent College, 1997) with R. Wilson
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| “Connections are relationships. In the web of relationships, we experience others. Our web provides the environment where we interact, communicate, play, argue, have fun and love. The experiences we have in this web of relationships is the essence of life.” p. 1
“LIFE AND DEATH ARE IN THE POWER OF THE TONGUE” Prov. 18:21 Not only the tongue, but attitudes, actions, silence, sarcasm and many other aspects of relating are equally powerful. The web of our lives may be shattered in many ways. How is the “unity” and “love” for which Christ prayed possible? What knits people together and what unravels relationships? YOU ARE INVITED TO EXPLORE ANSWERS
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| Available: November, 2016
$ 20.00 plus shipping
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| Available: November, 2016
$ 20.00 plus shipping www. glennctaylor.com WordAlive.ca; Amazon.ca
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| Other’s comments –
“This book has deep roots and a solid foundation. I commend it to you.” Dr. Rod Wilson, former President, Regent College
“Glenn Taylor beautifully interweaves his own life journey and wisdom as a pastor and therapist to explore a theology of nurture…what ‘our citizenship in Christ’ means.” Diane Marshall, Therapist.
“You, too, will be pondering this thoughtful, insightful handbook in positively influencing others.” Rev. David Johnson, pastor “No relationship is neutral; each touch sets the web in motion.” Rev. Marvin Brubacher, MentorLink, Canada
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| Life is all about relationships.
Relationship with family of origin, spouse, children, friends, fellow-workers, social networks, church and, yes, it is also about our relationship with God and with the people who are part of our community of faith or other social groups. The way we touch the lives of others and the way they touch our lives sets our web atremble. Life is relationships! Who touches Your web of life? Whom do you touch? Are these touches for good or ill?
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| OUR WEB OF RELATIONSHIPS INVITE
US TO LIVE OR DIE
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Glenn C. Taylor 