By Rob Furlong
As I write this article Australia’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 has just concluded.
“What in the world does mental health have to do with relationships?” you ask.
Everything, actually – especially in this time of what has come to be called “social distancing.”
The term itself has bothered me a little, subtly implying that we must cut off all contact with each other.
“Physical distancing” is much more accurate.
When we are cut off completely – voluntarily and involuntarily – from relational contact, our mental health suffers.
And so do our relationships.
Continue reading
Category: Rob Furlong – Building Better Relationships
Vital keys to better communication
by Rob Furlong
The sign hanging from the balcony of the second floor apartment said it all. It simply read, “For sale – one husband!”
After a number of weeks of government enforced isolation, clearly things – or her husband – were getting to one poor lady!
With most of the world in some form of lockdown it would be unusual for even the best of relationships to not experience some form of tension at the moment!
Continue reading
Mother’s Day in a time of coronavirus
by Rob Furlong
Mother’s Day, as with many other celebrations in 2020, will be very different to previous years!
With that in mind, and given our current social restrictions, how can you all enjoy the day together, without driving each other crazy?
Here are some suggestions:
Continue reading
Fear is a relationship killer
By Rob Furlong
One theme has dominated news headlines recently – toilet paper supplies in our supermarkets are running low as a result of “panic buying” by large numbers of the Australian population.
Why?
One reason suggested is the false belief that toilet paper can be used as a face mask to protect you from contracting the Coronavirus.
Now we are getting to the root cause of this erratic behaviour – fear – fear induced by the threat the Coronavirus outbreak represents.
But what does this have to do with relationships?
Continue reading
I solemnly vow …
By Rob Furlong
Being asked to officiate at a couple’s wedding has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and I especially love being a part of the special, sacred moment when a man and a woman make their vows to each other.
The dictionary defines a vow as a “solemn promise … especially in the form of an oath to God …”
It’s a good reminder.
You see, when a couple commits to loving and staying with each other for life, they have not just made their promises before their family and friends.
They have also done so in the presence of God Himself – and I believe that He holds them accountable for the words they have spoken.
Continue reading
Slowing down on the steps of life
By Rob Furlong
On a recent trip to Israel, Karen and I were taken to the “Southern Steps” in the Old City of Jerusalem.
In the days of Jesus, these steps were the means by which pilgrims ascended to the Mount on which the Temple stood in order to worship and bring their offerings to God.
Just prior to the Steps, pilgrims would purify themselves for worship by bathing in a mikveh filled with water.
Upon arrival at the Steps, pilgrims would often meet with family and friends, sit, chat and spend some time together.
Continue reading