Be the Change
Monthly Column by Dr. Krista Driver

Wrapping up 2007 may be a relief for some people. Perhaps the year was plagued with challenges that appeared to be completely "unfair." Or perhaps you are ushering in 2008 in the face of a crisis or trial. Have you ever met someone who gave "thanks" for their struggles? It CAN be baffling. I want to introduce a man whose attitude was completely foreign (to me), yet had a profound impact on the way I live my life…

Charles David Obremski (Chuck) was an ordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. Even facing advanced sarcoma (a rare and deadly cancer that attacks the body’s soft tissue) Chuck did not shake his fist at God and ask, "Why?" Rather, he bowed his head and asked, "What?"

"What do you (God) want to do through these circumstances in my life?"

"What do you (God) want to teach me?"

"How do you want to use this for Your glory and kingdom?"

I was, of course, baffled by his attitude as I was asking God, "Why Chuck? Can't you see he's a man after your own heart and that we need him?" As if, God didn’t know…

In one of his final interviews Chuck said, "When we are dealing with God, to ask 'Why?' is almost a foolish question. Because He is God and we are not and there’s so much that He knows that we don’t."

Regardless of what Chuck was going through, he never missed an opportunity to preach and minister to others. "On a Monday they had to cut through his ribs and remove the lower lobe of one of his lungs ... the next Sunday he was back in the pulpit" (Doug MacGinnis, an elder at Kindred Community Church). Enduring transfusions, surgeries, constant physical pain, he was ever ready with a smile and a twinkle in his eye as he taught us about faith, hope and love. Chuck’s wife, Linda, was by his side every step of the way. She was his "pillar" and to this day, I’ve never heard her say, "Why?"

On September 18, 2005 Chuck stepped into the presence of his Maker and I'm confident he heard, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
And now as you step into 2008 I want to encourage you to ask "What?" when faced with difficult circumstances in your life. You may be facing cancer or trials of great magnitude, and you may be facing everyday struggles. But it is our attitude about those circumstances that could baffle another person. I, for one, want to baffle everyone around me with my attitude of thanks, for the simple reason that it could bring others to recognize Christ in me.

Let us ask "What?" not "Why?"

If you are unable to view this commemorative video of Chuck Obremski, try viewing it on the GodTube website.

About the Author: Dr. Krista Driver holds professional certifications in diagnosing and treating eating disorders and substance abuse. She is licensed in the State of California as a Marriage, Family, and Child (LMFT) therapist. Currently working in private practice, Dr. Driver is also the Founder and Executive Director of Serenity Center For Change (a public benefit nonprofit in California). From transitional living to equine therapy, Serenity Center for Change offers the tools to assist others in initiating effective change in their lives. Dr. Driver has published one book (But I Want A Casserole) and is currently awaiting the publication of her second book (But I Want the Whole Loaf). Visit her website at www.DrKristaDriver.com.