“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. It is His megaphone to a deaf world.” These words by C.S. Lewis remind us of God’s continuing presence in our lives. We spend far too much time questioning God instead of listening to His voice. We want to know “why?” but that is a selfish question. The better questions would be “what? or where? or how? “What do I do? Where do I go?
How do I serve?”
Alex Holbein in the first week of school had already made several visits to my office to talk about plans for the year. He wanted his leadership of the student government to mean something, and he was excited that this year was going to be a mission year, a year of giving and doing.
Many of you will remember Alex for his sense of humor, his quick wit and joking nature. His satiric video interview on the merits of cyber bullying may be one of the funniest skits that I have ever seen from a high school student. What I remember most, however, is his compassion. He genuinely cared for people. Working with Habitat for Humanity, creating awareness and raising money for the Schools to Schools Project for the Invisible Children’s network, or developing a plan to create greater school spirit for athletic events, Alex revealed an enthusiasm for life and for service to God, his community, his nation, and the world.
Tennyson said in “Ulysses” that “I am a part of all that I have met.” I know that my life has been enriched because Alex Holbein has been a part of it. He has touched all of us in some way, and we are better people because he was and is a part of us.
For a time we must grieve for the loss we feel, but we must remember that as a part of Oakbrook’s family and the family of God we can best honor Alex by building on his dreams.
Please continue to remember the Holbein family in your prayers. Continue to pray for Tim Blakeney, and continue to pray for one another. And let us all pray that God will direct each of us to seek His will in our lives.

Yours in Christ,

Steve Smith