How Do We Change the World?

On Fire For Good honoree Bob Schricker shows us it’s one person at a time.

When you think of someone who has changed the world, who comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you probably think of famous explorers, powerful rulers, mighty revolutionaries, and business innovators?  That’s because we often think that changing the world requires grand gestures and historical relevance.

But what if I told you changing the world actually more commonly occurs through small, everyday actions done for the person in front of you?

This is the truth at the heart of our On Fire For Good initiative. Each month we introduce you to individuals whose humility, commitment and unflinching love has changed the world around them. And our January honoree, Bob Schricker, is a brilliant example of this truth in action.

After more than three decades managing factory floors, production lines and teams of employees, Bob had a chance to retire. A chance to slow down, nap in the afternoon if he wanted and focus on his own interests. So that’s exactly what Bob decided to do, right? Wrong!

Instead, upon retirement, Bob discovered a need in his town’s senior community that he could help alleviate. Drawn to those requiring fulltime care due to stroke, dementia and other conditions, he witnessed how these seniors—and their caregivers—were burdened by stress and isolation.  The desire to mitigate their struggle became a passion project that would define his retirement years.

In 2001, Bob and a group of church friends founded Breath of Life, a nonprofit organization that provides full-service day care activities to adults and critically important respite for their caregivers.

As the first executive director, Bob did the paperwork, filed the taxes, hired the staff, and loved the seniors and their caregivers. For 14 years, Bob tirelessly navigated innumerable challenges to positively impact others. Admittedly, he didn’t always know what he was doing, but when a need arose, he filled it.

When Bob and his wife moved from Minnesota to Tennessee, he stepped down as executive director and transitioned to president of the board of directors at Breath of Life. It was finally time to retire, finally time to make life all about himself, right? Wrong again!

In his new community, Bob immediately took on a role with a home health care organization, did the physical work within the homes, and attracted others from his new community to serve in that capacity, too.  In addition, Bob became president of the Vietnam Veterans of America chapter in his region, a role that benefits from his decades of work with seniors.

Now midway through his 7^th decade,  Bob is finally slowing down, finally enjoying the twilight years, finally putting his feet up, right?  Wrong for the third time!

Even today, Bob remains connected to Breath of Life, he still spends his days serving seniors in his community, and he continues to do whatever he can do make the life of a caregiver and their loved one better at home. Additionally, he actively seeks unhoused veterans, assists in moving them into motels and reminds them through his love that their life, and their service, still matter.

Bob has positively changed the world not like some famous explorer, powerful ruler, mighty revolutionary, or business innovator, but in the way it most commonly happens: meeting the needs of another, seeing their humanity, rolling up his sleeves and loving the person right in front of him.

While it is true we may not be able to change the entire world, undoubtedly we can change one person’s world for the better. Don’t believe me? Ask the tens of thousands that are better because of Bob.

Today is your day.

Live Inspired.

P.S. Learn more about Bob’s amazing story and hear directly from him during our next Live Inspired Together call on Monday, January 6 at 4:00 p.m. Central. Register Here!

Each month, we celebrate individuals who are grateful for all they have, joyful in all they do, and positively change the world one life at a time. In other words, individuals that are On Fire For Good! Bob's story was shared by Theresa Walley. If you know someone you'd like to recognize, nominate them today.